Hazardous Materials Specialist I/II

City of San Leandro • San Leandro, CA

2d

About The Position

The Hazardous Materials Specialist I/II performs technical to complex monitoring, inspection, and compliance work in administering the City’s Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA). The program covers hazardous materials business plans, hazardous waste generators, onsite hazardous waste treatment, underground storage tanks, Aboveground Petroleum Storage (APSA), and the California Accidental Release Prevention Program (CalARP). The role identifies code and regulatory violations, conducts field inspections, collects and records data, prepares reports, and maintains records and files.

The Specialist I is the entry-level classification and initially works under close supervision, with assignments becoming more varied and complex as experience is gained. The Specialist II is the journey-level classification, performs the full range of assigned duties independently, and exercises judgment and initiative. Both levels receive supervision from the Hazardous Materials Supervisor; the Specialist I receives direct supervision and the Specialist II receives general supervision. The position does not directly supervise staff.

Typical duties include conducting inspections and technical tasks across CUPA programs; responding to and investigating inquiries, complaints, and agency referrals; communicating with facility representatives about violations, enforcement, waste minimization, and stormwater controls; reviewing Risk Management Plans and Hazardous Materials Business Plans; inspecting and auditing regulated industrial facilities; reviewing hazardous waste generator registrations submitted through CERS; conducting plan reviews for new construction or alterations; and permitting, inspecting, and overseeing installation and removal of underground hazardous materials storage tank systems. The Specialist I may perform some duties in a learning capacity.

Requirements

• Equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university, or an equivalent degree, with major coursework in a qualifying discipline: biology or microbiology, chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, physical science, environmental science, geology or soil science, environmental health, environmental or sanitary engineering, toxicology, industrial hygiene, hazardous materials management, fire science, or fire technology.
• Hazardous Materials Specialist I: One year of experience in hazardous materials, industrial waste management, environmental regulatory programs, environmental science, or a related field.
• Hazardous Materials Specialist II: Two years of experience in hazardous materials, industrial waste management, environmental regulatory programs, or environmental science, equivalent to experience as a Hazardous Materials Specialist I with the City of San Leandro.
• Hazardous Materials Specialist I: Possess and maintain a 40-hour HAZWOPER certificate issued by Cal/OSHA.
• Hazardous Materials Specialist I: Obtain an APSA/SPCC Inspector certificate issued by the Office of the State Fire Marshal by the end of the probationary period and maintain it thereafter.
• Hazardous Materials Specialist II: Possess and maintain a 40-hour HAZWOPER certificate issued by Cal/OSHA.
• Hazardous Materials Specialist II: Possess and maintain an APSA/SPCC Inspector certificate issued by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
• Hazardous Materials Specialist II: Possess and maintain an Underground Storage Tank Inspector certificate issued by the International Code Council.
• Hazardous Materials Specialist II: Complete the technical expertise and training requirements specified in CCR Title 27 §15260.

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine and non-routine inspections and related technical work for the City’s CUPA program, including APSA, Area Plans, CalARP, Hazardous Materials Business Plans, hazardous and universal waste generators, onsite hazardous waste treatment, and underground storage tanks.
• Respond to and investigate inquiries, complaints, and agency referrals concerning hazardous materials handling, storage, or disposal.
• Communicate with facility representatives about regulatory violations, enforcement actions, waste minimization, and industrial and commercial stormwater controls.
• Review Risk Management Plans and inspect and audit industrial facilities covered under CalARP.
• Review Hazardous Materials Business Plans and Hazardous Waste Generator Registrations submitted through CERS for completeness, accuracy, and regulatory compliance.
• Conduct plan reviews for new construction or alterations to ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations, including hazardous materials provisions of the California Fire Code.
• Permit, inspect, and oversee installation and removal of underground hazardous materials storage tank systems.
• Collect and record data, prepare reports, and maintain records and files.
• Perform related duties as required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level