Supervising Hazardous Materials Specialist

Under general direction, the Supervising Hazardous Materials Specialist plans, supervises and coordinates the activities of staff within one or more County programs related to the assessment, regulation, control or collection of Hazardous Materials.

• Manages, plans, assigns, coordinates, evaluates and reviews the activities of a professional and technical multidisciplinary staff;
• Oversees contract personnel;
• Selects, trains and evaluates the work of subordinate staff;
• Assists in the investigation and resolution of personnel matters concerning disciplinary actions and employee relations at departmental and program levels;
• Provides staff development and performance evaluations;
• Identifies training needs and develops training plans for the program to meet mandates and goals;
• Processes and reviews daily activity and field inspection reports;
• Supervises the investigation and enforcement of applicable laws, regulations and ordinances related to Hazardous Materials use, storage and disposal;
• Reviews enforcement case preparation and assists with case follow-up;
• Assists in program development, goal setting, problem resolution, and long and short term program planning;
• Monitors processes and timelines and ensures program mandates are achieved;
• Reviews and approves applications, plans and other documents for compliance with environmental/public health laws, regulations, and requirements;
• Assists in the management of budgetary resources and may develop cost estimates;
• Assists in the development of new, and updating of existing, policies and procedures;
• Represents the Department in meetings with municipal, county, state and public officials as well as the general public and community;
• Attends Board and Commission meetings to address program and environmental issues; testifies in court and before administrative bodies;
• Reviews cost and accounting reports, budget requests from subordinates and reports recommendations to the program manager;
• Analyzes and reports on proposed legislation and rule changes;
• Assists in the interpretation of laws, regulations and codes, and provides advice to government officials, citizen groups, business owners and others;
• Meets with business owners and operators to discuss problems and develop solutions to achieve compliance;
• Responds to public inquiries and complaints;
• Prepares and presents written and oral reports;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
• Other related duties as assigned.

The knowledge and abilities required to perform this function are acquired through the possession of a Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Geology, or a closely related Science from an accredited college or university;
One (1) year of work experience equivalent to a Senior Hazardous Materials Specialist in Santa Clara County;

Four (4) years of work experience conducting investigations and inspections of Hazardous Materials and/or hazardous waste, at least two (2) years of which include lead or supervisory duties.
Note: Possession of a Master's Degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a foreign equivalency, in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Health, Environmental Engineering, Ecology, Geology or a closely related field may be substituted for one year of the required investigation/enforcement experience in option 2.
Special Requirements
Possession of a valid California driver's license and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver's authorization;
Some positions require possession of an ICC "California UST Inspector" certification within one year of hire.
Some positions require successful completion of a California state-approved Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act inspector training, and a passing score on the APSA Inspector Exam, within one year of hire.
Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices and techniques of supervision, training, and employer-employee relations;
• Communication techniques to effectively provide direction, guidance and leadership;
• The techniques used in conducting environmental and enforcement related inspections and investigations;
• The methods and procedures used in inspecting and correcting compliance conditions;
• Regulatory agencies involved with environmental health and Hazardous Materials programs;
• Federal, State and local laws and regulations pertaining to Hazardous Materials and enforcement;
• General principles pertaining to Hazardous Materials emergency response and Hazardous Materials worker safety;
• Public administration principals;
• Principles and methods of project management;
• Mathematical calculations including algebra and geometry;
• Common software including word processing, spreadsheets and databases.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, evaluate, supervise and direct the work of staff;
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• Develop, mentor and motivate staff;
• Provide effective and efficient responses to inquiries and deal effectively with management, employees, business representatives and other interested parties, including elected and appointed officials, media and the general public;
• Interpret and enforce laws, regulations, codes and ordinances pertaining to Hazardous Materials and environmental health;
• Assess community environmental health and Hazardous Materials needs;
• Maintain accurate and organized records;
• Gather and present data, analyze reports and findings, and make sound recommendations;
• Participate as a member of the division's management team;
• Perform moderately complex mathematical calculations;
• Operate computer systems and data bases.

• Ability to pass annual physical exam;
• Ability to meet respiratory protection program requirements.

Employment Type: Full-Time