Hazardous Materials Technician II

General Statement of Job

To assist the Hazardous Waste Program in ensuring hazardous materials are disposed of in an environmentally sound manner and Waste Resource Management operations comply with EPA and FDEP regulations concerning hazardous waste.

• Receives hazardous waste from local residents and conditionally exempt quantity generators (CESQG).
• Segregates hazardous materials by waste category.
• Processes hazardous materials for reuse, recycling, or disposal.
• Records quantities on hand and maintains records via computerized accounting procedures.
• Prepares containers for shipment to include labeling and maintenance of shipping documents and manifests.
• Performs facility maintenance in accordance with OSHA and FDEP standards.
• Researches and implements solutions to environmental issues for the purpose of establishing regulatory compliance.
• Assists in the cleanout and transport of hazardous materials from satellite locations to permanent facility for further processing.
• Assists with bulking and neutralization of various hazardous materials.
• Maintains and monitors procedures for detecting and preventing environmental degradation/contamination.
• Maintains effective communications with regulatory agencies, the department and the public.
• Provides technical assistance on hazardous materials.
• Follows standard operating procedures with spill containment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Associate’s degree with a focus in environmental science and/or hazardous materials management, or closely related field; supplemented by a minimum of one (1) year of experience handling hazardous waste materials; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Must obtain a 24-hour HAZWOPER certification within 12 months of hire and a 6 Hour Hazardous Materials Transportation certificate within ninety (90) days of hire. Requires a valid driver’s license.

Must be able to exert 50 to 70 pounds of force occasionally, 20 to 50 pounds of force frequently, or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Requires the ability to position self in confined areas, for work overhead and to ascend/descend ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like. Requires the ability to traverse irregular, uneven, and/or erratically moving surfaces frequently.

Must be able to complete work tasks by bending spine at the waist, requiring full use of the lower extremities, back muscles and spine. Requires the ability to move about on hands/knees or hands/feet. Must be able to reach, extending hands in any direction, and to handle, seize, hold, grasp, turn or otherwise work with hands and/or fingers. This position requires the ability to work for sustained periods of exposure to outside atmospheric conditions.

Prolonged periods of walking and/or standing frequently are required in this position. Physical demands are in excess of those for sedentary work.

Requires the ability to communicate effectively in English, including the ability to convey, record and exchange information; requires the ability to explain procedures and to give, receive and follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to read and interpret a variety of moderately complex technical data, policy and procedure manuals, codes, professional journals. Requires the ability to prepare forms and reports using prescribed formats, and adhering to all rules of grammar, spelling, diction and punctuation.

Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical and/or professional languages used within the parameters of the job and with a broad array of individuals from various professional backgrounds.

Requires the ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; to interpret a variety of technical instructions in written, mathematical or diagrammatic form; to learn and understand relatively complex principles and techniques; to make independent judgments in absence of supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation.

Must be able to add, subtract, multiply and divide; to determine weight; calculate decimals and percentages; compute discount, profit and loss, ratio and proportion.

Requires the ability to deal with people beyond receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under moderate levels of stress, imposed by frequent deadlines, peak workloads, or public contact. Requires the ability to exercise consistent tact and courtesy when in frequent contact with various professionals, county staff, and the general public.