Hazardous Materials Specialist IV (Open & Promotional)

Hazardous Materials Specialist IV (Open & Promotional) County of San Mateo, CA, United States San Mateo County Health is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Hazardous Materials Specialist IV. In this lead role, the Hazardous Materials Specialist IV provides direction to a team of inspection staff while serving as a technical expert across multiple hazardous materials programs. This position plays a critical role in ensuring County-wide compliance with hazardous materials laws, regulations, and ordinances. Key responsibilities include overseeing inspection activities, supporting program implementation, conducting community outreach, managing contracts and grants, and serving as a liaison with State agencies and regional advisory groups. The Specialist IV also ensures compliance with state reporting requirements and leads efforts to evaluate, revise, and standardize policies and procedures. In addition to these leadership duties, the Hazardous Materials Specialist IV performs the full scope of work assigned to Hazardous Materials Specialists I/II/III. This includes independently managing an inspection district of approximately 200 facilities and conducting inspections, investigations, and enforcement activities related to hazardous materials regulations. The selected candidate must obtain and maintain an International Code Council (ICC) California Inspector certification for underground storage tanks and complete aboveground storage tank certification within six months of hire. Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate brings strong technical expertise across CUPA program areas, along with experience in inspection, education, and enforcement. They are skilled at interpreting complex regulations and applying them consistently and equitably. They communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, and can effectively explain technical information to a wide range of audiences, including staff, facility representatives, elected officials, and community members. This individual is a collaborative and approachable problem-solver who builds strong working relationships with colleagues, industry partners, and regulatory agencies. Program Areas Hazardous Materials Emergency Response – Technical expert for the County’s Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Team, maintaining monitoring equipment, developing response protocols, and ensuring team readiness through training and guidance. Stormwater – Management of commercial and industrial responsibilities under the County’s Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES Permit (MRP). Provides training and oversight to inspectors, prepares required plans, and coordinates reporting. Waste Tire Enforcement Grant – Administration of a CalRecycle grant to enforce waste tire regulations, overseeing inspection activities and coordinating with CalRecycle. CUPA Core Programs – Oversight for assigned CUPA programs, including: Hazardous Materials Storage (HMBP): Oversees inspections, program implementation, and Area Plan development. California Accidental Release Program (CalARP): Conducts inspections for regulated sites. Underground Storage Tanks (UST): Provides oversight for plan checks and inspection activities. Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act (APSA): Ensures program implementation and inspector certification compliance. Hazardous Waste: Oversees hazardous waste tracking, EPA ID management, and inspections. Tiered Permitting: Manages reporting requirements and inspection oversight. Enforcement Ensures consistent enforcement across all programs and staff. Coordinates formal enforcement actions, including administrative cases and District Attorney referrals. Example of Duties Provide lead direction, training, and work review to staff; assign and coordinate work and ensure timely completion. Contribute to hiring decisions, performance evaluations, and disciplinary processes. Serve as a technical expert and advisor in assigned program areas. Conduct inspections to ensure compliance with hazardous materials laws and regulations. Operate and interpret results from field testing equipment. Perform studies, audits, investigations, and inspections; recommend corrective actions. Develop and standardize inspection procedures and techniques. Conduct enforcement activities and support County-wide projects. Investigate and resolve complaints; act as liaison with community groups, agencies, and businesses. Support site mitigation monitoring and collect samples. Respond to hazardous materials emergencies as needed. Analyze data and develop proposed policies, procedures, or legislation. Provide regulatory guidance to stakeholders. Deliver staff and public training programs. Maintain records and prepare reports and correspondence. Serve as an expert witness when required. Perform other duties as assigned. Education and Experience Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is three years of journey-level experience in hazardous materials management, demonstrating significant responsibility in storage, transportation, handling and disposal of hazardous materials and/or hazardous waste, underground tank construction, monitoring and removal, or underground tank site remediation. Knowledge Hazardous materials management, including scientific background, technology, principles, methods, investigative techniques and problems. Laws, regulations and codes governing hazardous materials. Emergency response procedures and protocols. Government agencies, community organizations and businesses related to environmental health and hazardous materials management. Basic practices in transportation and disposal of hazardous waste. Skill/Ability Plan, direct, and coordinate a program of research, study, and investigation in hazardous materials/waste management. Interpret laws, regulations and data. Define difficult problem areas, analyze complex data and make valid recommendations. Advise and instruct others on compliance requirements of hazardous waste programs. Comply with local ordinances and state law. Work independently. Keep complex and accurate records. Speak effectively and make public presentations. Prepare clear, concise reports and correspondence. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others. Use, repair and calibrate field equipment. Handle and analyze hazardous waste for further classification. Equal Opportunity Statement The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. #J-18808-Ljbffr