Environmental Technician II

Create some chemistry with the Solid Waste Management Household Hazardous Waste Program.
The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) seeks a Environmental Technician II. Performs functions related to the collection, segregation, stabilization, packaging, labeling, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste collected from Fairfax County residents through the Fairfax County Household Hazardous Waste Solid Waste Management Program. This position also performs the following duties:

• Responds to questions and telephone calls from citizens and Fairfax County-based businesses.
• Conducts all necessary analytical testing methods to ensure proper waste characterization.
• Performs lab packing for chemical disposal, assists in the coordination of the monthly pickup of hazardous materials by the county-approved hazardous waste disposal vendor, assists in recycling various waste streams as part of county waste minimization initiatives, assists in conducting business hazardous waste disposal events (CESQGs), and maintains accurate record keeping data.
• Must be trained and knowledgeable with RCRA, DOT, and OSHA (HAZWOPER) regulations.
• Applies all applicable federal, state, and local regulations regarding the acceptance, storage, and disposal of household hazardous waste.
• Coordinates orders and maintains supplies with the program supervisor.
• Engages in safety working practices and complies with Solid Waste safety programs and guidelines.
• Complies with the DPWES Safety Competencies. Duties are performed under general supervision.
• Working hours for this position include weekends and holidays.

DPWES is a diverse, nationally accredited and award-winning public works agency with approximately 1,000 employees providing solid waste, capital facility development, wastewater, stormwater, urban forestry, and land acquisition management services for the most populous county in Virginia. Join our team to help us protect the environment and serve the people of Fairfax County by creating and preserving a sustainable community that is an ideal place to live, work, and play for everyone.
Fairfax County Government is committed to our employees, and offers comprehensive benefits, including a defined-benefit retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; paid leave; tuition reimbursement; and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Through our LiveWell Program and the county Benefits Division, we endeavor to cultivate a culture of wellbeing that empowers, educates, and engages employees and retirees to make life-long choices that promote a holistic approach to their physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual and financial wellness. Please review our awesome benefits:

• Benefits
• Retirement

DPWES provides award-winning solid waste collection services for approximately 45,000 homes, operates a transfer station and landfill, regulates solid waste services, and leads sustainability initiatives to promote zero waste goals for Fairfax County. DPWES Solid Waste is a diverse work force of approximately 300 merit and 50 non-merit employees and has an annual operating budget of more than $100M. Our nationally recognized team of professionals are working together towards a singular goal: providing environmentally responsible and cost-effective management of municipal solid waste, keeping Fairfax County safe, green, healthy, and clean.
Multiple opening at multiple locations:

• Maintains site and chemical inventory according to Department of Transportation (DOT), Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VADEQ), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations and permit requirements;
• Identifies and quantifies household hazardous waste (HHW) chemicals by chemical name or physical testing;
• Separates chemicals by type within the broader categories of corrosives, flammables, toxics, and reactive;
• Transports HHW between facilities and occasionally from off-site locations to the facility;
• Analyzes for corrosivity, oxidation, PCB’s, and trace metals using test kits, pH meters, or by assessing physical properties such as specific gravity or color;
• Sorts, packages and labels all products according to DOT, VADEQ, and EPA regulations;
• Prepares drums for storing various chemicals that are collected according to regulations and facility permit requirements;
• Coordinates shipment of hazardous waste chemicals by contractor to permitted disposal facilities;
• Prepares and maintains detailed records of waste disposal;
• Answers citizen questions regarding appropriate handling and disposal of hazardous materials;

• Knowledge of hazardous waste materials and chemicals, their packaging and disposal;
• Knowledge of EPA Subtitle D and C regulations for collection and disposal of waste as well as Virginia Regulation 9 VAC 20-60-10 et seq. regarding hazardous waste collection, storage, treatment, and transportation;
• Knowledge of hazardous waste testing methodologies;
• Knowledge of safety regulations relating to the handling of hazardous waste chemicals;
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment including respirators and protective clothing;
• Ability to collect samples for laboratory and quality control analysis;
• Ability to identify organic compounds and toxic chemicals using established identification techniques;
• Ability to operate a forklift;
• Ability to prepare accurate and complete documentation required by regulatory agencies;
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions;
• Ability to work independently.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to graduation from high school or GED issued by a state department of education, with coursework in chemistry or other physical or biological sciences; plus three years’ experience in environmental work, such as conducting regulatory inspections, processing chemicals and/or household hazardous waste, or acceptable laboratory experience.
CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• Valid motor vehicle driver’s license.
• DOT Medical Card upon hire.
• Forklift Safety Training Certificate within 3 months of hire.
• CPR within 6 months of hire.
• OSHA Hazardous Waste Operations within 6 months of hire.
• Class “B” Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or higher within 12 months of hire.
  • Hazmat Endorsement H or X & TSA Assessment within 12 months of hire.
• DOT Hazmat Ground Shipper Certificate within 6 months of hire.
• Bulb Eater Certificate within 3 months of hire.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, a pre-employment physical examination, and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.
• Adequate color perception is necessary to identify chemical changes.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proficient knowledge of RCRA Hazardous Waste, non- RCRA hazardous waste, non-hazardous Waste, and Universal Waste. Knowledge of OSHA HAZCOM, GHS, and SDS Instructions.
• Knowledge of OSHA HAZCOM, GHS, and SDS Instructions.
• Experience in waste sampling determination methods.
• Proficient experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proficient knowledge with RCRA, DOT, and HAZWOPER.
• Resource, Conservation and Recovery Act Certification.
• DOT Hazardous Material Employee Certification.
• 40-HAXWOPER certification.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted and 25-50 lbs. with or without assistance. Ability to meet OSHA standards for respirator fit testing. Ability to operate light, medium, and heavy vehicles or equipment. Ability to perform chemical segregation and analytical testing safely. Ability to tolerate exposure to hazardous chemicals, odors, noise, and infectious materials. Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and temperatures. Adequate color perception is necessary to identify chemical changes. Manual dexterity and visual acuity required for handling materials and operating instruments. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include exercise.
Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others.) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.
Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during Application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov EEO/AA/TTY.
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