Hazardous Waste Specialist
Salary
$30.99 - $41.55 Hourly
Location
Portland, OR
Job Type
Full Time
Department
Waste Prevention and Environmental Services
Job Number
2022-0332-WPES
Closing
8/19/2022 5:00 PM Pacific
Position summary
This is an internal recruitment opportunity only. Internal applicants must be current employees of Metro in a regular, limited duration, regular part-time, seasonal, temporary, or variable hour position.
Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today and tomorrow. We offer a highly competitive compensation and benefits program. Learn more about the benefits Metro offers.
Are you someone who is passionate about protecting our environment? Do you have at least a few years of experience in Hazardous Waste processing and are ready to move up to a leadership role? Then you may be the perfect person to apply for a vacant Hazardous Waste Specialist position at Metro Central Transfer Station.
As a Hazardous Waste Specialist, you will work to ensure the safe and proper handling of hazardous waste that is generated by residents and small businesses. This position works primarily with Hazardous Waste Specialists, Technicians, Supervisors, and other Metro employees and contractors. In this role, you will help to prioritize daily activities for the Hazardous Waste team, direct the daily activities of Technicians, and coordinate with Hazardous Waste Supervisors to operate the Central Hazardous Waste facility safely and efficiently. Specialists help to ensure that services are accessible to all residents in the region. You will also maintain positive relationships with internal partners to support Metro’s safety, business, equity, and environmental goals. Further, you may be involved with planning for Hazardous Waste programs and the Central Hazardous Waste facility.
The person selected for this job will work at the Metro Central Hazardous Waste facility in northwest Portland and at community collection events. Hazardous waste is collected from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Metro Central Transfer Station, 6161 NW 61st Avenue in Portland, from Monday through Saturday. Community collection events typically are scheduled during spring and fall weekends at locations throughout the region; four to six collection events are being planned for the fall. Metro Central Transfer Station is 1.5 miles from the NW Yeon & 44th Trimet bus stop (ID 13637).
As a Hazardous Waste Specialist you will:
Prioritize safety in all your work and take action to help coworkers work safely
Maintain a cordial and respectful workplace for coworkers and customers
Perform complex hazardous waste processing and operational tasks
Collaborate with Hazardous Waste supervisors and other Metro leaders to ensure program goals and priorities are met
Direct and monitor daily activities of Hazardous Waste Technicians
Perform the work of a Hazardous Waste Technician, including receiving, sorting, packaging and preparing for shipment household and commercially generated hazardous waste according to regulations set by the Department of Transportation, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Determine the regulatory status of waste materials as required by Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in order to authorize the acceptance of hazardous wastes at collection facilities and events
Identify unknown materials using wet chemistry analysis techniques to determine the hazard class for proper disposal
Train regular and variable hour Hazardous Waste Technicians and interns
Coordinate with site contractors to investigate improper and/or illegal waste disposal in the transfer station
Prepare transportation manifests, maintain associated records, and make arrangements with waste disposal contractors for shipments of hazardous waste
Assist supervisor(s) in ensuring all record keeping, reporting functions and facility operations are in compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations
Work with other employees, local government, and businesses to organize satellite collection events
Operate a Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator/Very Small Quantity Generator waste collection program
Provide information to the public and address customer questions or concerns
Coordinate and respond to emergencies and chemical releases
Review, amend and authorize non-routine task safety plans
Operate and diagnose problems with complex mechanical equipment used in waste processing and facility operations
Assist supervisor(s) with scheduling Technicians and interns, including reviewing requests for time off and submitting time records
Coach Hazardous Waste employees and interns about how to perform assigned tasks as needed
Develop contracts with vendors and contractors, obtain bids for goods and services, review proposals, and authorize staff supply purchase requests
Assess the safety risks of incoming hazardous wastes and staff assignments and provide direction to staff accordingly
Attributes for success:
A rock-solid commitment to working safely and ensuring the safety of coworkers and customers
Leadership skills, including clear and direct communication with coworkers and the desire and ability to foster employee growth and development
A commitment to maintaining an inclusive and welcoming facility for all
An understanding of and willingness to help meet departmental equity goals and
Excellent time management skills
A commitment to providing excellent public service in a team environment.
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Able to work both independently and as part of a team
Possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined in the Hazardous Waste Specialist classification description (Download PDF reader)
Able and committed to fulfilling Metro’s values of public service, excellence, teamwork, respect, innovation, and sustainability
Diversity and inclusion: At Metro, we’re committed to hiring a workforce representative of the communities we serve, recognizing that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We invest in employees by supporting equitable and inclusive hiring practices, employee policies and training programs.
TO QUALIFY
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.
Minimum qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, environmental science, engineering, public administration or closely related field; OR
We will consider any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.
Must be able to work during all hours of operation, including weekends and holidays
Required:
Valid Oregon driver’s license
Possession of 40-hour HAZWOPER certification or its equivalent
COVID-19 vaccination requirement:
Metro is committed to ensuring the health and safety for our employees and our community. As a part of this commitment, Metro has implemented a vaccine requirement policy for employees, paid and unpaid interns and volunteers.
Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is considered a minimum qualification requirement for Metro job applicants. This proof will be requested during the hiring process.
If you require an accommodation under this policy for a medical condition or disability, or sincerely held religious belief, please email benefits.help@oregonmetro.gov.
If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply:
If I was terminated for cause during any of my employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, I understand I may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.
Like to have qualifications:
You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.
Two to three years of experience as a Hazardous Waste Technician at Metro Central or Metro South
Some experience in a team lead or supervisory role
A Class A or B Oregon Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), or ability to obtain within six months of hire
Language skills in addition to English, such as Spanish, Vietnamese, or Russian
Working conditions: Specialists work indoors and outdoors in all types of weather. Hazardous Waste facilities can be loud and can smell of vehicle exhaust and chemicals. This is a highly physical position and Specialists often must work while wearing protective equipment or clothing such as safety shoes, safety glasses, Tyvek suits, nitrile gloves, and respirators that can limit normal movements. Metro provides Specialists with all necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required for the job. Specialists also receive work uniforms, including five shirts and two sweatshirts and an allowance of up to $500 for the purchase of pants/shorts, a belt, a winter jacket, and safety shoes for use on the job.
The job requires frequent or continuous standing, stooping, bending, twisting, walking, talking, sitting, feeling, grasping, handling and good general hearing. Activities also require occasional reaching, feeling, repetitive motions of the hands/wrists, kneeling, climbing, and the ability to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds, and push and/or pull up to 1,500 pounds using material handling equipment.
COMPENSATION AND REPRESENTATION
Based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirements, Metro’s internal equity review process, and the candidates’ qualifications, the appointment will typically be made between $30.99 to $32.56. The full-salary range for this position is $30.99 to $41.55 per hour.
This position is eligible for overtime and is represented by the AFSCME 3580 union. It is classified as a Hazardous Waste Specialist (Download PDF reader). Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions.
SCREENING AND EVALUATION
The application packet: The application packet consists of the following documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.
A completed online application
Responses to supplemental questions (see “Questions” tab in the online job announcement)
The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.
Initial review of minimum qualifications
In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
Consideration of top candidates/interviews
Testing/assessments
Reference check
Background, driving records check for finalist candidate
Additional Information
Questions?
Recruiter: Carrie Gundermann
Email: Carrie.Gundermann@oregonmetro.gov
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
COVID-19 safety: The health and safety of our employees and community is a top priority for Metro. Employees will be required to follow all Metro COVID-related policies and procedures, which may meet or exceed guidelines set forth by the CDC, Oregon Health Authority, and other federal, state and local jurisdictions. Learn more at oregonmetro.gov/COVID-19.
Equal employment opportunity: All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made or any other status protected by law. Assistance will be gladly provided upon request for any applicant with sensory or non-sensory disabilities.
Online applications: Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, call 503-797-1570.
Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this process. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-797-1570.