Environmental Health Program Coordinator

Job Summary

Performs a variety of advanced technical and administrative responsibilities in the management of hazardous waste, household hazardous waste, and other programs for the protection of human health, public safety and the environment. Has and maintains knowledge of state, federal, and local regulations governing solid and hazardous waste handling and disposal practices, and knowledge of operating a Household Hazardous Waste Facility.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Primary HHW duties

• Coordinates and leads the operation of the household hazardous waste (HHW) program and facility which includes assisting with collections, coordinating staff coverage, establishing contracts and services with other agencies, businesses, and service suppliers, and ensuring orderly and safe operation of the facility.

• Assists manager/supervisor by coordinating/overseeing the daily operations of the HHW program and facility which includes scheduling staffing, selecting appropriate OSHA required safety training, and providing staff with on-the-job training.

• Assists manager/supervisor on HHW staff needs including, but is not limited to, hiring seasonal or temporary staff, assigning and directing job duties, scheduling, and instructing employees in the performance of their duties.

• Orders and maintains supplies and equipment for the HHW facility.

• Coordinates, negotiates, establishes, and maintains contracts and agreements for the HHW facility.

• Prepares and recommends the HHW budget for facility operation.

• Develops and maintains operations manual and contingency plans for the HHW facility.

• Assists manager/supervisor with department's employee safety program.

• Attends and participates in various associations, councils, conferences, and committees.

• Coordinates public education program materials and events.

• Develops and maintains local and regional household hazardous programs.

• Prepares monthly reports in accordance with state reporting requirements; tracks program expenses and income; may coordinate and apply for program grants.

• Compiles participation data and maintains records, reports, and statistical information on hazardous and household hazardous waste for internal program measures.

Other essential duties

• Assists with business hazardous waste generator inspections and program administration, including the Very Small Quantity Generator program. Evaluates and assists hazardous waste generators for program compliance with laws, rules, regulations, and standards.

• Assists with abandoned waste and complaints. Evaluates management of abandoned waste for compliance with laws, rules, regulations, and standards. Provides direction and guidance to other Environmentalist staff on management of abandoned waste and complaints.

• Coordinates activities with the Solid Waste program to achieve mandated solid waste goals.

• Assists with inspections of on-site sewage treatment systems, reviews plans, and conducts site inspections, as needed.

• Works the hours and/or shifts assigned and begins and ends work on time.

• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Requires equivalency of a bachelor's degree in environmental science or directly related field and four years of experience in the waste management field with at least two years' experience working in a household hazardous waste facility, and qualified as an inspector in at least two program areas. Must be a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) or equivalent. The incumbent shall possess a valid driver's license and provide a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION(S)

Requires completion of 40-Hour HAZWOPER and ongoing OSHA Refresher training, Hazard Categorization (HazCat), and DOT Training within 6 months of hire.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
Under the general supervision of the Environmental Services Manager and in accordance with established policies, the incumbent has latitude for independent judgment on a wide variety of issues, in field inspection situations, and in dealing with the public. May provide work direction to other staff and consultants as needed. Reports to Manager on matters of importance and those requiring policy decisions. Work is reviewed through conferences and observation of results achieved.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES
Customer Service: Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication: Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration: Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship: Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment: Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency: Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation: Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge – Knowledge of the nature, scope, and complexity of department/division issues.

Knowledge of those fields of study related to department issues.

Knowledge of the computer applications currently used within the division.

Abilities – Ability to explain regulatory or program provisions with firmness, tact, and courtesy.

Ability to conduct effective programs with an attitude of impartiality and personal responsibility.

Ability to plan studies, conduct research, assemble data, and write reports which effectively present technical and complex issues.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to guide staff and consultants on a task-level basis.

Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.

Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties.

Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires field work, typically in a construction oriented setting; and inside work, typically in an office setting. One may be exposed to construction site hazards such as falling debris, moving equipment, chemical/dust exposure, treacherous surfaces, etc. when traversing inspection sites.

Physical activities include light to medium work: Sitting, talking, hearing, seeing, driving, standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, pushing, pulling, feeling, reaching, lifting, grasping, twisting above the waist, bending at waist, repetitive hand and arm motion, and fine finger manipulation in the use of a computer. Incumbent will climb ladders, enter crawl spaces, exert force to maneuver items, and lifts and/or navigate up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment  and up to 50 pounds when moving various waste items at the HHW facility which is necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.