Hazardous Materials Specialist

Job Description

Hazardous Materials Specialist (125)

(Unclassified)

Education and Experience

Minimum qualifications: B.S. Degree in Chemistry, Toxicology, Biology, or approved related field from an accredited college or university, and two (2) years recent experience in the storage and handling of hazardous materials; or A.S. Degree in Chemistry or related field and four (4) years recent experience in the storage and handling of hazardous materials. Additional experience in a municipal Fire Prevention Agency or hazardous waste inspection agency is desirable.

License

Possession of an appropriate, valid California driver’s license is required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is a management position in the Unclassified Fire Service. As a member of the City’s Unclassified Service, this is an “at-will” position. The incumbent serves at the discretion of the City Manager. An incumbent in this classification will be assigned as a division head in either the Hazardous Materials Training Division, Hazardous Materials Inspection Division, or the Hazardous Materials Legislative Division and will be expected to provide leadership in the areas of hazardous materials training, hazardous waste inspections, or legislation and new regulations, program revisions and enforcement requirements. Additionally the incumbent will be expected to work in a coordinated effort to carry out the common responsibilities of each Hazardous Materials Division as defined in Section 2-66 of the City Code.

Typical Duties

Under general direction plans, develops and coordinates the activities of the assigned Hazardous Materials Division of the Santa Clara Fire Department; assists in the creation of and participates in Training Programs on hazardous materials/waste for Fire Department personnel and for industry; researches and participates in the development of new legislation; interprets new regulations and implements program revisions and enforcement requirements to assure compliance; conducts inspections as a means of identifying transportation, processing, storage and handling of hazardous materials/waste which create fire and other safety hazards; assists in plan check review for hazardous materials facilities; under emergency conditions may enter areas where hazardous materials are present to evaluate and determine the degree of hazard and advise other public safety personnel of their findings; is required to operate emergency vehicles in responding to emergency situations and utilize other required tools and equipment; may appear in court to provide expert testimony in case of criminal complaints filed by Fire Department of offenses on fire/hazardous waste laws, ordinances and regulations and on civil suits involving responsibility for effects of a hazardous material; assist in setting up emergency response teams; reacts quickly and calmly in emergency situations and maintains radio communications with other personnel involved; writes clear and concise reports commensurate with responsibilities; and does related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of chemicals and their potential hazard individually and in combination with other chemicals; working knowledge of transportation, processing, storage and handling methods of hazardous materials/waste; knowledge of teaching/training techniques; ability to gather, analyze and present data clearly; ability to analyze situations and make appropriate recommendations; ability to speak and write effectively; ability to establish and maintain cooperative and positive working relationships with others; ability to supervise the work of others; understanding of laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to hazardous materials/wastes.

Supervision Received

Works under the general direction of the Fire Chief, Hazardous Materials Administrator or other supervisor as assigned.

Supervision Exercised

May supervise personnel assigned to work in the Hazardous Materials Division or under any their of his/her areas of responsibility.

Other Requirements

Must be able to perform all the essential functions of the job.

Special Conditions

Required to be available on an on-call basis and maintain a residence with a twenty (20) minute response time to the City within six months after appointment. Required to obtain and maintain peace officer status within one year after appointment.

Conflict of Interest

Incumbents in this position are required to file a Conflict of Interest statement upon assuming office, annually and upon leaving office, in accordance with City Manager Directive 100.

Approved, June 1997