Solid & Hazardous Waste Specialist/Senior Specialist

Provides regulatory oversight of facilities and sites subject to laws and regulations. Conducts landfill operational and construction inspections including waste tire facilities.  Completes all regulatory and program reporting and recordkeeping.  Conducts complaint investigations and resolution. Reviews operational and monitoring data. Coordinates regulatory and enforcement activities with state and local agencies. Supports department priorities pertaining to air quality issues and activities. Administers and coordinates all contracts and intergovernmental agreements pertaining to program funding and services. 

Solid and Hazardous Waste Specialist: This is a technical specialist with limited or intermediate experience in which the employee is learning and mastering skills that require closer oversight from supervisor and senior level employees to ensure they are carrying out the scope and responsibilities as outlined in the job description and program procedures to handle more complex situations independently. 

Senior Solid and Hazardous Waste Specialist: This is an experienced level position requiring critical thinking and problem-solving skills, independent work with minimal oversight in making complex decisions. This position will have a higher level of technical expertise and knowledge to independently implement the solid waste program and speak to a wide variety of audiences and stakeholders using advanced communication tactics, strategies and system thinking skills.

LEARNING RESPONSIBILITY:  

• Must commit to a learning mindset and continuous improvement regarding the practice of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of work within Adams County and The Department of Public Health including management style, work style, training, communication, and evaluation.

ACTION-RELATED RESPONSIBILITY RE: WORK OF THE POSITION:  

• Performs both internal and external work in a way that is equitably inclusive and effective within the diverse communities we serve.
• Regularly assesses work and supports changes to remove systemic barriers, build systems that address inequities, and integrate Health Equity into all areas of work.  
• Creates and maintains partnerships and processes that support and integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of Adams County Health Department work.
• Prioritizes transparency and supports an open-door culture. 
• Integrates diversity, equity, and inclusion into internal and external goal setting.

Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all tasks, which may be found in positions of this class.  The Adams County Health Department retains the right to modify or change the duties or essential and additional functions of the job at any time.

• Administers solid waste program for Adams County Health Department (ACHD).   Prepares reports on inspections, investigations, and program activities. Coordinates with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), local governments and the regulated industry in carrying out program functions. Coordinates with Community and Economic Development on programmatic collaborations.  
• Conducts operational and construction inspections at solid waste disposal sites and facilities. Ensures proper resolution of construction and design related issues through document review and field oversight. Completes all regulatory and program reporting and recordkeeping. Conducts reviews of landfill design and operations plans. Conducts investigations and responds to public concerns and complaints.
• In accordance with established agreements, provides consultation to local governments having jurisdiction pertaining to landfill operations and construction activities.  Coordinates with local government personnel in carrying out scope of work.   
• Implements CDPHE Waste Tire contract and inspection program. 
• Conducts biosolid land application inspections of sites and ensures correct biosolid application practices. Writes inspection reports and submits to CDPHE for reimbursement.  Plans and implements program at local level. Acts as a liaison between parties to educate and respond to complaints.
• Supports the department’s priorities related to past and emerging air quality issues.  Serves as a liaison to CDPHE for air quality complaints received by the health department.   Coordinates with staff in Community and Economic Development as needed related to air quality matters, particularly complaints. 
• Acts asarepresentativeofACHD inpublicmeetings and discussions withindustry, citizengroups, and organizations toprovidetechnicalprograminformationanddirection tointerpretlaws,regulations,andpolicies.
• Responds to requests for information or assistance from citizens and industry regarding proper management of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes.
• May support other solid and hazardous waste program functions within the EH Division including but not limited to Rocky Mountain Arsenal and flammable gas issues. Collaborates with other EH programs and County departments related to air quality matters and land use planning.
• Participates in various committees and boards related to program activities and responsibilities.
• Performsother dutiesas assignedandrequired.

HIPAA STATEMENT
Maintain sensitive & confidential client information according to the HIPAA policy.Knowledge of:

• Principles, techniques, practices, and procedures as related to environmental health in a community public health program.
• Administration and working of state agencies, including CDPHE.
• Colorado and Federal hazardous waste and substance regulations.
• Superfund and hazardous waste sites.
• Landfill design, construction, operations, and engineering.
• Flammable gas issues and mitigation designs
• Design review processes and procedures.
• Remediation methods and processes.
• Governmental structures, policies, processes, and procedures. 
• Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
• Regional air quality issues 

Ability to:

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other ACHD employees, representatives of other agencies and organizations, and members of the community. 
• Act as an official representative of ACHD in a professional manner with local, state, and national agencies and organizations.
• Conduct technical review of landfill design documents, Construction Quality Assurance documents and reports, utilize specific regulations and associated guidance documents, identify issues, and develop and implement solutions and/or alternatives associated with projects.
• Conduct technical site visits and communicate findings to responsible entities and appropriate internal and external stakeholders and regulatory authorities.  

Equipment Used:

• Standard office equipment including, but not limited to, personal computer and associated hardware and software.  Personal vehicle for job related travel.

Solid & Hazardous Waste Specialist:
Education & Experience: 

• Minimum of 3 years of  experience, with primary responsibility in the areas of environmental health, public health, environmental sciences, engineering, geology, or a related field  
• 1 year of experience specifically related to solid and hazardous waste preferred.
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in  environmental health, public health, environmental sciences, engineering, geology, or a related field.
• A master's degree is preferred and may substitute for 2 years of Environmental Health experience.

Senior Solid & Hazardous Waste Specialist:
Education & Experience:  

• Minimum of 5 years of experience with primary responsibility in the areas of environmental health, public health, environmental sciences, engineering, geology, or a related field.
• 3 years of experience specifically related to solid and hazardous waste preferred.
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in environmental health, public health, environmental sciences, engineering, geology, or a related field.
• A master's degree is preferred and may substitute for 2 years of Environmental Health experience.
• Requires an approved industry specific credential or certification, or registration as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). Credentials or certifications must be obtained within one (1) year of employment. Continuing education hours must be maintained in accordance with the credential or certification. Documentation of certification or credential in good standing must be providing upon request. 

Special Qualifications:
Preferred:
Comprehensive Environmental Response, and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and state equivalent experience in:

• The resolution of conflict related to regulatory, technical, procedural, and community issues associated with implementation and monitoring of a RCRA remedy.
• Effectively communicating with parties involved sites, at including but not limited, CDPHE, entities responsible for implementing the remediation (responsible parties and their consultants), state and local government officials, and concerned community members.

Required:

• Possession of or ability to obtain Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s 40 hour Hazardous Waste Operations certification and confined space training.  Ability to obtain EPA Method 9 opacity certification and training with in 1 year of hire. 
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS DUTIES 
Employee responds, as required, to support public health emergencies, incidents and events. Employee participates in all exercises and drills on emergency preparedness and response as required. Completes trainings identified as appropriate for this level employee.

Salary : $72,168 - $110,922