Household Hazardous Waste Safety Specialist

Job Description

Hennepin County's Environment and Energy department is seeking a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Specialist to join the Solid Waste division. This position will oversee operations of the Household Hazardous Waste permanent facilities, including developing, implementing and monitoring a safety and health program for the HHW unit. The mission of the Environment and Energy department is to preserve and enhance Hennepin County's environment for future generations through the responsible management of wastes and natural resources and the promotion of environmental stewardship.
Current Hennepin County employees who refer a candidate hired into an open competitive position may be eligible for a $500 referral bonus. For more information visit the employee referral program page.

Location and hours:
This position will work at two of our drop-off facilities: the Brooklyn Park Transfer Station at 8100 Jefferson Highway, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445, and the South Hennepin Recycling Center and Problem Waste Drop-off Center at 1400 West 96th Street, Bloomington, MN 55431. Work hours will be Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., with flexibility based on operational needs. New Employee Orientation (NEO) for all new benefit-earning employees is in-person in downtown Minneapolis. Details about NEO will be provided upon hire.

About this position type:
This is a full-time, benefit earning position.
This position is internally classified as an Environmentalist, Senior.
Click here to view the job classification specification.
In this position, you will:
• Oversee operations of Household Hazardous Waste program including the permanent HHW facilities and HHW event collections.

• Mange vendor contracts for the collection and disposal of HHW and problem materials.

• Schedule and coordinate with contractors (e.g., waste management, operational staff, county staff, and other partners).

• Develop and deliver new safety training programs; review, update, and teach existing training courses and supporting materials.

• Participate in and/or lead department safety teams/committees

• Participate in efforts with the countywide Workplace Safety team regarding internal safety audits and programs or initiatives; partner closely with other subject matter experts from the countywide Workplace Safety team.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the HHW unit regarding regulatory compliance investigations, workplace safety consultation, employee and departmental safety concerns, and safety training needs.

• Review, establish, and audit on-site safety and regulatory compliance; review wastes delivered for acceptability.

• Review and sign shipping documents; enter and file all pertinent data and paperwork.

• Participate in the development and management of hazardous waste disposal contracts.

• Participate in the development and implementation of product stewardship initiatives.

Need to have:
• One of the following:
• Bachelor's degree or higher in chemistry or chemical engineering, occupational safety, industrial safety, or a closely related field and two or more years of experience in hazardous waste management or industrial chemical testing and analysis.

• Associates degree in a field closely related to the assignment and four or more years of experience in work related to the assignment.

• A valid driver's license and the ability to obtain a Hennepin County driver's permit within six months of hire.

Nice to have:

• Three or more years of experience:
• Managing household hazardous waste collections, including identification, sorting, packaging, and shipping hazardous wastes and/or three years or more of experience in safety related to HHW programs.

• Developing and delivering new safety training programs; review, update, and teach existing training courses and supporting materials.

• In chemical safety practices and protocols.

• Certification as a Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) or a Hazardous Materials Practitioner (CHMP) or the ability to become certified within two years of employment.

• Safety professional credentials (ASP - Associate Safety Professional and CSP - Certified Safety Professional), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), National Safety Council Advanced Safety Certification (ASC), or other related certifications.

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations related to hazardous waste.

• Proficiency using Microsoft Office (Word, Access, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Outlook.

About the department:
The Environment and Energy department protects and preserves the environment to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations. We engage communities to develop and enact sustainable solutions. We focus on reducing and responsibly managing waste, protecting and preserving ecosystems, delivering clean energy and promoting environmental stewardship.

About Hennepin County:
Hennepin is the largest county government organization in Minnesota. Our employees work every day to improve the health, safety and quality of life for our residents and communities. All of our jobs align with our mission to serve residents through transformative services that eliminate disparities, eliminate inequities, and create opportunity for all and our vision of a community where all people are healthy, all people are valued, and all people thrive. Our employees receive a combination of competitive benefits and positive workplace culture not found at other organizations. This includes meaningful work that impacts our community, competitive pay, work-life balance, a variety of benefits and opportunities to grow. Learn more at The Bridge (login as Guest).
Hennepin County envisions an organization where our commitment to diversity and the elimination of disparities is fundamental in providing excellent service to our community.Your future. Made here.This posting may be used to fill current and future vacancies.Watch this video for application best practices and tips.

Invitations to interview will be based upon an assessment of education and experience. Final candidates may be required to complete a criminal background check.

If you have any questions, please contact:
Lidy Vu
lidy.vu@hennepincounty.gov