III (Open & Promotional)

County of San Mateo•San Mateo, CA

10h•Hybrid

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 three 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. Certification: 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). The ideal candidate is self-motivated, eager to learn, observant, able to ask appropriate follow-up questions, synthesize complex information, and draw conclusions about compliance. A desire to assist facilities with environmental regulatory compliance and manage time effectively is critical; familiarity with California Environmental Reporting System (CERS) and experience performing regulatory inspections is preferred.

Requirements

Knowledge of hazardous materials management, including its scientific background, technology, principles, methods, investigative techniques and problems.
Knowledge of laws, regulations and codes governing hazardous materials.
Knowledge of government agencies, community organizations and business establishments as they relate to environmental health and hazardous materials management.
Knowledge of practices in the transportation and disposal of hazardous wastes.
Knowledge of emergency response procedures and protocols.
Ability to interpret laws, regulations and data.
Ability to define difficult problem areas, analyze complex data and make valid recommendations.
Ability to advise and instruct others on compliance requirements of hazardous materials programs.
Ability to enforce local ordinances and state law.
Ability to work independently and as a team member.
Ability to keep complex and accurate records.
Ability to prepare clear, concise reports and correspondence.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others.
Ability to use, repair and calibrate field equipment.
Ability to collect samples of substances.
Ability to speak effectively and make public presentations.
Bachelor's degree in environmental health science, physical science, engineering science, industrial hygiene, chemistry, geology, or a related field (for Level I).
One year of experience in hazardous materials management (for Level II).
Two years of journey level experience in hazardous materials management (for Level III).
Must possess a valid California Underground Storage Tank (UST) Inspector Certificate issued by the International Code Council (ICC) or obtain within 180 days of hire.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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.
Respond to industrial and residential complaints and provide technical consultation and coordination of activities with city and county agencies.
Assist facilities with compliance, review electronic facility submissions, and locate and educate new facilities.
Review underground storage tank permit applications and perform UST construction/modification inspections.
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.