Household Hazardous Waste Specialist IV (Open & Promotional) chez County of San Mateo, CA

About the Department

The Household Hazardous Waste Specialist IV is a lead position in the Environmental Health Division of San Mateo County Health. This position will coordinate the division's Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) program by supporting a team of technicians and program specialists engaged in collection of household hazardous waste and small business hazardous waste in the very small quantity generator (VSQG) program.  

Responsibilities include providing subject matter expertise on collection, storage, and shipment of hazardous waste including hazardous waste regulations and the California Health and Safety Code. Coordination of this program involves administrative support of the program such as planning temporary HHW collection events throughout the county. The program specialist is also expected to collect and analyze program data, interpret regulations and make recommendations for implementing program improvements. The Specialist will also serve as the liaison with City, County, and State agencies to assure compliance with all safety and environmental related requirements.

The ideal candidate will be proficient in hazardous materials and hazardous waste management and will have experience managing facilities that collect, ship, and store hazardous waste. More specifically, the ideal candidate will possess: 

• Proficiency in training staff in safety procedures, operational procedures, and environmental compliance programs. 
• Knowledge of State reporting requirements, including CalRecycle Form 303, electronic verification questionnaires, and hazardous waste permitting for collection events. 
• Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability to changes in software and reporting requirements. 
• Understanding complex regulations and the ability to apply them in a fast-paced operations environment. 
• The ability to clearly explain regulatory requirements to staff with diverse backgrounds and levels of experience. 
• Strong organization skills and the ability to maintain focus while managing multiple priorities. 
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, particularly in resolving issues and building relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds. 
• A commitment to serving the public by enhancing hazardous waste removal processes and reducing exposure risks in the community. 

NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.

Position Duties

The Household Hazardous Waste Specialist IV's responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Leading assigned staff by providing direction, training and reviewing work; organizing delegating and coordinating complex projects ensuring the completion of assigned tasks.
• Overseeing the management of contracts, requests for proposals and requests for quotes and providing technical program information in accordance with County purchasing policies. 
• Coordinating logistical arrangements for HHW collection events, including contractor management, supply procurement, and payment processing. 
• Contributing to staffing decisions, conducting performance evaluations and addressing disciplinary concerns.
• Serving as a technical expert and consultant regarding issues related to the disposal and transport of household and small business waste. 
• Conducting specialized studies, audits, inspections, and investigations on hazardous materials management recommending solutions for hazardous conditions; ensuring program compliance with relevant codes and their implementation.
• Developing, standardizing, and updating operational procedures while training staff on these protocols. 
• Compiling data for State reporting and program evaluation, assessing procedures and drafting proposed legislation and guidelines.
• Interpreting regulations and advising city officials, citizen groups, business owners and others on household and Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) waste collection. 
• Planning and conducting in-service training and public education programs.
• Maintaining accurate records and preparing reports and correspondence, including state-mandated reports. 
• Serving as a facility emergency coordinator, responding to emergencies by leading staff through emergency protocols and required notifications. 
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

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.

Skill/Ability to:

• Plan, direct and coordinate a program of research, study, and investigation in hazardous materials/waste management.
• Interpret laws, regulations and data.
• Define difficult problem areas, analyze complex data and make valid recommendations.
• Advise and instruct others on compliance requirements of hazardous waste programs.
• Comply with local ordinances and state law.
• Work independently.
• Keep complex and accurate records.
• Speak effectively and make public presentations.
• Prepare clear, concise reports and correspondence.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others.
• Use, repair and calibrate field equipment.
• Handle and analyze hazardous waste for further classification.

Other Qualifications

Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, extra-help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.

The examination process will consist of an application screening (pass/fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.
   
IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the “Apply” button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted in addition to the standard County employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required application materials. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

About the County

San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo as an employer is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. 

We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.