Salary : $154,887.20 - $188,267.04 Annually
Location : San Jose Metropolitan Area, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25-V2G-A
Department: Department of Environmental Health
Division: Hazardous Materials Program
Opening Date: 07/24/2025
Closing Date: 8/7/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 92

Description

Under general direction, the Supervising Hazardous Materials Specialist plans, supervises and coordinates the activities of staff within one or more County programs related to the assessment, regulation, control or collection of hazardous materials.
Typical Tasks

• Manages, plans, assigns, coordinates, evaluates and reviews the activities of a professional and technical multidisciplinary staff;
• Oversees contract personnel;
• Selects, trains and evaluates the work of subordinate staff;
• Assists in the investigation and resolution of personnel matters concerning disciplinary actions and employee relations at departmental and program levels;
• Provides staff development and performance evaluations;
• Identifies training needs and develops training plans for the program to meet mandates and goals;
• Processes and reviews daily activity and field inspection reports;
• Supervises the investigation and enforcement of applicable laws, regulations and ordinances related to hazardous materials use, storage and disposal;
• Reviews enforcement case preparation and assists with case follow-up;
• Assists in program development, goal setting, problem resolution, and long and short term program planning;
• Monitors processes and timelines and ensures program mandates are achieved;
• Reviews and approves applications, plans and other documents for compliance with environmental/public health laws, regulations, and requirements;
• Assists in the management of budgetary resources and may develop cost estimates;
• Assists in the development of new, and updating of existing, policies and procedures;
• Represents the Department in meetings with municipal, county, state and public officials as well as the general public and community;
• Attends Board and Commission meetings to address program and environmental issues; testifies in court and before administrative bodies;
• Reviews cost and accounting reports, budget requests from subordinates and reports recommendations to the program manager;
• Analyzes and reports on proposed legislation and rule changes;
• Assists in the interpretation of laws, regulations and codes, and provides advice to government officials, citizen groups, business owners and others;
• Meets with business owners and operators to discuss problems and develop solutions to achieve compliance;
• Responds to public inquiries and complaints;
• Prepares and presents written and oral reports;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
• Other related duties as assigned.

Employment Standards

The knowledge and abilities required to perform this function are acquired through the possession of a Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Geology, or a closely related Science from an accredited college or university;

AND

One (1) year of work experience equivalent to a Senior Hazardous Materials Specialist in Santa Clara County;

- OR -

Four (4) years of work experience conducting investigations and inspections of hazardous materials and/or hazardous waste, at least two (2) years of which include lead or supervisory duties.

Note: Possession of a Master's Degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a foreign equivalency, in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Health, Environmental Engineering, Ecology, Geology or a closely related field may be substituted for one year of the required investigation/enforcement experience in option 2.

Special Requirements
Possession of a valid California driver's license and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver's authorization;

Some positions require possession of an ICC "California UST Inspector" certification within one year of hire.

Some positions require successful completion of a California state-approved Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act inspector training, and a passing score on the APSA Inspector Exam, within one year of hire.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices and techniques of supervision, training, and employer-employee relations;
• Communication techniques to effectively provide direction, guidance and leadership;
• The techniques used in conducting environmental and enforcement related inspections and investigations;
• The methods and procedures used in inspecting and correcting compliance conditions;
• Regulatory agencies involved with environmental health and hazardous materials programs;
• Federal, State and local laws and regulations pertaining to hazardous materials and enforcement;
• General principles pertaining to hazardous materials emergency response and hazardous materials worker safety;
• Public administration principals;
• Principles and methods of project management;
• Mathematical calculations including algebra and geometry;
• Common software including word processing, spreadsheets and databases.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, evaluate, supervise and direct the work of staff;
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• Develop, mentor and motivate staff;
• Provide effective and efficient responses to inquiries and deal effectively with management, employees, business representatives and other interested parties, including elected and appointed officials, media and the general public;
• Interpret and enforce laws, regulations, codes and ordinances pertaining to hazardous materials and environmental health;
• Assess community environmental health and hazardous materials needs;
• Maintain accurate and organized records;
• Gather and present data, analyze reports and findings, and make sound recommendations;
• Participate as a member of the division's management team;
• Perform moderately complex mathematical calculations;
• Operate computer systems and data bases.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to pass annual physical exam;
• Ability to meet respiratory protection program requirements.

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more

The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.

In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.

Retirement Benefits
The County offers robust retirement plans including a (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family's long-term financial well-being.

Health Flexible Spending Account
The empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.

Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
The enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the , an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.

Life and AD&D
The County offers life and disability benefits including , Insurance, These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.

Employee Wellness
The offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.

Education Reimbursement
A generous program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.

NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.

Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.
01

Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is REQUIRED and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Initially, it will be used to determine minimum qualifications. For those applicants meeting the employment standards, this information will be critical in the subsequent competitive assessment to identify those candidates to be invited to continue in the examination process. Your responses to the questions may also be reviewed and scored in a Competitive Rating evaluation process based on pre-determined rating criteria. Your answers should be as complete as possible, as no additional information will be accepted from applicants once the Competitive Rating evaluation has begun. A response of "see resume" or "see application" will deem your application incomplete. Include a detailed description of your work experience in the following format for EACH employer referenced, in each answer:
a) Employer name(s)
b) Job title(s)
c) Start/end dates of employment
d) Total hours worked per week
e) Description of task(s) performedDo you understand the requirement to provide complete answers in order to determine relevant experience for each area in question?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you possess a Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Geology, or a closely related Science from an accredited college or university?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess a Master's Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Geology, or a closely related Science from an accredited college or university?

• Yes
• No

04

Please indicate college attended, field of study, and level of degree completed.If none, please type n/a.
05

How many years of work experience do you possess performing tasks equivalent to that of a Senior Hazardous Materials Specialist in County of Santa Clara?
Click here to read the

• No Experience
• Less than one year
• One to less than two years
• Two to less than three years
• Three to less than four years
• Four to less than five years
• Five to less than six years
• Six to less than seven years
• Seven to less than eight years
• Eight to less than nine years
• Nine to less than ten years
• Ten or more years

06

Please describe your work experience that is equivalent to a Senior Hazardous Materials Specialist in the County of Santa Clara.Required in your response, include the following information:a) Employer Nameb) Job Titlec) Start Month/End Month Dates of Employmentd) Total Hours Worked per Weeke) Detailed Description of Job DutiesIf no experience, type N/A.
07

How many years of work experience do you possess conducting investigations and inspections of hazardous materials and/or hazardous waste?

• No experience
• Less than one year
• One to less than two years
• Two to less than three years
• Three to less than four years
• Four to less than five years
• Five to less than six years
• Six to less than seven years
• Seven to less than eight years
• Eight to less than seven years
• Nine to less than ten years
• Ten or more year

08

Please describe your work experience conducting investigations and inspections of hazardous materials and/or hazardous waste.Required in your response, include the following information:a) Employer Nameb) Job Titlec) Start Month/End Month Dates of Employmentd) Total Hours Worked per Weeke) Detailed description of job duties you routinely completed in each of the hazardous waste and hazardous materials programs that comprise the State's Unified Program.If no experience, type N/A.
09

How many years of lead or supervisory work experience do you possess, in a hazardous materials environment managing household hazardous waste event logistics. (i.e. managing schedules, contractor staff, hazardous waste shipments, and inventory management.)?

• No experience
• Less than one year
• One to less than two years
• Two to less than three years
• Three to less than four years
• Four to less than five years
• Five to less than six years
• Six to less than seven years
• Seven to less than eight years
• Eight to less than nine years
• Nine to less than ten years
• Ten or more years

10

Please describe your lead or supervisory work experience in a hazardous materials environment managing household hazardous waste event logistics. (i.e. managing schedules, contractor staff, hazardous waste shipments, and inventory management).Required in your response, include the following information:a) Employer Nameb) Job Titlec) Start Month/End Month Dates of Employmentd) Total Hours Worked per Weeke) Number and level of staff supervisedf) Detailed Description of Job DutiesIf no experience, type N/A.
11

Please identify the specific hazardous materials and/or waste programs in which you have work experience (check all that apply):

• Hazardous Materials Business Plan
• Hazardous Waste Generator
• Tiered Permitting
• Underground Storage Tank
• California Accident Release Prevention
• Aboveground Petroleum Storage
• Household Hazardous Waste Program
• Waste Drop Off (that service the public)
• Clean Up Events (that service the public)
• Other
• None

12

Please describe your work experience in the programs selected above.Required in your response, include the following information:a) Employer Nameb) Job Titlec) Start Month/End Month Dates of Employmentd) Total Hours Worked per Weeke) Detailed Description of Job DutiesIf no experience, type N/A.
13

How did you find out about this job?

• Contacted by County Recruiter
• Virtual Job Fair
• In Person Job Fair
• In-Person Networking Professional Event
• Virtual Networking Event
• Community Event
• Glassdoor
• Governmentjobs.com
• Professional Association
• Search Engine (Google, Bing, online search, etc.)
• Hospital Website: SCVMC, O'Connor Hospital, St. Louise Regional Hospital Website
• Contacted by a Recruitment Firm
• Handshake
• Student Career Center
• County Text Message
• County Career Newsletter
• Other (Specify in the next question)
• County Employee Referral
• County of Santa Clara Career Website
• County of Santa Clara Job Interests Email Notification
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Indeed

14

If you selected an event/fair or other in the question above, please specify. If not, type N/A
Required Question