Senior Hazardous Materials Specialist

City of Mountain View • City of Mountain View, CA

15h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Mountain View Fire Department is seeking a Senior Hazardous Materials Specialist who brings not only a strong technical expertise, but also integrity, compassion, and a genuine commitment to public service. The Fire and Environmental Protection Division is made up of people who care deeply about protecting our community, supporting one another, and upholding the highest standards of public service. We are looking for someone who combines experience and sound judgment with collaboration, professionalism, and a people-first mindset. In this role, you will help lead the City's hazardous materials inspection and compliance program, supporting the safety, health, and environmental well-being of our community. Responsibilities include conducting inspections, reviewing hazardous materials business plans and permits, investigating complaints, coordinating compliance and efforts, and helping ensure accurate State reporting and regulatory compliance. You will also provide technical guidance and training to staff, Fire personnel, and industry partners while overseeing two direct reports, hazardous materials emergency response efforts, and maintaining accurate State reporting and compliance records. This role works closely with City departments and regional agencies to promote consistent, effective application of hazardous materials and fire safety regulations while balancing enforcement responsibilities with education, partnership, and problem-solving.

Requirements

• Two (2) years of recent, full-time, increasingly responsible professional experience in environmental health, chemical safety, or fire prevention, specifically focused on regulatory oversight, safe storage, and handling of hazardous materials.
• Education equivalent to completion of a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, fire science or fire technology, or an environmentally related field from an accredited college or university.
• Knowledge in the area of local, State, or Federal codes and regulations dealing with hazardous materials and fire prevention.
• Valid California driver's license upon appointment
• Completion of California Peace Officers and Standard Training (PC832) upon appointment
• ICC California Underground Storage Tank Inspector Certification upon appointment

Nice To Haves

• Deep, practical knowledge of hazardous materials management, California Fire Codes (Title 24), California Health and Safety Code requirements, and applicable Federal regulations
• Proven track record conducting complex facility inspections, evaluating compliance, performing data analysis, managing enforcement actions, and compiling precise reports for regulatory oversight
• Experience navigating and managing data within the California Environmental Reporting System (CERS) to ensure accurate regional reporting
• Specialized experience reviewing Hazardous Materials Business Plans (HMBPs), evaluating technical data, and accurately issuing operational and environmental permits
• Analytical ability to interpret, analyze, and apply complex, evolving local, State, and Federal environmental and public safety laws
• Experience leading project teams, mentoring colleagues, and coordinating work across multi-division and multi-agency jurisdictions to achieve departmental goals
• Exceptional interpersonal communication skills, ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with business owners, community stakeholders, and internal and external partners
• Professionalism, sound decision-making capabilities, and the organizational agility to manage competing priorities effectively within a fast-paced regulatory framework
• Four (4) or more years of recent experience in hazard materials regulation, storage, and handling.
• Experience working within a Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) framework and/or fire jurisdiction.

Responsibilities

• Conducting inspections
• Reviewing hazardous materials business plans and permits
• Investigating complaints
• Coordinating compliance and efforts
• Helping ensure accurate State reporting and regulatory compliance
• Providing technical guidance and training to staff, Fire personnel, and industry partners
• Overseeing two direct reports
• Managing hazardous materials emergency response efforts
• Maintaining accurate State reporting and compliance records
• Promoting consistent, effective application of hazardous materials and fire safety regulations
• Balancing enforcement responsibilities with education, partnership, and problem-solving

Benefits

• Flexible scheduling options when operationally feasible
• One remote workday per week (after successful completion of probation, subject to departmental needs and approval)
• Alternative work schedules such as a 4/10 or 9/80 schedule (after successful completion of probation, subject to departmental needs and approval)

What This Job Offers

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