Job Role Summary

The Hazardous Materials Specialist is responsible for conducting emergency responses, inspections, investigations and surveys to incidents or situations involving hazardous materials/wastes, infectious materials, environmental pollution and radiation sources. The Hazardous Materials Specialist ensures compliance with applicable laws/regulations; initiates appropriate enforcement action and/or recommends course of action to bring violations into compliance. The Hazardous Materials Specialist provides consultation to industry, community, and agencies on controlling/managing hazardous materials in Marion County. The Hazardous Materials Specialist performs assigned tasks related to environmental and public health protection during emergency events or disasters. The Hazardous Materials Specialist performs twenty-four hour (24 hour) response on a rotating basis.

Associated Job Duties

• Assesses/participates in determining what is needed to control hazardous materials/wastes in Marion County; assists in the development of plans for implementing control projects and updating regulations / ordinances/ standards.
• Provides consultation to industry, community and agencies using the collected data. 
• Coordinates assignments with other staff; identifies training needs. 
• Assists in training of new staff. 
• Manages projects/programs as directed. 
• Accounts for the health and safety of a large segment of the local population/co-workers and equipment used. 
• Researches and evaluates new technologies. 
• Participates in public/environmental health related surveys or public outreach. 
• Assists administrative support staff as needed, e.g., answering the department's main phone line. 
• Performs related duties as required.

Qualifications

• Completion of a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree with emphasis in physical science, chemistry, environmental science, or closely related area; plus,
• 2-3 years' experience conducting environmental investigations, preferably in the area of hazardous materials/hazardous waste, desired.
• Registered Environmental Health Specialist or Certified Hazardous Materials Manager desired

Licenses/Certifications Required

• Obtain State of Indiana Hazardous Materials Technician Certification within a year of employment

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• State and federal laws, rules, regulations related to hazardous materials/hazardous waste;
• Public health principles and practices related to hazardous materials/wastes and toxicology;
• Control and analysis of methods/practices used in determining and eliminating health hazards associated with hazardous materials/wastes;
• Applicable OSHA standards;
• Operating an emergency response vehicle and
• Incident management, including the incident command system.
• Plan and organize work;
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• Establish effective relationships with staff, other governmental agencies, the business community, management and the public;
• Avoid and de-escalate conflict and resolve disputes in a professional manner;
• Use complex environmental monitoring equipment;
• Use software available within the agency to perform research, record keeping, communication, data analysis, and interpretation;
• Use Web-based applications, such as search and retrieving information