Effective June 28, 2024 - 4.25% increase
Effective June 27, 2025 - 4.00% increase
This position is open to the public for a minimum of five (5) business days and will remain open on a continuous basis until 11:59 p.m. (PST) on the day the County's needs are met.
The first round of considerations will be on March 11, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. (PST). Applications received after this date will be processed in the next round.
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.
This recruitment will establish an Open eligible list. This list will be used to fill current and future Hazardous Materials Specialist II positions within the Health Care Agency (HCA), Environmental Health Division. This recruitment may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.
The County of Orange, Health Care Agency (HCA) is a dynamic organization dedicated to creating and supporting an environment that promotes the achievement of optimal individual, family and community health. Under the leadership of the Agency Director, a dynamic executive team with an organizational structure comprised of five (5) service areas - Strategy and Special Projects, Mental Health and Recovery Services, Correctional Health Services, Medical Health Services and Public Health Services - is committed to meeting the health needs of the diverse Orange County community.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIVISION
The Environmental Health Division is comprised various programs aimed toward protecting the health and safety of Orange County residents and visitors from harmful conditions in the environment. Staff enforce laws and regulations and emphasize education to assist businesses and communities with providing healthy and safe communities.
The Local Oversight and Industrial Cleanup programs oversee activities to identify the type and extent of contamination caused by Hazardous Materials and oversee appropriate corrective actions. In addition, complex fate and transport modeling and human health risk assessments are used to evaluate sites within the Industrial Cleanup program.
THE OPPORTUNITY
- Reviewing and evaluating technical environmental site assessment work plans and reports, remedial action plans and monitoring reports
- Communicating technical matters both verbally and in writing to environmental consultants, property owners and other interested parties
- Determining if documented site contamination presents human or ecological risk based on regulations or guidance pertaining to individual programs
- Conducting field inspections of environmental cleanup sites
- Evaluating input criteria and toxicity data in review of complex human health risk assessments (Industrial Cleanup Program)
- Evaluating soil, ground water, and soil vapor data in compliance with the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Low Threat Closure Policy (Local Oversight Program)
Additionally, the ideal candidate will also possess knowledge and experience in the following competencies:
Specialized Knowledge | Technical Expertise
- Knowledge and understanding of technical principles as well as review and interpretation of human health risk assessment and environmental toxicology
- Knowledge and understanding of environmentally hazardous substances, chemical fate and transport in the environment
- Knowledge in evaluating the vapor intrusion pathway
- Reviewing complex documents for compliance with state laws and regulations
- Understanding manufacturing processes and materials which result in Hazardous Materials or hazardous waste
- Analyzing complex risk management plans
- Performing environmental sampling and monitoring of soil vapor, soil and groundwater
- Conducting inspections and/or investigations related to the release of environmentally hazardous substances
- Proficient using a variety of computer software, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
Relationship Building and Collaboration
- Establishing and maintaining cooperative relationships with peers, supervisors, managers, vendors, the public and the other State and local agencies
- Generating enthusiasm and motivating others to act in support of program objectives
- Collaborating with stakeholders of various backgrounds, organizations and levels
- Preparing written inspection reports, technical and enforcement letters
- Enforcing and explaining regulations varying in difficulty and complexity
- Communicating effectively, persuasively, and tactfully both in person and in writing
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
Upon hiring or transfer to this classification, the incumbent must possess or complete the following:
- Certifications of 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) course within 180 days of hire
- A valid California Class C Driver License
Please click here for the minimum qualifications for Hazardous Materials Specialist II as well as the physical, mental and environmental conditions.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all application materials to identify qualified applicants. After screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition.
Veterans Employment Preference Policy (VEPP)
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.
Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer): Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applicants that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.
Application Appraisal Panel | Application Rating (Weighted 100%): An Application Appraisal Panel (AAP) of job knowledge experts will thoroughly screen and evaluate all application materials for job knowledge, competencies, and related experience described above. Only the more qualified candidates will be placed on the eligible list.
Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.
Eligible List: Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
Effective April 3, 2023, it is strongly recommended that County employees working in health care settings and correctional facilities follow vaccination and booster guidelines provided by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Please click here to see the latest guidance for more details
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.
Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Liza Butlerat 714-834-2069 or EButler@ochca.com.