Hazardous Materials Specialist I/II/III (Open & Promotional)

About the position

San Mateo County Health is seeking well-qualified individuals for the position of Hazardous Materials Specialist I/II/III to work in the Environmental Health Services Division, which is the Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) for the County. Hazardous Materials Specialists (HMS) perform inspections, enforcement activities and special assignments to ensure regulatory compliance at underground storage tank facilities, hazardous waste generators, tiered permitting facilities, hazardous materials handlers and above ground tank sites. They also respond to industrial and residential complaints and provide technical consultation and coordination of activities with city and county agencies. These positions will also assist facilities with compliance, review electronic facility submissions, and locate and educate new facilities. There are currently two regular vacancies; they are in San Mateo, CA, but will travel/drive throughout the County to perform duties of the position. In addition, Hazardous Materials Specialists I/II/III will review underground storage tank permit applications and perform UST construction/modification inspections.

Responsibilities

• Inspect establishments and properties for compliance with hazardous materials management laws and regulations.
• Use testing equipment and special field apparatuses; interpret results.
• Make recommendations for the elimination or control of hazardous conditions.
• Conduct enforcement activities.
• Investigate and resolve citizen complaints.
• Assist with Site Mitigation Monitoring and perform sample collections.
• Provide instruction/education to community groups, contractors and individuals on matters of hazardous materials management.
• Maintain records and prepare reports and correspondence.
• If assigned, respond to emergencies as a member of the Hazardous Materials Response Team.
• Provide expert witness testimony in court proceedings.
• Electronically document observations and inspection findings in a department application, manage inventory electronically using standard and user defined dashboards and reports.
• At the III level, research and coordinate a specialized hazardous materials management project or activity, such as health risk assessment, toxicology, and alternative technology.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Local regulatory staff must possess a valid California Underground Storage Tank (UST) Inspector Certificate issued by the International Code Council (ICC).
• Successful candidates selected for the position who do not possess a valid California Underground Storage Tank (UST) Inspector Certificate issued by the International Code Council (ICC) are required to pass the exam within 180 days of hire.
• The certificate must be renewed every 24 months in accordance with the California Code of Regulations, Title 23, Section 2715(j).
• Level I: Bachelor's degree in environmental health science, physical science, engineering science, industrial hygiene, chemistry, geology, or a related field.
• Level II: One year of experience in hazardous materials management.
• Level III: Two years of journey level experience in hazardous materials management.

Nice-to-haves

• Familiarity with California Environmental Reporting System (CERS).
• Experience performing regulatory inspections.

Benefits

• Salary Level I: $7,579 - $8,476/monthly
• Salary Level II: $8,883 - $11,100/monthly
• Salary Level III: $9,425 - $11,778/monthly