Household Hazardous Waste Safety Specialist

Hennepin County•Hennepin County, MN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Hennepin County’s Environment and Energy department is seeking a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Specialist for its Solid Waste division. The position oversees operations at the permanent HHW facilities and HHW event collections, including developing, implementing, and monitoring a safety and health program for the HHW unit. It is based at the Brooklyn Park Transfer Station and the South Hennepin Recycling Center and Problem Waste Drop-off Center. Work hours are Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., with flexibility based on operational needs. New Employee Orientation for new benefit-earning employees is held in person in downtown Minneapolis. The department’s mission is to preserve and enhance Hennepin County’s environment for future generations through responsible management of wastes and natural resources and promotion of environmental stewardship. The role is internally classified as Environmentalist, Senior. This is a full-time, benefit-earning position. The posting may be used to fill current and future vacancies. Interview invitations are based on an assessment of education and experience, and final candidates may be required to complete a criminal background check.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in chemistry, chemical engineering, occupational safety, industrial safety, or a closely related field, and at least two years of experience in hazardous waste management or industrial chemical testing and analysis; or an associate degree in a field closely related to the assignment and at least four years of experience in work related to the assignment.
Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain a Hennepin County driver’s permit within six months of hire.

Nice To Haves

At least three years of experience managing household hazardous waste collections, including identification, sorting, packaging, and shipping hazardous wastes, and/or at least three years of experience in safety related to HHW programs.
Experience developing and delivering new safety training programs and reviewing, updating, and teaching existing training courses and supporting materials.
Experience in chemical safety practices and protocols.
Certification as a Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) or Hazardous Materials Practitioner (CHMP), or ability to become certified within two years of employment.
Safety professional credentials such as ASP, CSP, Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), National Safety Council Advanced Safety Certification (ASC), or other related certifications.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations related to hazardous waste.
Proficiency using Microsoft Office (Word, Access, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Outlook.

Responsibilities

Oversee Household Hazardous Waste program operations, including permanent facilities and event collections.
Manage vendor contracts for the collection and disposal of HHW and problem materials.
Schedule and coordinate with contractors, operational staff, county staff, and other partners.
Develop and deliver new safety training programs; review, update, and teach existing training courses and supporting materials.
Participate in and/or lead department safety teams and committees.
Participate in countywide Workplace Safety team efforts concerning internal safety audits, programs, and initiatives, partnering with other subject matter experts.
Serve as the HHW unit’s primary point of contact for regulatory compliance investigations, workplace safety consultation, employee and departmental safety concerns, and safety training needs.
Review, establish, and audit on-site safety and regulatory compliance; review delivered wastes for acceptability.
Review and sign shipping documents; enter and file pertinent data and paperwork.
Participate in developing and managing hazardous waste disposal contracts.
Participate in developing and implementing product stewardship initiatives.