Senior Hazardous Waste Inspector - County of Riverside
Banning, CA 92220
About the Job
The County of Riverside's Department of Waste Resources is seeking a skilled and dedicated Senior Hazardous Waste Inspector to join our team. This position serves as the advanced working-level classification in the Hazardous Waste Inspector series. Reporting to the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program/Hazardous Waste Inspection Program Coordinator, the Senior Inspector performs comprehensive and complex assignments, provides leadership, and ensures compliance with hazardous waste regulations.
Key responsibilities include training and mentoring Hazardous Waste Inspectors I and II in tasks such as load check inspections, hazardous waste categorization (HazCat), household hazardous waste (HHW) responsibilities, site compliance, and lab packing. The Senior Inspector will respond to hazardous waste incidents, assess risks, provide evacuation and isolation directions, and assist with emergency response agencies. This role also requires maintaining facility hazardous material records, including permits, hazardous waste manifests, bills of lading , and inspection forms. The Senior Inspector conducts audits of load check programs and inspects facilities to verify compliance with local and State Load Check requirements;accompanies local CUPA inspectors during annual compliance inspections, prepares detailed inspection reports, and recommends corrective actions as needed. Additional responsibilities include operating trucks and light construction equipment, performing random load check inspections at landfills and solid waste transfer stations, transporting hazardous waste with proper documentation, educating the public on hazardous waste disposal methods, and maintaining and repairing safety and emergency equipment.
Due to the nature of hazardous materials emergency response, employees must be available to work flexible hours, including weekends, as part of a 4/10 work schedule. Upon hire or transfer to this position, successful completion of required training courses and certifications, such as the 40-hour Health and Safety Training for the Hazardous Waste Worker, is mandatory.
Qualified candidates will have advanced knowledge of hazardous waste management practices and regulatory compliance, experience in hazardous waste identification and emergency response coordination, and strong leadership skills for training and mentoring junior inspectors. Proficiency in preparing detailed reports, maintaining records, and conducting audits is essential, along with a valid commercialdriver's license with HazMat endorsement and the ability to travel for multi-day assignments. Preferred candidates will have previous experience in hazardous waste management or environmental compliance, knowledge of County and State hazardous waste regulations, and certifications in hazardous materials handling or emergency response.
This position involves travel to multiple facilities, including landfills, transfer stations, and out-of-County transfer stations. Work will be performed in outdoor environments, handling potentially hazardous materials, and requires adherence to strict safety protocols, including the use of protective equipment.
Meet The Team!
The Department of Waste Resources serves the County's solid waste disposal needs by providing for efficient and effective landfilling of County non-hazardous waste, protecting the environment, and promoting recycling in order to ensure a safe and healthy community for current and future generations.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
• Conduct inspections on waste loads from all types of waste generators (residential, commercial, and industrial) to ensure that hazardous waste and prohibited materials are not inadvertently landfilled.
• Make final determination on acceptability of materials and direct the public to the appropriate areas for proper disposal; maintain records and prepare reports by completing appropriate forms and/or inputting data into computer.
• Inspect waste disposal receipts for proper disposal charges and waste types, enforcing current waste fee schedule.
• Contact and/or meet with responsible parties of illegally disposed waste from residential, commercial, and industrial sources; provide current information on requirements of applicable hazardous waste, universal waste and prohibited waste laws; assist individuals with resources in the proper disposal and correction of deficiencies to obtain compliance.
• Issue Notices of Infractions to landfill customers that do not follow landfill rules.
• Initiate hazardous waste incidents when necessary based on present hazards, waste types, quantities, conditions and instability; provide direction for site evacuation and isolation of hazard; coordinate with responding agencies providing accurate information for proper level of response.
• Prepare reports and documents for legal action for the District Attorney's Office relative to illegal disposal of hazardous waste; gather and categorize evidence to identify responsible parties; interview witnesses and solid waste handlers to obtain information and statements; record cost information for cost recovery billing; obtain evidence photographs with the use of photographic equipment.
• Participate as a working member of the Department's 24-hour emergency response team for spills of oil, petroleum products, hazardous and non-hazardous materials, biologically hazardous waste, and uncontrolled hazardous waste burial site clean-ups, etc.
• Conduct environmental surveys, field investigations, data collections, chemical testing, and sample collections; interpret laboratory analysis results.
• Operate and calibrate technical equipment for hazardous and radioactive material identification.
• Perform hazardous materials categorization evaluations on household, commercial, and industrial waste in the field.
• Review the work of contract staff during hazardous waste removal, asbestos clean-up, etc.
• May appear as a court witness and testify in matters relative to actions taken by the Department, the Department of Environmental Health and the District Attorney's Office relative to illegal disposal of hazardous waste.
• May plan and direct the activities of Hazardous Waste Inspector I and II positions.
• Provide hazardous waste awareness training to all Department field employees and non-County organizations, including solid waste handlers, industrial and commercial facilities, and recycling facilities.
• Conduct biweekly safety meetings for program staff; conduct audits on program safety and emergency equipment.
• May assume temporary responsibility in the absence of the Supervising Hazardous Waste Inspector.
• Inspect Department facilities and landfills for environmental compliance with hazardous materials and hazardous waste compliance which includes proper labeling of containers, secondary containment structures, signage, waste accumulation time frames, and security.
• Maintain Department facility hazardous material records including necessary permits, hazardous waste manifests and bills of lading, training documentation, and inspection forms.
• Prepare inspection reports and initiate corrections with appropriate landfill managers.
• Accompany localCUPAinspector during annual inspections at Department facilities.
• Perform load check program audits of privately owned or operated solid waste facilities (e.g., in-county and out-of-county transfer stations) to verify there is an active and effective hazardous waste exclusion program.
• Review facility operating plan and procedures prior to beginning audit activities; conduct safety meetings with facility staff regarding the audit and associated activities.
• Inspect the facilities for proper hazardous waste identification, handling, and storage.
• Travel for multi-day assignments to non-County operated facilities.
• Operate trucks and light construction equipment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
OPTION I
Experience: Two years equivalent to a County of Riverside Hazardous Waste Inspector II.
OPTION II
Experience: Three years of professional or technical experience in hazardous waste management, environmental health, environmental engineering, or a closely related field to the assignment, which included conducting inspections and investigations of hazardous waste generators to enforce hazardous waste regulations, responding to hazardous or toxic chemical spills, and developing and recommending procedures for corrective action by hazardous waste generators. (Possession of a bachelor's degree in environmental health, hazardous waste management, chemistry, toxicology, water quality, occupational health, or a closely related field to the assignment may be substituted for two years of the required experience.)
ALL OPTIONS
Knowledge of: The principles of hazardous materials management; state and federal laws and regulations governing hazardous waste and materials management; methods and procedures used in inspecting and correcting unhealthful and hazardous conditions; sampling techniques and related apparatus used to monitor and/or collect samples of substances for analyses; basic understanding of chemistry as it relates to compatibility; basic understanding of toxicology as it relates to human and environmental exposures; principles of personal safety and protection; department database programs; computer based presentation software.
Ability to: Organize and lead a staff in hazardous waste operations, providing guidance and instruction on technical matters relating to hazardous waste; perform hazardous waste inspection techniques; conduct inspections, apply investigation and enforcement principals and procedures; maintain compliance without creating unnecessary conflict; establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationship with the public, various governmental agencies and other staff members; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; plan, organize and conduct research, analysis, evaluate data, and make recommendations based on findings; communicate effectively verbally and prepare clear and concise reports; use personal computer and software programs.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
This recruitment is open to all applicants.
For questions regarding this recruitment contact Ebelyn Skinner at eskinner@rivco.org.
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APPLICATION INFORMATION
Veteran's Preference
The County has a Veterans Preference Policy applicable to new hires. To qualify, upload a copy of your (or your spouse's) Member-4 Form DD-214 indicating dates of service, and a copy of your spouse's letter of disability (if applicable) with your application. For privacy reasons, it is recommended that you remove your social security information from the document(s). A Human Resources Representative will review the materials and determine if you qualify for veterans' preference.The Veterans Preference Policy, C-3 is available here: https://rivcocob.org/board-policies
Reasonable Accommodations
The County of Riverside is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter for the position noted above. For additional information and/or to obtain the appropriate form for requesting a reasonable accommodation, please visit the Disability Access Office web page located at: https://rc-hr.com/disability
Proof of Education
If using education to qualify or when requested by the recruiter, upload a copy of any license(s), official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your NeoGov account at the time of application and before the closing date. Official or unofficial transcripts will be accepted.
If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services ( NACES ) or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. ( AICE ).
Equal Opportunity Employer
The County of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the County of Riverside to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.
Pre-Employment
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment). A pre-employment physical examination and background check may be required.
Probationary Period
As an Approved Local Merit System, all County of Riverside employees, except those serving "At Will," are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, County Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Temporary and Per Diem employees serve at the pleasure of the agency/department head.
General Information
Current County of Riverside and/or current employees of the hiring department may receive priority consideration. Qualified candidates may be considered for future County vacancies.
Job postings may close without notice based on application volume. Submit your complete application by the recruitment close date; no late applications are accepted. Ensure all relevant experience/education is reflected on your application/resume, as a failure to demonstrate position requirements may disqualify applicants. A description of job duties directly copied from the job classification or job posting will not be considered.
Please read and follow any special application instructions on this posting. Click the 'Apply' link located on this page to submit your application. For additional instructions on the application process, examinations, Veteran's preference, pre-employment accommodation or other employment questions, please refer to our web site, www.rc-hr.com .
If you are experiencing technical problems, you may contact the governmentjobs.com applicant support desk Monday through Friday, 6 am to 5 pm Pacific Time at support@governmentjobs.com or toll-free 1-855-524-5627.
MEDICAL/DENTAL/VISION INSURANCE: A choice of different medical, dental and visions plan are available to elect. The County provides a Flexible Benefit Credit contribution as governed by the applicable LIUNA Memorandum of Understanding to contribute towards the cost of these plans.
Note: Employees on assignment through the Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) receive different benefits. See the list here .
MISCELLANEOUS RETIREMENT: County of Riverside has three retirement Tiers through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS).
- Tier I (Classic Member - Formula 3% @ 60): Applicable to current and former County of Riverside local miscellaneous employees hired prior to 08/24/2012 and did not withdraw CalPERS contributions. The employee contribution is eight (8%) percent.
- Tier II (Classic Member - Formula 2% @ 60): Applicable to local miscellaneous employees 1) hired after 08/23/2012 through 12/31/2012; 2) Previously employed with another CalPERS contracting public agency or a reciprocal retirement system, with a break in service of less than six months between the separation date with the previous employer and the appointment date with the County of Riverside. The employee contribution is seven (7%) percent.
- Tier III (PEPRA New Member - Formula 2% @ 62): Applicable to CalPERS local miscellaneous new members hired on or after the implementation of the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) which took effect January 1, 2013. Effective July 1, 2023 employee contributions are 7.25% and will increase to 7.75% effective July 1, 2024.
A new member is defined as any of the following:
CalPERS refers to all members that do not fit within the definition of a new member as "classic members".
Contribution rates are subject to change based on the County of Riverside annual actuarial valuation.
Note:
This summary is for general information purposes only. Additional questions regarding retirement formulas can be sent to retirement@rivco.org or by calling the Benefits Information Line at (951) 955-4981,
Option 2.
If you have prior service credit with another CalPERS agency or within agencies, please contact CalPERS at (888) 225-7377 to determine which retirement tier would be applicable to you. CalPERS is governed by the Public Employees' Retirement Law. The Retirement Law is complex and subject to change. If there's any conflict between this summary and the law, the law will prevail over this summary.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Voluntary employee contribution with a choice between two 457 deferred compensation plan options.
VACATION ACCRUAL (Bi-Weekly Accrual):
0< 3 year = 80 Hours (10 Days)
4< 9 years = 120 Hours (15 Days)
10 or more years = 160 Hours (20 Days)
Maximum Vacation leave accumulation is 480 hours.
SICK LEAVE: Four (4) hours Sick Leave accrual per pay period with unlimited accrual.
HOLIDAYS: Normally 12 paid holidays per year
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE: Allowed 5 days (3 days are County paid; 2 additional days can be taken from accrued Sick Leave balance)
BASIC LIFE INSURANCE: Equal to one times annual base salary not to exceed $50,000 of term life coverage. Premiums are paid by the County. Additional Supplemental Life plan is available for employee purchase.
DISABILITY: Short-term Disability benefit pays up to a maximum of $461.54 weekly, payable up to a maximum of 52 weeks.
POST RETIREMENT MEDICAL CONTRIBUTION: A monthly contribution is made by the County towards retiree health insurance offered through the County as governed by the applicable Memorandum of Understanding.
OTHER: There may be other benefit provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding. Please contact the recruiter listed on the job posting directly for more information.