Environmental Program Specialist

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Chemistry, Biology, Geology, Environmental Science, plus two (2) years of experience in a field related to hazardous waste management, environmental consulting, or environmental planning/research.
• Experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years.

Licenses or Certifications:

None

Notes to Applicants

Austin Resource Recovery ( ARR ) is an organization of 500 plus employees that provides residential curbside collection of trash, recycling, and composting to the residents of the Austin metropolitan area. Additional services include bulk and large brush collection, street sweeping, dead animal collection, and a drop-off center for hard-to-recycle items and household hazardous waste.

The Environmental Program Specialist ( EPS ) is a customer service-oriented position that assists with the collection of household hazardous waste from residents the majority of the work week. This position will work within the Diversion Facilities Division at the Household Hazardous Waste collections facility. This position will be working on projects to include but not limited to a city-wide hazardous waste contract and review of all waste contracts from all City Departments.

The EPS is in charge of receiving, identifying, segregating, and storing bulk/package hazardous waste from residential households per TCEQ , DOT , and EPA regulations. They set up, break down, and clean the Household Hazardous Waste facility. The EPS coordinates with waste disposal companies on packing and loading hazardous waste for transportation and they act as the primary contact for customer inquiries. This key role will review hazardous waste contracts from all City of Austin departments and assist them with proper disposal and handling of hazardous waste.

This position will require some lifting (up to 50 lbs), standing for long periods of time, and will be working in the elements under open shelter while wearing personal protective equipment ( PPE ).

Application: Each individual who submits an Application as provided in the Municipal Civil Service Rules and meets the Minimum Qualifications for a Competitive Position, shall be considered a Candidate for that Position. Employees in Good Standing who are Candidates within the Department or division that the Position resides in and who meet the Minimum and Preferred Qualifications (if any) of the Position will be included in the initial interview.

A detailed and complete employment application is required to help us better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Your application should reflect your complete employment history (to include all job duties responsibilities and employment dates) on your online application. The application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered (e.g., “see resume” or “see Linked In Profile”). The responses to the supplemental questions inquiring about experience should be reflected on your application.

Virtual Interviews: Austin Resource Recovery may conduct virtual interviews.

Skills Assessments: A competency assessment may be required to verify your skill set.

90-Day Provision for Additional Vacancy: This posting may be used to fill other similar positions within Austin Resource Recovery outside of the division listed above.

Nepotism Policy: The City of Austin Nepotism Policy states, “No person, regardless of job title or length of tenure with the City, shall be employed in a position in which the relative has direct or indirect supervisory authority regarding the terms and conditions of their relative’s employment.”

Travel: If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

Physical Requirements: The employee is required to perform the following tasks during the normal course of an approximately eight (8) to ten (10) hour day, four (4) to six (6) days a week.

• This position involves unloading materials from customers’ vehicles, loading materials from residences, separating materials by chemical characteristics and putting them in the correct place, bulking compatible chemicals, opening/pouring paints/oil and making Austin ReBlend paint for 8.5 hours during a normal work day. This position is outdoors, so is exposed to hot and cold temperatures. This position will involve continuous use of arms, shoulders, legs and feet while performing activities such as unloading cars, opening paint cans, sorting batteries, sorting chemicals, puncturing aerosols and cleaning duties, such as sweeping. Additionally, the employee will frequently be expected to perform tasks involving stretching, bending, twisting, pushing/pulling, and lifting while inspecting materials and equipment, as well as handling up to 50 pound containers.

• Additional hazards include working close to hazardous chemicals, noise, and repetitive motions, as well as walking near moving vehicles. Employees may come in contact with potentially infectious materials. Employee will drive a forklift at HHW and a pickup in town.

• Employees must have sufficiently good eyesight and reading comprehension to evaluate materials and other equipment. Employees must also be able to hear and speak to communicate with supervisors, and citizens and to safely operate operational equipment. All necessary training and Personnel Protective Equipment is provided by the employer.

Benefits: Working with the City of Austin at Austin Resource Recovery ( ARR ) provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.

This position is eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness ( PSLF ) Program. This is a federal program designed to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans upon meeting program requirements.

Military/Veteran: Veteran candidates will be required to provide a copy of their DD214 at the time of interview.

Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: All Austin Resource Recovery locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any ARR worksite - including parking lot or in any personal vehicle located on the premises.
Pay Range
$24.89 - $29.18

Hours
40 hours per week, Monday through Saturday as assigned.

Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. or Tuesday - Saturday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.Employees will be required to work holidays, after hours or weekends and in other areas due to business needs.
Job Close Date 02/12/2025 Type of Posting External Department Austin Resource Recovery Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Technical Location 2514 Business Center Dr., Austin, Texas 78744 Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Experience:

• Experience working in the outdoor, in the elements in extreme and inclement weather.
• 40 Hour HAZWOPER trained.
• Previous experience working with chemicals or with household hazardous waste materials.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Receives, identifies, segregates, stores, and prepares for shipment of household hazardous waste for recycling/treatment/disposal. Sets-up, breaks down, and cleans collection facility and equipment. Arranges and conducts home/off-site pickups of household hazardous waste. Coordinates hazardous waste recycling programs (i.e. Old Paint Recycling, Household Battery Collection & Recycling, Oil, Oil Filter & Antifreeze Recycling, Waste Exchange, etc.) including bid specifications for contractors and contract management/compliance. Develops and helps implement vehicles of public/community outreach and education for City and County residents. Answers questions and educates public on City’s Household Hazardous Waste Management Program (i.e. procedures, eligibility requirements, recycling programs, etc.) hazardous materials use/reuse, disposal alternatives, and collection and treatment options. Conducts research for new/alternative Household Hazardous Waste/ CESQG operations/programs and industry hazardous waste recycling and treatment technologies/options Documents/tracks data, maintains databases and prepares reports (including charts, graphs, tables, slides, etc.) on customer participation, waste characterization and tracking, recycling percentage, etc. for use in meeting state reporting requirements, future reports, presentations, etc. Assists in conducting risk analysis and writing safety standards and standard operating procedures for program operations/activities, and proposing changes and updates to improve environmental health and safety plan.

Responsibilities- Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:

Assists or acts on behalf of Facility Coordinator when necessary.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of prescribed safety procedures or Federal laws regulating waste disposal methods.
• Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques and methods.
• Knowledge of uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs and disposal methods.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances governing hazardous waste.
• Knowledge of City practice, policy and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.

Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* The minimum qualifications for the Environmental Program Specialist include: Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Chemistry, Biology, Geology, Environmental Science, plus two (2) years of experience in a field related to hazardous waste management, environmental consulting, or environmental planning/research. Experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years. Do you meet the minimum qualifications for this position?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires a criminal background check. By selecting the following, you are acknowledging that you understand if you are selected as a top candidate for this position, you will need a successful Criminal Background Investigation (CBI) to be hired.

• I acknowledge and understand this position requires a Criminal Background Investigation (CBI).

* Please provide a brief description of how you meet the minimum qualifications listed for this position - to include, meeting the educational requirements, years of related experience and substitutions.
(Open Ended Question)
* Please describe your experience working in the outdoors in the elements in extreme and/or inclement weather.
(Open Ended Question)
* Please describe your 40-hour HAZWOPER training. If you do not have this training, please put N/A.
(Open Ended Question)
* Please describe any experience you have working with chemicals or with household hazardous waste materials.
(Open Ended Question)
* Do you have experience providing customer service to the general public in a high volume and busy environment?

• Yes
• No

* Describe your customer service experience in detail.
(Open Ended Question)
* Are you willing to work weekends, holidays, and extended shifts as required by the position.

• Yes
• No

* Do you have the ability to travel to multiple sites as part of the regular job duties?

• Yes
• No

* How did you hear about this opportunity? (The information requested is optional and is not considered as part of the application for employment.)

• Employee Referral
• Online Advertising/Media
• ARR Job Fair
• Workforce Solutions Job Fair
• COA Website
• CDL Driving School
• Other

* Were you referred to this job opportunity by an Austin Resource Recovery employee? If yes, please provide the employee’s full name.
(Open Ended Question)
* All applicants applying for this job posting should submit a complete application. Starting salary for the top candidate (s) will only be based on overall relevant experience from your employment application. Your application will be considered incomplete if your application states “see resume”. Do you understand these statements?

• I acknowledge that I understand these statements.

Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Optional Documents

• 

• City of Austin

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