Hazardous Waste Inspector I

County of Riverside•Multiple Locations, CA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Riverside County Department of Waste Resources is hiring a Hazardous Waste Inspector I to work across landfill and solid waste transfer station locations, including Beaumont (Lamb Canyon), Moreno Valley (Badlands), and Corona (El Sobrante). The role conducts load-check inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial waste; identifies and diverts hazardous or prohibited materials; and educates the public about appropriate disposal and recycling options. Duties also include categorizing, packaging, documenting, and transporting hazardous materials; collecting samples; responding to suspected hazardous waste incidents; and maintaining safety and emergency equipment. The position requires frequent driving between landfill locations and collection events. The position is the entry-level classification in the Hazardous Waste Inspector series and reports to an appropriate supervisory or manager-level position. Formal on-the-job training is provided in waste-load inspections, investigations and enforcement of hazardous and prohibited waste regulations, and environmental problem-solving. Incumbents may advance to Hazardous Waste Inspector II after meeting the required education and experience and receiving a satisfactory work-performance evaluation. The scheduled work pattern is 4/10, from 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., including Saturdays; the schedule may change based on operational needs. Due to hazardous-material emergency response, flexible schedules, including weekends, may be required. The position is designated safety-sensitive by the Department of Transportation and requires DOT alcohol and drug screening and compliance with applicable testing and reference-check requirements. Upon hire or transfer, employees must complete required department training and certifications, such as 40-hour Health and Safety Training for the Hazardous Waste Worker.

Requirements

Six months of experience in a position that included physically screening and inspecting waste loads, diverting waste types, and preventing hazardous waste disposal with the County of Riverside; or six months of professional or technical experience in hazardous waste management, environmental health, environmental engineering, or a closely related field.
A bachelor's degree in environmental health, hazardous waste management, chemistry, toxicology, water quality, occupational health, or a closely related field may substitute for the required experience under Option II.
Knowledge of basic principles of solid and hazardous waste management and state and federal laws and regulations governing hazardous waste.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and prepare clear, concise reports.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with people encountered during work.
Ability to use a personal computer and software programs.
Valid Class C California driver's license at the time of hire.
Obtain a valid California Class B commercial driver's license with Hazmat endorsement within six months of employment.
Complete required departmental training and certifications upon hire or transfer, including applicable hazardous-waste-worker health and safety training.
Meet DOT safety-sensitive screening requirements, including alcohol and drug screening; reference checks from former DOT-regulated employers are required.
Physical ability to stand and move independently; move 55-gallon drums using a drum dolly; climb through refuse piles; walk on uneven ground, wet surfaces, refuse, and rough terrain; reach and move items from high shelves; and lift and carry tools or protective and test equipment up to 25 pounds and materials up to 70 pounds.
Ability to wear personal protective equipment, including Level B, C, and D suits with cartridge respirators and supplied air.
Ability to read standard text, labels, color-change indication test papers, monitoring-equipment displays, and computer screens.
Ability to tolerate office and field environments, inclement weather, very hot and cold temperatures, dust, odors, fumes, hazardous materials and wastes, and chemically contaminated sites; walk or stand for extended periods; bend or stoop repeatedly; and view and inspect hospital waste loads containing infectious human material.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a solid waste or hazardous waste environment performing visual, verbal, or physical screening, waste diversion, and prevention of hazardous waste disposal.
Experience at an Antifreeze, Battery, Oil and Paint (ABOP) facility.
Some knowledge of state and federal hazardous waste laws and regulations.
Experience working with household hazardous waste and interacting with a variety of customers.
Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook email.
Ability to read and write inspection and incident reports.

Responsibilities

Inspect waste loads from residential, commercial, and industrial generators to prevent hazardous and prohibited materials from being landfilled.
Provide public information about hazardous waste, unacceptable materials, proper disposal, and recycling; direct the public to appropriate disposal facilities.
Determine material acceptability in consultation with a lead supervisor and enforce the current waste fee schedule by inspecting disposal receipts.
Maintain records and prepare reports and forms, including inspection, incident, and legal-action documents for the District Attorney's Office.
Contact a Senior or Supervising Hazardous Waste Inspector when large quantities of hazardous waste or unknown materials are suspected, and initiate incident notifications as needed.
Evaluate, categorize, package, and transport hazardous materials; complete uniform hazardous waste manifests and bills of lading; and transport materials between landfills and central accumulation locations.
Collect samples and specimens for laboratory analysis and obtain evidence of illegal hazardous waste disposal.
Provide contractor oversight at household hazardous waste (HHW) collection events and permanent facilities; inspect participant loads, maintain logs and disposal records, document or reject suspect and unacceptable loads, and manage illegally dumped HHW.
Conduct weekly facility, safety, and above-ground storage tank inspections; document deficiencies, take corrective action when required, and maintain safety supply inventories.
Restock safety supplies and public education materials, provide verbal and written education to HHW participants, and categorize, package, or consolidate household hazardous waste products, including automotive oil, antifreeze, and latex paint.
Maintain readiness for emergency response coordination and notify program administrators or coordinators of contractor performance failures, emergencies, or unusual circumstances.
Conduct or participate in weekly safety meetings.
Maintain and perform minor repairs on safety and emergency equipment.
Operate trucks and light construction equipment.
Drive frequently to landfill locations and collection events.