Hazardous Materials Specialist III

Overview

This classification is scheduled to receive a 5% COLA effective July 2026.

The current vacancy is in the Hazardous Materials Program located in Oroville.

FLSA:
Non-Exempt

Under direction performs the most difficult and complex professional office and field work in support of the County’s hazardous materials programs consistent with state mandates as a Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA); serves as the technical expert in assigned program area(s), which includes responsibility for program oversight and frequent interaction with applicable oversight agencies; responds to complaints and/or emergencies and performs site analysis of hazardous materials incidents;

verifies compliance with requirements, inspects for hazardous materials storage and hazardous waste disposal requirements throughout the County; and performs related duties as assigned.

Receives direction from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

This is the advanced journey-level classification in the Hazardous Materials Specialist series responsible for performing the most complex work assigned to the series. Incumbents regularly work on tasks which are varied and complex, requiring considerable discretion and independent judgement. Positions in the classification rely on experience and judgement to perform assigned duties. Assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to deliver services.

Work is typically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness and conformity to policy and requirements.

Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Monitors, coordinates, and leads the inspection and enforcement activities of a assigned hazardous materials program(s) in conformance with local, state, and federal mandates, including mandates as a Certified Unified Program Agency to ensure consistent administrative requirements, permits, inspections and enforcement activities of designated environmental and emergency response programs; ensures all actions taken are compliant with statute, regulations, and best management practices for the hazardous materials industry.
• Assists in administrative work such as program planning and monitoring, developing program procedures, preparing grant applications and establishing program budgets and monitoring funds.
• Develops, coordinates, implements and/or directs a variety of activities relating to hazardous materials management, enforcement, and planning; provides training to new staff.
• Assists management in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, codes and regulations.
• Serves as a liaison between regulated agencies and oversight agencies; attends and participates in meetings and maintains frequent communication with local, state, and federal oversight agencies; assists regulated agencies with implementing new laws and regulations; and ensures compliance with same.
• Reviews Hazardous Materials Business Plans, Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plans, Risk Management Plans (RMP) and Underground Storage Tank (UST) construction plans of hazardous materials facilities and provides information and assistance to businesses, other agencies and the public on compliance requirements; reviews plans related to construction and repairs at underground tank storage facilities.
• Inspects hazardous materials facilities to monitor compliance with hazardous materials laws and ordinances and identify potential public health hazards; prepares inspection reports.
• Investigates reports of hazardous materials spills or dumps from the public and other agencies; identifies hazardous substances and determines the probable source.
• Issues citations and other enforcement actions for violations of hazardous materials laws and regulations; recommends legal action, prepares legal cases, and testifies in court proceedings.
• Responds to emergency incidents involving the release of hazardous materials, and illicit drug laboratory cleanup; advises other agencies on appropriate safety precautions and monitors clean-up activities.
• Oversees the mitigation of hazardous substance releases during emergency or disaster situations, under the authority of the County’s Health Officer.
• Collects samples of hazardous substances using appropriate protective clothing and equipment.
• Plans, develops, conducts, and evaluates environmental surveys and studies related to hazardous materials storage, treatment, disposal, reduction, and incident response plans.
• Prepares…