Hazardous Materials Specialist, Senior

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Hazardous Materials Specialist, Senior

Salary

$90,843.99 - $109,402.66 Annually

Location

Santa Barbara, CA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

24-3871-01 (O)

Department

Public Health

Opening Date

05/03/2024

Closing Date

6/2/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

Description

SALARY 
$43.53 - $52.42 Hourly 
$90,843.99 - $109,402.66 Annually


We are accepting applications to fill one (1) full-time Hazardous Materials Specialist, Senior position in our Environmental Health Services (EHS) program. The vacancy will be based in Santa Barbara with the Hazardous Materials CUPA unit.
 
    
We are also accepting applications to establish an employment list for future Full-Time, Part-Time, Extra Help and 1414* vacancies for Hazardous Materials Specialist, Seniors in Santa Maria and Santa Barbara.  
    
*Civil Service Rule 1414. Appointment to Fill Vacancy During Leave of Absence. 1414 vacancies may occur as a result of a leave of absence and the duration of the appointment shall be subject to the return of the individual who is on leave. A person who is appointed to a position under Civil Service Rule 1414 may be able to transition into a regular position in the classification without re-application or re-testing, depending on the performance of the appointee and the needs of the department.  
 
Please select the location(s) you would like to be considered for current and future vacancies. If you qualify for this position, pass the required selection steps and are in the area of selection, then your name may be sent to the hiring manager(s) of the vacancy location(s) where you have expressed that you are willing to work.
 
BENEFITS: The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits. Click on the Benefits Tab above or CLICK HERE to view more information.  
  
In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for: 
  • Retirement reciprocity 
  • Time and service credit towards for an advanced vacation accrual rate 
  
POSITION: Under general supervision, coordinates and conducts more difficult inspection and investigations in the enforcement of hazardous materials regulations; serves as on-site emergency coordinator at major chemical spill sites; and performs related duties as required.
 
 DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: 
This is the advanced journey level in the Hazardous Materials Specialist series. Incumbents perform the more difficult and complex work within an assigned program (i.e., planning, prevention, abatement, emergency spill response, disclosure/right-to-know, enforcement, site remediation, facility permitting), or geographical area, including coordination of difficult investigations, monitoring, and surveillance activities. Work is performed under general supervision.
 
The Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) regulates businesses and entities that handle hazardous materials, generate, store, or treat hazardous waste, or operate aboveground or underground hazardous materials storage tanks. The primary goal of the CUPA is to protect public health and the environment by promoting compliance with applicable laws and regulations. These businesses and entities regulated include, but not limited to, automotive repair shops, gas stations, metal plating shops, light machining, petroleum storage facilities, agricultural facilities, dentists, wineries, and refineries. There are approximately 2,300 regulated facilities in Santa Barbara County. CLICK HERE to find out more about the services provided by the Hazardous Materials program. 
 
The IDEAL CANDIDATE will possess: 
  • Technical Expertise: Demonstrate experience, knowledge, and leadership in reviewing and approving underground storage tank (UST) plans, as well as conducting construction and removal inspections for UST systems.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Possess expertise in conducting file reviews and inspections at hazardous waste treatment facilities under the Hazardous Waste Tiered Permit Program, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
  • CalARP Inspections: Exhibit proficiency in performing comprehensive inspections of CalARP regulated facilities and reviewing Risk Management Plans, Process Hazard Analysis documents, and off-site consequence analysis documents.
  • Software Proficiency: Be adept in utilizing the following: Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, Excel, Outlook, California Environmental Reporting System, Hazardous Waste Tracking System, and Accela.
  • Communication Skills: Display exceptional verbal and written communication abilities, facilitating effective interaction with internal and external stakeholders at all organizational levels.
  • Independence and Organization: Showcase the capability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet critical deadlines, demonstrating strong organizational and time management skills. 
  
 CLICK HERE to learn more about the County of Santa Barbara Public Health Department
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Examples of Duties

  1. Coordinates and conducts the more difficult, complex regulatory oversight of facilities that are permitted as hazardous waste generators, underground storage tanks, and hazardous materials establishments involving a multitude of industrial processes, a large number of substances, and new or unknown substances.
  2. Coordinates and conducts the more difficult hazardous materials investigations of abandoned dump sites, illegal dumping, tank leakages, chemical incidents, and major or repeated violations; provides information to the enforcing agency, such as the District Attorney or County Counsel for prosecution of violators of hazardous materials regulations, as stated in the Department's Enforcement Procedures.
  3. Shall fill various Incident Command System (ICS) positions in emergencies and in training, as appropriate.
  4. Coordinates specialized services such as contingency planning, emergency response planning, emergency unit van response, laboratory contracting and equipment acquisition.
  5. May review/conduct risk assessments based on approved industry and regulatory standards, associated with potential/actual exposures to hazardous substances, to determine if human and/or environmental health has been impacted.
  6. Assists in the training of staff and the development of procedures and policies affecting the division.

Employment Standards

Possession of a bachelor's degree in environmental science, physical, physical science, environmental or chemical engineering, biology, industrial hygiene, public health, chemistry, geology, or a related field, AND:

 

  1. Two (2) years of professional experience in hazardous materials management, industrial hygiene, or toxicology; OR,
  2. One (1) year as a Hazardous Materials Specialist II with Santa Barbara County; OR,
  3. A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Additional Requirements: A valid California Class C Driver's License and a current OSHA Hazardous Waste Worker Operational Certification are required by time of appointment.

Knowledge of: current practices in fields of engineering, environmental science and public health as they relate to hazardous materials management; water quality, liquid and solid waste management; underground tank technology; industrial hygiene; chemistry and laboratory techniques to identify hazardous materials and epidemiological hazards; State and federal laws (including the Uniform Fire Code, California Health and Safety Code, and associated regulations) applicable to hazardous materials management, hazardous waste storage, pollution prevention, and underground storage tanks; computer and mathematical modeling; emergency response procedures including the Incident Command System; rules of evidence; investigation, regulatory oversight and environmental sampling techniques and standards; industrial processes and remediation techniques; resource recovery techniques; geohydrologic and chemical principles; toxicology; personal protection, risk assessment, and mitigation principles; evidence gathering and prosecutorial practices; principles of incident command and responsibilities of emergency responders and details of providing chemical incident response services.
 
 Ability to: read and interpret: blue prints and engineering drawings and specifications for proper construction of monitoring wells, underground storage tanks, process flow designs for facilities regulated within the CUPA and other related projects; coordinate enforcement and emergency response efforts within this and other agencies; gather evidence, statements from suspects and witnesses, environmental media samples, analytical data and photographs and accurately testify in court as an expert witness; analyze inspection and investigative findings on hazardous materials issues and prepare clear, concise reports and recommendations; perform/review risk assessments based on approved industry and regulatory standards, associated with potential/actual exposures to hazardous substances, to determine if human and/or environmental health has been impacted, and to be able to explain this interpretation to the public, industry and interested parties; rapidly analyze information and make quick and accurate decisions in emergency situations; interpret complex legislative documents; plan and coordinate field investigations and major emergency incidents; evaluate effectiveness of field work and recommend changes in operations; sample and conduct field analysis of solid, liquid, and gaseous materials and interpret results; assess the potential and/or actual risk associated with hazardous conditions, interpret findings and make appropriate recommendations; educate staff and the public on appropriate hazardous material practices; write accurate and concise technical reports; work cooperatively with co-workers and the public and interested parties; organize and prioritize workload; establish and maintain effective working relationships with business representatives, community groups, other agencies, staff, and the public; communicate effectively in oral and written form.

Supplemental Information

  1. Review applications and supplemental questionnaires to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards. 
  2. Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking: Responses to the required supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and auto-scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the employment list will be determined by their responses to the supplemental questionnaire. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates. 
 
Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire ranking to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive written notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.
 
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider, or learning institution.
 
Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.
 
The Public Health Department (PHD) requires all employees working in direct contact with patients or clients in a high-risk environment to comply with the PHD Employee Immunizations policy. This can be accomplished by providing documentation of immunizations, submitting laboratory immune titers demonstrating adequate immunity, or obtaining required vaccinations. A list of requirements, based on the specific program, will be sent at the time an offer letter is presented to the selected candidate(s) and initial documentation will be required at this time.
 
Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. The appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.  
 
Disaster Service Workers: Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.  
 
STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT  
The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization.  The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential. 
 
We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and/or Santa Barbara County ordinances. 
 
We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County’s mission and to embody a culture of “One County, One Future.” Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members. 
 
We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity. 
 
APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: 06/02/24, by 4:59 p.m. PST; Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.
 
Farrah Medrano, Talent Acquisition Lead
Public Health Department, phdrecruiter@sbcphd.org 

Retirement Plans                                                     

  • Generous County Defined Benefit Plan
  • Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans
  • For more information on our retirement plans, please visit: https://www.sbcers.org/ and http://www.santabarbara457.com
Health Benefits
  • Choice of dental, vision and medical plans. In addition to the Benefit Allowance noted above, the County contributes toward medical premiums and dental premiums
  • On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members
  • Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits
  • Available Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more!
  • For more information on our health benefits, please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/4012/Health-Benefits
Paid Time Off
  • Vacation Leave 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment
  • Sick Leave 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement
  • Paid Holidays based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit, link below)
  • Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM) up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting
  • For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below)
Miscellaneous Benefits
  • County Paid Term Life Insurance
  • County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Childcare and Employee Discounts
  • Relocation Assistance may apply
  • Flexible work schedule may apply
  • For more information on all of these benefits, please visit:https://www.countyofsb.org/4013/24636/WorkLife-Benefits
Compensation Summary 
*This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.

01
I acknowledge that it is my responsibility as an applicant to provide sufficient information on my application to demonstrate that my education and experience meet the employment standards (minimum qualifications) for this position as detailed in the job bulletin. I further acknowledge that if the County determines I do not meet the employment standards there will be no opportunity for me to provide additional information regarding my application after the closing date listed on the job bulletin. Therefore, I understand that before submitting a job application, it is important that I review the job bulletin thoroughly and ensure that my application clearly reflects how my education and experience meets the employment standards at the time I submit my application.
  • I understand.
02
As part of the application process, a completed supplemental questionnaire must be submitted along with the standard application form. Resumes will be accepted, but NOT in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.
  • I understand.
03
The Human Resources Department communicates with all applicants through e-mail. Please make sure your e-mail address is entered correctly and it is current. Be sure to check spam filters continuously during the recruitment and selection process to ensure you do not miss required deadlines.
  • I understand.
04
To be considered for this position, your application must CLEARLY state how you meet the requirements under EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS on the Job Bulletin or you will not be considered for this position. If you are unsure, go back and review your application before continuing. Which Employment Standard did you clearly state on your application? I possess a bachelor's degree in environmental science, physical science, environmental or chemical engineering, biology, industrial hygiene, public health, chemistry, geology, or a related field, AND
  • Two (2) years of professional experience in hazardous materials management, industrial hygiene, or toxicology.
  • One (1) year as a Hazardous Materials Specialist II with Santa Barbara County.
  • A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to the employment standard listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
  • I DO NOT meet the employment standards for this position.
05
If you selected 'A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed...' for the previous question, please describe in detail your combined training, education, and experience that qualifies you for this position. If this question does not apply to you, please enter "N/A" in the box below.
06
If you are currently in your final semester or quarter of study to obtain a Bachelor's Degree in environmental science, physical science, environmental, civil or chemical engineering, biology, industrial hygiene, public health, chemistry, geology or related field, please provide all of the following:
• Name of College or University
• Major
• Number of units remaining and type (Semester or Quarter)
• Anticipated graduation date.
If this question does not apply to you, please enter "N/A" in the box below.
07
A valid California Class C Driver's License is required by the time of appointment.
  • I understand.
08
A current OSHA Hazardous Waste Worker Operational certification is required by time of appointment. Do you possess a current and valid Hazardous Waste Worker Operational certification? NOTE: If you possess a valid and current certification, please provide the certificate number in the Certificate/License section of your application. In addition, attach your certification to your application.
  • Yes, I possess a current and valid OSHA Hazardous Waste Worker Operational certification.
  • No, I DO NOT possess an OSHA Hazardous Waste Worker Operational certification but am willing to meet this requirement by time of appointment.
09
The current vacancy is in Santa Barbara. We are also accepting applications to establish an employment list for future Full-Time, Part-Time, Extra Help and 1414* vacancies for Hazardous Materials Specialist, Seniors in Santa Maria, Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, and Lompoc. Please make sure to select all locations you wish to be considered for current and future vacancies. Your name will be sent to the department based on the location of the vacancy and where you are willing to work.
  • I understand.
10
The following questions are an EXAMINATION that will determine your ranking on the employment list. Please read and answer them carefully. I understand my responses to the following supplemental questions will be SCORED and used as a weighed, scored selection device that will determine my ranking on the employment list for this job. For information on protest procedures for the supplemental questionnaire, please see Civil Service Rules 612 and 613: https://www.countyofsb.org/1444/Civil-Service-Rules.
  • I understand.
11
Please indicate the number of years of experience you possess reviewing and approving underground storage (UST) plans. This experience should include performing construction inspections in a lead capacity on installations, repairs, modifications, upgrades, and removals of UST systems.
  • Five or more years of experience.
  • Two years up to five years of experience.
  • Less than two years of experience.
  • I DO NOT have this type of experience.
12
Please indicate the number of years of experience you possess conducting file reviews and inspections, in a lead capacity, at facilities engaged in the treatment of hazardous waste.
  • Five or more years of experience.
  • Two years up to five years of experience.
  • Less than two years of experience.
  • I DO NOT have this type of experience.
13
Please indicate the number of years of experience you possess performing all aspects of inspections of CalARP regulated facilities.
  • Five or more years of experience.
  • Two years up to five years of experience.
  • Less than two years of experience.
  • I DO NOT have this type of experience.
14
Please identify the duties you have performed in a regulatory capacity. Please select all that apply.
  • Provided program information that included explaining complex rules and regulations.
  • Conducted inspections to ensure compliance with statutes and regulations including performing follow-up inspections.
  • Prepared technical and inspection reports for regulatory compliance inspections.
  • Issued notices of violation and corrective action directives.
  • Communicated with State and Federal agencies regarding regulatory requirements.
  • Educated the public or other stakeholders regarding the enforcement of environmental health and safety statutes and regulations.
  • I DO NOT have experience performing the duties listed above.
15
Please indicate the number of years you have working with any of the following: California Environmental Reporting System, Hazardous Waste Tracking System, or RCRAInfo.
  • Five or more years of experience.
  • Two years up to five years of experience.
  • Less than two years of experience.
  • I DO NOT have this type of experience.

Required Question

Agency
County of Santa Barbara
Address
1226 Anacapa Street

Santa Barbara, California, 93101