Under general direction, directs and coordinates facility operations for the County’s Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) program, including the collection and safe disposal of HHW, universal waste, and Conditionally Exempt and Small Quantity Generator (CESQG) waste; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
An incumbent in this class is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing day-to-day HHW facility operations in a manner that facilitates the efficient and appropriate collection and disposal of HHW and is compliant with regulatory requirements. The incumbent may direct and oversee the work of subordinate contractor staff, and/or may supervise a small crew of County employees.
TYPICAL DUTIES
Plans and implements the operations of a HHW collection facility; monitors operational performance and ensures that work is progressing in accordance with established plans and schedules; investigates complaints concerning the condition of the facilities, regulatory issues, or the actions of staff.
Assigns and directs the work activities of contractors and/or County employees; prepares work schedules; provides training on HHW-related methods and procedures, equipment, regulatory requirements, and technical activities; may participate in interviewing, selecting, and evaluating staff; may recommend corrective and/or disciplinary actions, as necessary.
Monitors operations and activities for compliance with regulatory requirements and safety standards; makes recommendations for improvement; identifies areas of risk or non-compliance; takes actions to ensure the safety of personnel and customers, and recommends changes to policies and/or procedures in order to resolve problems.
Maintains HHW collection equipment and supplies; inspects facilities to identify maintenance needs; recommends priorities and prepares cost estimates.
Ensures the proper manifesting of HHW shipments in accordance with regulations; maintains records of incoming and outgoing HHW and universal waste shipments.
Maintains records of work and other operational documentation; prepares reports and correspondence.
Ensures appropriate public relations and customer service at HHW facilities; may communicate with, and represent the Department to, federal, state, local, and other agencies regarding assigned areas.
May assist with grant applications and permit inspections, and with performing other administrative tasks pertaining to the HHW program.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
License: Possession of valid California driver’s license.
Certificates/Training: 1) possession of a certificate of completion of training (generally 40 hours) in Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER), as well as certification of current HAZWOPER refresher training (generally 8 hours) as required by the Code of Federal Regulations 29, Part 1910 (Occupational Health and Safety Standards); AND 2) possession of a certificate of completion of training (generally 4 hours) that complies with Cal-OSHA requirements regarding the operation of a forklift.
Experience: Four years of experience at a household hazardous waste collection facility that included responsibility for identifying, collecting, storing, and disposing of household hazardous waste.
KNOWLEDGE
Laws, regulations, policies, and procedures relevant to hazardous waste collection facilities, including emergency response procedures; methods and equipment used in the maintenance or operation of hazardous waste management facilities; principles and practices of exceptional public relations; operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of equipment used in identifying, collecting, storing, and disposing of hazardous waste; safety hazards and appropriate precautions applicable to working in a hazardous waste collection facility, including the hazards pertaining to the operation of heavy equipment, and precautionary measures to be observed; the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and/or clothing; principles and practices of supervision, leadership, and training; modern office automation technology and computer software programs relevant to department operations.
ABILITY
Plan, organize, assign and coordinate the work of staff and equipment; distinguish between hazardous and non-hazardous substances; interpret and explain procedures, rules, regulations and safety precautions to staff and the public; analyze household hazardous waste items in order to prepare them for proper storage, and/or transport; read and interpret labels, specifications, regulations, and related materials; wear protective clothing, glasses, and equipment; understand, interpret and carry out written and oral instructions; read and interpret plans, diagrams or sketches; maintain a variety of records and documents, including those related to the collection of fees; operate computers and related software; maintain records and prepare reports; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, contractors, and the public.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Mobility – frequent operation of a data entry device; frequent sitting, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, bending, and climbing for extended periods of time; occasional driving; Lifting - frequently 5 to 30 lbs or less; occasional – 30 to 70 lbs; frequent restraining, lifting and/or turning heavy objects; Visual – frequent use of good overall vision, color perception, and depth perception; occasional reading and close-up work; frequent use of normal hand and eye coordination; frequent use of good field of vision/peripheral; Dexterity - frequent holding, reaching; grasping; repetitive motion; occasional writing; Hearing/Talking- frequent hearing of normal speech, hearing/talking on the radio, talking in person; constant exposure to heavy equipment and machinery noise; occasional need to hear faint sounds; Emotional/Psychological – frequent use of public contact, concentration, and decision making skills; frequent risk of exposure to hazardous materials; occasional working alone; occasional dealing with emergency situations; Special Requirements – may require working overtime, weekends and nights; must be able to wear self-contained breathing apparatus for chemical exposure protection; in compliance with Cal/OSHA standards, must be free of facial hair that would interfere with the use of a self-contained breathing apparatus; Environmental – frequent exposure to cold/heat, dirt, dust, fumes, and varied weather conditions; frequent work in or around traffic and/or equipment.
San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.