Hazardous Materials Specialist IV (Open & Promotional)

About the role

The San Mateo County Health is seeking a Hazardous Materials Specialist IV to provide direction to a team of inspection staff, serve as a technical expert across multiple hazardous materials programs, and ensure County-wide compliance with hazardous materials laws, regulations, and ordinances.

Responsibilities

• Oversee inspection activities, support program implementation, conduct community outreach, manage contracts and grants, and serve as a liaison with State agencies and regional advisory groups.
• Ensure compliance with state reporting requirements and lead efforts to evaluate, revise, and standardize policies and procedures.
• Independently manage an inspection district of approximately 200 facilities and conduct inspections, investigations, and enforcement activities related to hazardous materials regulations.
• Obtain and maintain an International Code Council (ICC) California Inspector certification for underground storage tanks and complete aboveground storage tank certification within six months of hire.
• Provide lead direction, training, and work review to staff; assign and coordinate work and ensure timely completion.
• Serve as a technical expert and advisor in assigned program areas.
• Conduct inspections to ensure compliance with hazardous materials laws and regulations.
• Operate and interpret results from field testing equipment.
• Develop and standardize inspection procedures and techniques.
• Conduct enforcement activities and support County-wide projects.
• Investigate and resolve complaints, act as liaison with community groups, agencies, and businesses.
• Respond to hazardous materials emergencies as needed.
• Analyze data and develop proposed policies, procedures, or legislation.
• Provide regulatory guidance to stakeholders.
• Deliver staff and public training programs.
• Maintain records and prepare reports and correspondence.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Three years of journey level experience in hazardous materials management, which demonstrates significant responsibility in the areas of storage, transportation, handling and disposal of hazardous materials and/or hazardous waste; underground tank construction, monitoring and removal; or underground tank site remediation.
• Knowledge of hazardous materials management, including its scientific background, technology, principles, methods, investigative techniques and problems.
• Laws, regulations and codes governing hazardous materials.
• Emergency response procedures and protocols.
• Government agencies, community organizations and business establishments relate to environmental health and hazardous materials management.
• Basic practices in transportation and disposal of hazardous waste.

Skills

• To plan, direct and coordinate a program of research, study, and investigation in hazardous materials/waste management.
• To interpret laws, regulations and data.
• To define difficult problem areas, analyze complex data and make valid recommendations.
• To advise and instruct others on compliance requirements of hazardous waste programs.
• To comply with local ordinances and state law.
• To work independently.
• To keep complex and accurate records.
• To speak effectively and make public presentations.
• To prepare clear, concise reports and correspondence.
• To establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others.
• To use, repair and calibrate field equipment.
• To handle and analyze hazardous waste for further classification.

Benefits

Comprehensive and competitive benefits package including health and wellness programs, financial security, and professional development opportunities. Most of these enriching opportunities are available during work hours and come at no cost to you. As a County employee, you’ll also be covered by the federal Social Security system, earning valuable retirement benefits based on your salary and years of service.