Environmental Specialist-Household Hazardous Waste Environmental Health, Environmental Services

SALARY:  
  Starting Range: $33.95-$40.53/hourly
Full Range: $33.95-$49.82/hourly

Grade 20, Non-Exempt Position, Teamsters-General Unit 

 
Stearns County derives strength from the diversity of its workforce and provides a welcoming environment where all are respected, honored and valued. We are seeking a highly dedicated individual to join our Environmental Services Household Hazardous Waste Team. If you are interested in helping to strengthen our communities by helping the individuals within them, this is your opportunity to make a difference through a rewarding career in public service and enjoy the excellent quality of life in Central Minnesota.

Position Objective
To provide implementation of the collection and management of household hazardous waste and problem materials. This position is responsible for maintaining awareness of safety procedures and educating the public about laws and policies involved with household hazardous waste and problem materials.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
These examples do not include all possible responsibilities in this position and do not limit the assignment of related duties to this classification.

1. Coordinates household hazardous waste collection events with local units of government, service organizations, and the Tri-County Solid Waste Commission.
2. Identifies and retrieves household hazardous waste materials and problem materials from customers; maintains records in compliance with state and federal laws.
3. Provides assistance in administering and implementing the County's household hazardous waste education program.
4. Establishes and maintains used product exchanges; assists in seeking outlets for waste and problem materials.
5. Performs cleaning and maintenance duties necessary to maintain, clean, safe, and orderly working conditions in the collection vehicle and at collection sites and the collection facility.
6. Maintains awareness of chemical hazards and safe handling procedures.
7. Coordinates the County's participation in the radon program.
8. Assists in resolving complaints related to household and hazardous waste.
9. Assists in the oversight, assessment and cleanup of contaminated properties.
10. Serves on the County Safety Committee; assures that staff meets safety training requirements.
11. Coordinates and participates in environmental educational activities; develops educational materials.
12. Assists with preparing, submitting, and monitoring grants, contracts, and reports.
13. Assists with the development and production of the department newsletter.
14. Attends work regularly and in a timely manner.
15. Performs other duties as assigned or apparent.Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in environmental studies, biology, chemistry, or similar field (education must include 11 or more semester credits in chemistry)
• Must possess a valid Minnesota Class "D" Driver's License or have the ability to obtain within 30 days of employment
• Reliable transportation to travel to multiple locations around Stearns County, some of which may not be accessible by public transportation
  
  Ability to obtain/complete the following criteria within 180 days of hire date with training provided by Stearns County:
• Valid Minnesota Class "A" Commercial Driver's License with a Hazardous Materials Endorsement 
• Powered Industrial Truck Operator's Certification  
• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 40-hour HAZWOPER

Preferred Experience Beyond Minimum Qualifications 

• Possession of a Hazardous Materials certification by the State of Minnesota
• Working with household hazardous waste
• Working with MNDOT or USDOT Highway transportation of hazardous materials and waste; working with US HAZMAT Transportation Security Awareness
• Working with Minnesota household hazardous waste rules
• Making minor repairs and adjustments to service equipment
• Operating trucks and other light automotive equipment
• Using Microsoft Office Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Dynamic Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
1. Knowledge of environmental legislation and the legislative process.
2. Knowledge of the principles and practices related to the recognition, elimination, and control of environmental health hazards.
3. Knowledge of legal procedures involved in the enforcement of regulations.
4. Knowledge of developing and implementing plans and programs in the public sectors.
5. Knowledge of common household hazardous wastes and problem materials.
6. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and exercise sound judgment.
7. Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.Accountabilities Shared By All Employees
1. Performs job responsibilities in a manner consistent with the County's vision, mission and values.
2. Develops and maintains a thorough working knowledge of all department and County-wide policies, protocols and procedures that apply to the performance of this position.
3. Develops respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers.
4. Informs immediate supervisor of all important matters pertaining to assigned job responsibilities.
5. Seeks opportunities for further personal growth and development.
6. Represents the County in a professional manner to all internal and external contacts when doing the County's business.
7. Complies with all rules and policies in order to maintain a safe work environment.

Work Environment and Physical Demands
The primary responsibilities for this position will be performed approximately 50% of the time indoors and approximately 50% of the time outdoors. Will require frequent travel to off-site locations. Will have some exposure to health hazards and accidents. All employees are required to reside within the state of Minnesota. Click the following to view the: Functional Job Analysis for this job.

Extent of Supervision or Guidance Provided
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Environmental Health Division Supervisor.

Responsibility for Public Contact
Frequent.Hours of Work

This position has a usual work schedule of 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday; may include overtime hours as needed.

Interview Date
If you are selected to be interviewed for this position, interviews will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025. Invitations to interview will be based upon an assessment of education and experience. If a college degree is required for this position, an official sealed college transcript must be presented at the time of interview. A job specific physical, drug and/or psychological exam may be required before appointment.

If you require special accommodations to participate in the Stearns County hiring process, please contact us at 320-656-3606.

Salary : $34 - $50