HazMat Technician

Job Description Position Summary The incumbent serves as a member of the Somerset County Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Team (HazMat Team). HazMat Technicians are tasked with the response to and mitigation of incidents involving hazardous materials throughout Somerset County and its designated mutual aid areas to protect life, property, and the environment. HazMat Technicians and resources may also be deployed in support of planned events, community outreach, and other duties as assigned. Additionally, the HazMat Team personnel provide support to the Somerset County Department of Health in areas related to environmental compliance and enforcement programs. The HazMat Team provides for response on a 24/7/365 basis; HazMat Technicians, when scheduled, will be required to support these 24/7 operations through potentially adverse conditions and weather. The primary schedule for Per‑Diem HazMat Technicians will consist of assigned on‑call periods which will include nights and weekend coverage. This position reports to the Deputy Coordinators / Duty Officers of the Somerset County Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Team and the Emergency Response Coordinator of the Somerset County Office of Emergency Management. Emergency Designation: Essential Employee - This position is indispensable to the emergency service function of the division/department and is required to assist in meeting the operational needs. Essential Functions Respond to incidents / events related to hazardous materials such as transportation, commercial and industrial accidents. Perform the duties of an assigned hazardous materials position within the local incident command system (ICS). Assess situations and report conditions to Hazmat Officer in charge and/or Incident/Unified Command. Collect and interpret hazard and response information from printed resources, computer databases, and monitoring/metering equipment. Plan a response within the capabilities of available personnel, personal protective equipment, and control equipment. Identify the response objectives for hazardous materials incidents and potential action options available by response objectives. Develop a plan of action, including safety considerations, consistent with the local emergency response plan and the department’s standard operating procedures. Select the appropriate personal protective equipment required for a hazardous materials incident. Don, work‑in, and doff personal protective clothing, including but not limited to both liquid splash and vapor protective clothing with appropriate respiratory protection. This includes but not limited to levels A, B or C chemical protection and Self‑Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). Appropriately select and operate monitoring and identification and detection equipment and other specialty technical equipment. Implement leak or spill containment and control measures to favorably change the outcome of the incident / protect life & property. Setup decontamination areas / corridors and perform or manage decontamination duties. Inspect hazmat sites after spill is controlled to determine the extent of contamination. Monitor the safety and well‑being of other team members and bring hazardous situations to the attention of an Officer. Drive and operate hazmat vehicles and equipment in manner consistent with public safety. Attend team training sessions or other training as required or available to maintain skills at the hazardous material technician level as required by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120, NFPA 470, NIMS / ITS, and Somerset County employee requirements. Work with local, county, state and federal officials when responding to accidents, disasters, and investigation calls. Directs the work of others, including contractors and sub‑contractors, to ensure that activities meet program standards. Inform and educate other agencies and the public on hazmat incident prevention and safety. Work with industrial contacts to conduct drills, develop action plans at incidents, and pre‑planning purposes. Perform administrative duties to include but not limited to, preparing incident reports, tracking attendance, maintenance records, and cost recovery. Works with the CEHA Section of the Somerset County Department of Health to schedule, conduct, and complete administrative tasks associated with delegated CEHA Work Plan initiatives. Perform other duties, tasks, and special projects as assigned. Qualifications Must possess a valid New Jersey Driver’s License. Must have current Hazmat Technician / On‑Scene Incident Commander certifications compliant with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120, NFPA 470, ProBoard, or equivalent. Possession of a valid Firefighter I certificate issued by the State of New Jersey. Ability to effect and maintain working relationships with Department and Division Heads, supervisors, employees, government agencies, regulated communities, and the public. Computer proficient. Current BLS level First Aid/CPR Certification (or obtain within 6 months). NIMS / ITS 100, 200, and 700. Must reside in the County of Somerset, New Jersey. Preferred 5 years of experience related to hazardous materials incidents response. Knowledge of County policies and procedures. Possession of a valid EMT certificate issued by the New Jersey Department of Health and Human Services, National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT), or equivalent. #J-18808-Ljbffr