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Job Description
CAREER DESCRIPTION
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SPECIALIST II
The Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) / The Solid Waste Program
In addition to performance-based merit increases, this position is scheduled to receive a salary range increase on the following date:
Effective June 27, 2025 - 4.00% increase
Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
This recruitment is open to the public for a minimum of five (5) business days and will close on Friday, November 1, 2024, at 11:59pm (PST).
Applicants are encouraged to apply while time permits.
This recruitment will establish an Open eligible list. This list will be used to fill current and future Hazardous Materials Specialist II (HMS II) positions within the Health Care Agency (HCA), Environmental Health Division. This recruitment may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.
HEALTH CARE AGENCY
The County of Orange Health Care Agency (HCA) is a dynamic organization dedicated to creating and supporting an environment that promotes the achievement of optimal individual, family, and community health. Under the leadership of the Agency Director, a dynamic executive team with an organizational structure comprised of five (5) service areas - Administrative Services, Behavioral Health Services, Correctional Health Services, Specialized Medical Services and Public Health Services - is committed to meeting the health needs of the diverse Orange County community.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIVISION
The Environmental Health Division is comprised of various programs aimed toward protecting the health and safety of Orange County residents and visitors from harmful conditions in the environment. Staff enforce laws and regulations and emphasize education to assist businesses with providing healthy and safe communities. Services include retail and wholesale food protection, foodborne illness investigations, public pool inspections, childhood lead exposure prevention, water quality, ocean water protection, solid waste facility oversight, hazardous materials surveillance and mitigation oversight, underground and aboveground storage tank oversight, body art facility and practitioner oversight, medical waste management inspections and a used oil recycling education program.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The HMS II classification differs from the Hazardous Materials Specialist I (trainee) classification, as it is the first working level class of the Hazardous Materials Specialist Series. Incumbents in this class have a firm understanding in the field of hazardous materials, hazardous waste management, aboveground petroleum storage tanks, waste tires enforcement, complaint investigation, and environmental/hazardous waste sampling. This classification receives on-the-job training regarding the various disciplines included, but not limited to, advance environmental crimes, enforcement, and emergency response.
The current vacancies are within the below Programs:
The Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) program oversees activities relating to regulatory compliance of hazardous materials and waste management and oversees appropriate corrective actions. Additionally, ensures proper handling, management, recycling, treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous wastes and hazardous materials for all Orange County businesses.
The HMS II in this program performs industrial facility inspections and verifications, conduct investigations, provides training, attends technical meetings, and responds to emergency releases of hazardous chemicals.
The Solid Waste Program protects public health and safety, and the environment by ensuring that solid waste is collected, stored, processed, and disposed of properly. The Environmental Health Division is the designated Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) for Orange County. Solid waste facilities in Orange County are required to hold permits from the LEA.
The HMS II in this program is responsible for technical and specialized work in the field of Solid Waste and provides regulatory oversight of permitting, inspections, investigations, and enforcement of duties and responsibilities of comprehensive Solid Waste enforcement issues. Additionally, this position has required inspections at 4:30 AM at the landfills on a quarterly or more basis. No exceptions.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will possess one (1) year of experience working in the field of regulatory oversight related to compliance with California environmental laws, regulations, guidelines, and standards or one (1) year conducting field work associated with solid waste facilities and/or operations. Possession of a valid certificate as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is h ighly desirable, but not required .
Additionally, the ideal candidates will possess extensive knowledge, skills, and abilities that demonstrates the following competencies:
Specialized Knowledge | Technical Expertise- Knowledge of geology, geography, chemistry and laboratory techniques, hazardous materials identification, and biology
- Understanding effects of hazardous materials and their interaction on the environment while applying principles of environmental health
- Reading, understanding, and applying state and federal laws and regulations regarding solid waste, hazardous materials, site mitigation, hazardous and solid waste management, and/or CUPA hazardous materials, business emergency plan, hazardous waste, underground storage tank, and aboveground petroleum storage tank programs
- Using computer hardware and software systems to enter and retrieve data, review state forms, and complete inspection reports
- Knowledge of and physical capability to wear personal protective equipment including specialized chemical suits and air-purifying respirator
- Establishing and maintaining cooperative relationships with peers, supervisors, managers, vendors, the public and the other State and local agencies
- Generating enthusiasm and motivating others to act in support of program objectives
- Collaborating with stakeholders of various backgrounds, organizations and levels of knowledge
- Interacting with various industries, businesses, and the community by responding to questions, customer service, public outreach, and technical consultation
- Managing workload effectively and meeting program deadlines
- Ability to analyze information gathered from observation
- Being adaptable and flexible while maintaining a focus on program quality and service
- Providing critical and relevant information to program management in a timely manner
- Ability to investigate illegal activities associated with CUPA hazardous material, waste and underground tank programs
- Preparing written inspection reports, technical and enforcement letters
- Enforcing and explaining regulations varying in difficulty and complexity
- Communicating effectively, persuasively, and tactfully both in person and in writing
- Ability to speak in front of the public and conduct public meetings
Upon hiring or transfer to this classification, the incumbent must possess or complete the following within 180 days of hire:- Certifications of 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) course
- Above ground Petroleum Storage Tank Inspections (APSA)
- International Code Council (ICC) UST inspector certification Underground Storage Tank Inspections
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Please click here for the minimum qualifications for Hazardous Materials Specialist II as well as the physical, mental and environmental conditions.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all application materials to identify qualified applicants. After screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition.
Veterans Employment Preference Policy (VEPP)
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.
Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer): Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applicants that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.
Application Appraisal Panel | Application Rating (Weighted 100%): An Application Appraisal Panel (AAP) of job knowledge experts will thoroughly screen and evaluate all application materials for job knowledge, competencies, and related experience described above. Only the more qualified candidates will be placed on the eligible list.
Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.
Eligible List: Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please see below for important information regarding COVID-19 related requirements.
Effective April 3, 2023, it is strongly recommended that County employees working in health care settings and correctional facilities follow vaccination and booster guidelines provided by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Please click here t o see the latest guidance for more details
EMAIL NOTIFICATION:
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.
Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com .
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Janet Boudreaux at 714-834-2217 or JBoudreaux @ochca.com .
EEO INFORMATION
Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Non-Management Benefits
In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits, such as a variety of health plan options, annual leave and paid holidays--we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as a Health Care Reimbursement Account, 457 Defined Contribution Plan and Annual Education and Professional Reimbursement. Employees are provided a Retirement Plan through the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS).
Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information
Click here for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.
Closing Date/Time: 11/1/2024 11:59 PM Pacific -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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County of Orange
Show moreDiscover a Fulfilling Career at the County of Orange
With a population of over 3 million residents and 34 cities, Orange County is a thriving community known for its beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and strong economy. As the third-largest employer in the county, the County of Orange offers over 18,000 employees the opportunity to make a difference in their community and build a fulfilling career in public service.
As a County of Orange employee, you will have the chance to work in a variety of departments, each providing vital services to our community. From law enforcement and healthcare to public works and environmental protection, there is a wide range of career paths to explore. And with opportunities for advancement and professional growth, you can build a long and rewarding career with us.
As a top employer in the region, the County of Orange is committed to providing our employees with excellent benefits, including a competitive salary, flexible work schedules, and outstanding healthcare coverage. We also offer opportunities for career development and training, ensuring that our employees have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Whether you're just starting your career or looking for a new challenge, the County of Orange is a great place to work. With a supportive and collaborative work environment, a commitment to excellence, and opportunities for growth and advancement, we invite you to join our team and make a difference in your community.
Community Impact:
Working for the County of Orange means you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community. Whether you're providing critical services to residents, protecting the environment, or maintaining public safety, your work will make a difference in the lives of those around you.
Employee Wellness:
At the County of Orange, we prioritize our employees' well-being. We offer telecommuting options, generous health benefits, and wellness programs to promote work-life balance. We believe that by taking care of our employee’s health and well-being, we can help them excel in their careers while still enjoying their personal lives and taking care of their families.
Innovation:
The County of Orange is committed to embracing new technologies and innovative approaches to service delivery. We encourage our employees to think creatively and find ways to improve our processes and systems. If you're someone who loves to problem-solve and think outside the box, you'll find a supportive and dynamic environment here.
Collaboration:
Collaboration is key to our success at the County of Orange. We value teamwork, communication, and mutual support, and we work together across departments and functions to achieve our goals. If you're someone who enjoys collaborating with others and building strong relationships, you'll find a welcoming and inclusive community here.
Equality:
At the County of Orange, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. Our Equity Policy reflects this commitment and guides our efforts to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do.
Career Advancement:
The County of Orange is dedicated to helping our employees grow and advance in their careers. We offer a variety of training and development opportunities to help our employees reach their full potential. If you're looking for a place to build a long and fulfilling career, the County of Orange is an excellent choice.
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