ON-SCENE COORDINATOR (50080412)

Job Role Summary

The On-Scene Coordinator Entry Role is a critical position requiring comprehensive training (2-year training program) before independently performing job duties. Responsibilities include providing 24-hour emergency response coverage to emergency and non-emergency public health incidents involving hazardous materials, including chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives (CBRNE). This role ensures regulatory compliance, initiates enforcement, conducts inspections and investigations, and participates in specialized programs such as Wellfield Protection, Birdwatch, Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD), and the USPS Biological Detection System (BDS).

Day in Life: A typical day involves conducting field investigations, performing compliance inspections, responding to emergency calls, attending training or exercises, and completing office duties. Emergency response may involve collaborating with first responders to mitigate hazardous materials incidents, adjusting schedules as necessary to manage urgent situations, communicating with the public and stakeholders, and generating detailed reports to ensure safety protocols are consistently followed.

Essential Duties

Emergency Response and Compliance: (30%)

• Conduct 24-hour emergency response to hazardous materials incidents, including CBRNE events, on a rotating basis.
• Respond to complaints and inquiries regarding hazardous materials or wastes, including those related to biological and chemical threats.
• Initiate enforcement actions and recommend courses of action to ensure compliance with applicable laws.
• Investigate hazardous/toxic events affecting public health in Marion County, including incidents involving biological terrorism.

Inspections and Investigations : (30%)

• Conduct inspections and investigations of hazardous materials/wastes and pollution sources, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
• Conduct comprehensive hazard analyses pre-, during, and post-incident, specifically in CBRNE scenarios.
• Analyze statistical data and prepare technical reports documenting findings and recommendations.
• Assess types and quantities of hazardous materials generated within Marion County, recommending necessary compliance and control actions.
• Perform inspections and enforcement for the Wellfield Protection Program, including research and training initiatives.

Public Communication and Education: (15%)

• Communicate risks and share information with colleagues and the public regarding hazardous materials and CBRNE threats through various media.
• Participate in public health emergency preparedness exercises and emergency responses related to hazardous materials and biological threats.
• Provide expert testimony for administrative hearings or court actions as necessary.
• Involvement with Marion County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC).

Associated Job Duties

Training and Collaboration: (25%)

• Facilitate and coordinate training for emergency response personnel in compliance with OSHA, NFPA, and hazardous materials standards, including specific CBRNE protocols.
• Participate in the Marion County Local Emergency Planning Committee and other relevant councils focused on hazardous materials and public health.
• Contribute to developing and updating emergency response plans, regulations, and standards pertaining to hazardous materials and CBRNE incidents.

• Assess and participate in determining requirements for controlling hazardous materials/wastes in Marion County; assist in the development of plans for implementing control projects and updating regulations/ordinances/standards.
• Maintain and calibrate hazardous materials/environmental monitoring equipment; manage emergency response team personal protective equipment (PPE) and spill cleanup supplies.
• Train and exercise with the Hazardous Materials team to improve response readiness and capability.
• Participate in public and environmental health-related surveys or outreach programs to educate the community on hazardous materials safety.
• Research and evaluate innovative technologies for hazardous materials detection and response.

Qualifications

Required: Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, environmental science, public safety, emergency management, or related field.

Preferred: Two years of experience in environmental investigation and regulatory enforcement or a Master’s degree with at least one year of relevant experience.

Licenses/Certifications Required

Required: Valid Indiana Driver’s License.

Training Requirements(within the first two years):

• National Fire Protection Academy HazMat Awareness, Operations, Technician.
• EMS-Emergency Vehicle Operator
• FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, IS 700, 800
• U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration National Traffic Incident Management Responder Training (TIM)

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong critical thinking, analytical skills, and decision-making capabilities.
• In-depth knowledge of local, state, and federal environmental and public health laws, specifically CBRNE-related regulations.
• Proficiency with environmental monitoring equipment, specialized software, and data analysis.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Competency in crisis management and emergency response coordination.
• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive situations involving hazardous materials and potential public health threats calmly and professionally.
• Experience with specific hazardous materials detection and monitoring technologies, such as gas detection systems and environmental sampling equipment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current and emerging regulations related to hazardous materials and public health, with a commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Strong interpersonal skills for effectively managing community relations and stakeholder communications during emergency responses.
• Ability to remain calm and make critical decisions in high-stress situations involving hazardous materials and public health threats.

Working Environment

• Predominantly field-based work in diverse outdoor environments, subject to various weather conditions.
• Regularly lift and maneuver equipment and materials weighing up to 40 pounds; extended periods of 
• standing and walking are routine.
• Frequent travel within Marion County using a personal vehicle (mileage reimbursed).
• Routine exposure to hazardous substances, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols and PPE use.
• Encounters challenging scenarios, including managing interactions with distressed or confrontational individuals.
• Occasional exposure to biohazards and infectious agents, requiring training and vaccination adherence as mandated.
• Collaborative work environment requiring close interaction with emergency response teams and public health officials to ensure effective incident management.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, based on emergency response needs.
• Strict adherence to safety protocols and guidelines is required to ensure personal and public safety during hazardous materials incidents.
• Fieldwork may take place in diverse environments, including urban, suburban, and rural areas, requiring adaptability to varying conditions.