Environmental Specialist - HHW - Solid Waste

Environmental Specialist II - Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)

Solid Waste

Pay Range: $23.03/hourly - $33.39/hourly

** Internal candidates should apply via Polk One- Me Section **

Location: Polk County Landfill (10 Environmental Loop, Winter Haven, FL 33830)

Employee Benefits

• Direct Deposit, Bi-Weekly Pay Checks
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life Insurance
• FRS Retirement
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Education Incentives
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Wellness Incentives
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Free Employee Gym
• Free Employee Health Clinic

Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below:

Performs technical field/office work required for Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Facility operation. Greets the public, assists in unloading their vehicles, and receives/sorts incoming household hazardous wastes. Represents the County at local HHW collection events. Responsible for identifying, segregating, storing and managing household hazardous wastes and Universal Wastes appropriately. Maintains the Waste Exchange Program for HHW.

Performs technical field and office work as required for the County’s small quantity hazardous waste (SQG) generator inspection program. Advises small quantity generators of hazardous waste on methods of reducing production of these wastes. Documents inspection results, any deficiencies and recommendations. Maintain a computer database and records on inspections and investigations. May investigate various hazardous waste/solid waste complaints and prepares reports and correspondence as required. May assist in the preparation and maintenance of technical charts, graphs, data summaries, and other related records and reports.

Assists with ancillary solid waste operations (such as wastewater/leachate removal using a vacuum truck) and special waste management. Special wastes include but are not limited to: yard waste, scrap metal, refrigerant containing devices, waste tires and recyclables. Operates heavy equipment and equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, lift gates, trucks, trailers, pumps and other equipment as needed. Performs clean-up and decontamination procedures as needed, maintains inventory lists, data summaries, and various reports as needed.

Utilizes personal protective equipment daily. Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of the physical or natural sciences. Basic knowledge of proper storage, treatment, and disposal of Hazardous Wastes. Ability to recognize potential hazards. Knowledge of the potential hazards associated with Hazardous Wastes. Must be able to work well with the public and other employees, field phone calls and assist in the education of the public. Knowledge of EPA and Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) rules on solid, hazardous and universal waste management.

Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze, and interpret scientific and technical data. Ability to perform limited chemical tests and to work with a wide variety of chemicals. Ability to understand and follow both written and oral instructions. Ability to learn and adhere to proper safety procedures. Ability to work in all weather and environmental conditions (i.e., sun, rain, cold, swamp, ditches, dirt). Must be able to lift and carry up to forty five (45) pounds of bulky equipment. Ability to bend, stoop, sit, and stand. Ability to learn and ensure application of rules, regulations, policies and procedures related to environmental matters. Ability to concentrate on detail and sequential work tasks. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Graduate of an accredited four (4) year college or university with major course work in physical or natural science, Engineering or related field.

Must have valid Florida driver's license at the time of employment within this classification.

Minimum of four (4) years’ experience in hazardous waste management and properly utilizing personal protective equipment required for the management of solid and hazardous wastes and operation of related equipment.

Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license at the time of employment.

A comparable amount of related education, training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

No later than six (6) months after employment, must satisfactorily complete TREEO spotter certification course.

Must have, or be able to obtain within 6 months of employment, OSHA 40 hr HAZWOPER certification. This certification must be kept current at all times for this position.

Air purifying respirator fit certification must be obtained and maintained no later than six (6) months after employment within this class.

Annual medical monitoring is required in this position.

This position shall be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County.