What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Hazardous Materials Inspector Fire Department position at City of San Jose?
The San José Fire Department's (SJFD) core mission is to serve the community by protecting life, property, and the environment through prevention and response. SJFD is a high-volume, high-performance, all-risk Fire Department that protects approximately 200 square miles, including residential, commercial, high-rise, wildland interface areas, and a number of high-hazard occupancies. For additional information visit sjfd.org.
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The San José Fire Department is seeking candidates for one (1) Senior Hazardous Materials Inspector position within the Bureau of Fire Prevention. This is the supervisory level in a three-tier inspection series of the Fire Department's Hazardous Materials Program. Incumbents participate in and oversee the work of Hazardous Materials Inspectors involved in enforcing city ordinances and codes governing the Hazardous Materials Program. Individuals in this position receive administrative guidance from the Division Manager and perform challenging and complex plan reviews, inspections, and investigations. They are responsible for recommending changes based on new processes and procedures. This role differs from the next lower class of Hazardous Materials Inspector II, where incumbents carry out inspection work under the supervision of the Senior Hazardous Materials Inspector.
Duties for this position include, but are not limited to:
Assist in developing the Hazardous Materials Inspection program, goals, and budget.
Assigns, supervises and coordinates the work of Hazardous Materials Inspectors.
Provides technical guidance and training to Hazardous Materials Inspectors.
Establishes procedures for reviewing and approving Hazardous Materials Management Plans for occupancies requiring Short- or Long-Form Management Plans.
Assists in performing complex hazardous materials system plan reviews and inspections in support of the Hazardous Materials Unit to meet plan check quality and timeline target expectations.
Prepares required reports associated with reviewing progress, accomplishments of performance metrics, investigations, compliance orders, and other reports as required.
Attends seminars, workshops, and other types of training to maintain current knowledge of information related to hazardous materials.
Appears in court to provide testimony, as required.
Liaison with other internal Development Services partners, outside regulatory agencies, and cities that have adopted the model ordinance.
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Salary range for this classification is $138,902.40-$169,325.52 paid annually.
This range includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable pay. Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates’ qualifications and experience.
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.
Education: Any combination of training and experience equivalent to successful completion of advanced undergraduate coursework in Chemistry, Biology, Geology, or other related science associated with studying hazardous materials, soil or groundwater contamination, or the environment.
Experience: four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in industrial or hazardous waste inspection or permit issuance, enforcement, and explanation of laws, ordinances, and codes related to physical testing, of which two (2) years must be at the level of a Hazardous Materials Inspector II equivalent level.
Certifications:
Possession of a Valid Driver’s License is required.
Possession of a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager Certification is preferred.
The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of chemistry, biology, physics, industrial hygiene, or geology as applied to managing hazardous materials, hazardous wastes, and industrial wastes.
Knowledge of quality assurance programs and procedures, sampling techniques, statistical analysis, laboratory equipment and its uses.
Ability to supervise and direct the work of others.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Knowledge of Federal, State, and local hazardous materials laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances for complex hazardous materials systems used for storage and use in multiple occupancy classifications.
Knowledge of programs that deliver effective customer service resulting in hazardous materials compliance from hazardous materials users.
An ideal candidate for a position should possess a combination of technical expertise, leadership skills, regulatory knowledge, and practical experience associated with the California Fire Code and applicable standards. Strong communication skills are essential for the Hazardous Materials Senior Inspector, including the ability to clearly convey technical information to employees, management, regulatory agencies, and emergency responders. Proficiency in report writing and documentation ensures accurate preparation of safety protocols and compliance reports. Active listening and collaboration are crucial for understanding concerns and ensuring effective action, while conflict resolution and negotiation skills help maintain compliance and positive workplace relationships.
The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to all the job-specific questions. You must answer all questions to be considered, or your application may be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses. Please be advised that use of AI content in your responses may result in your removal from the hiring process. Only those candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews, one of which may include a practical and/or writing exercise.
If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Eduardo Gonzalez atEduardo1.Gonzalez@sanjoseca.gov
Salary : $138,902 - $169,326
