OIL & HAZ MATERIALS SPEC. III

State of careers Rhode Island•Providence, RI

3d•$84,783 - $95,517•Onsite

About The Position

In the Department of Environmental Management, within an Emergency Response Unit, this role involves supervising, planning, organizing, assigning, and directing environmental investigations of multimedia complaints. The position serves as a field response team leader during the investigation and cleanup of pollutants, oil, and hazardous material spills, and other releases that may threaten public health, safety, and the environment. The role requires working under general supervision with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment, with completed work reviewed for conformance to department rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and state and federal law. The position also assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of Oil & Hazardous Material Specialists I & II.

Requirements

Graduation from a college of recognized standing with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental management, biology, environmental or chemical engineering, geology, or other related physical science.
Four (4) years of employment as an Oil & Hazardous Material Specialist 2 (DEM) OR four (4) years of employment in a high-level supervisory position involved in investigating, monitoring, and inspecting oil and/or hazardous materials spills, releases, or facility compliance.
Possess a Motor Vehicle Operator’s License issued by the State of Rhode Island and maintain such licensure as a condition of employment.
Physically qualified to perform assigned duties as evidenced by a physician’s certificate.
Participate in a medical monitoring program as established in accordance with state and/or federal regulations and guidelines at the time of appointment and annually thereafter.

Nice To Haves

A thorough knowledge of ecological principles, methods, techniques and practices.
A thorough knowledge of safety and life support equipment necessary for protection from the effects of pollutants, oil and hazardous materials.
A thorough knowledge of pollutants, oil and hazardous materials spill cleanup technology.
A thorough knowledge of pollutants, oil and hazardous material sampling techniques.
A thorough knowledge of federal, state and local laws and regulations concerning pollutants, oil and hazardous materials control and the ability to apply such knowledge in investigating and interviewing techniques.
A thorough knowledge of the agency's pollutants, oil and hazardous material control policies.
A thorough knowledge of basic soils and groundwater geology.
A thorough knowledge of chemical characteristics.
A working knowledge of basic mechanical skills.
The ability to effectively plan, supervise and review the work of subordinate personnel under emergency response conditions.
The ability to oversee and evaluate the work of contract personnel.
The ability to supervise crews of pollutants, oil and hazardous materials cleanup contractors in field operation.
The ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with local, state or federal agency representatives that deal in emergency response and abatement of environmental clean ups following spills or releases of pollutants, oil or hazardous materials.
The ability to prepare and deliver effective oral and/or written reports and to speak publicly.
The ability to operate a motor vehicle and trailer.
The ability to do related work as necessary with a minimum of oversight and direction.
Related capacities and abilities.

Responsibilities

Supervise, plan, organize, assign, and direct environmental investigation of multimedia complaints.
Serve as field response team leader during the initial investigation and cleanup involving pollutants, oil/hazardous material spills, and other releases to the environment.
Respond to incidents related to Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and other acts of terrorism as part of a response team.
Assign and supervise staff in the review of technical environmental and safety-oriented information and materials to provide safety and environmental advice.
Investigate, assess, and evaluate complaints and direct staff for immediate/initial response to spill incidents to minimize environmental damage and protect public health.
Assess and evaluate an equipment maintenance program to ensure equipment functionality for field response activities.
Train and coordinate training of personnel to ensure safe complaint investigation and response to pollutants, oil, or hazardous waste incidents.
Perform administrative review of fiscal activities, such as time and activity reports and travel/payment vouchers, and schedule staff work for adequate coverage.
Oversee the operation of complex pollution abatement equipment and personal safety gear.
Develop sampling plans to identify unknown hazardous substances, waste, and oil, and supervise sample taking.
Develop and coordinate division involvement with private parties and/or oil spill cleanup cooperatives.
Promote greater awareness of spill cleanup technology and techniques.
Represent the office during significant pollution incidents and maintain a uniform account of the incident.
Direct activities of field or office personnel in the absence of or under direction of the office supervisor to ensure continuity of operations.
Evaluate, assess, and direct the cleanup and proper disposal of pollutants, oil, and/or hazardous materials spills in the absence of subordinate staff.
Coordinate and recover state cleanup costs from responsible parties.
Monitor and direct field activities during the removal of underground storage tanks for compliance with environmental rules and regulations.
Inspect tankers, tank vessels, conveyances, and fixed storage and handling facilities for compliance with state regulations regarding oil, hazardous materials, or other pollutants.
Coordinate scheduling of facility inspections to ensure timely and orderly inspection programs for oil, hazardous material, or other pollutants.
Oversee the development and maintenance of the Department’s manual establishing safety standards for field response activities.
Review the determination of locations and methods of final disposal of pollutants/oil spill debris and make recommendations regarding hazardous waste spill debris storage and disposal.
Testify in court as an expert witness on behalf of the State.
Perform related work as required.