Environmental Program Specialist

Located in Central Texas on the eastern edge of the American Southwest, Austin is the capital of the state of Texas, the Lone Star State. The city dates back to the 1830s, when the first Anglo-American settlers arrived in the area, then part of Mexico.

In 1837, settlers founded the village of Waterloo on the banks of the Colorado River, the first permanent settlement in the area. By 1839, Waterloo would adopt the name Austin and the frontier town would become the capital of the Republic of Texas. The City is named for Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas."

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Position Overview

This position will be working at the household hazardous waste collections facility. They will be in charge of receiving, identifying, segregating, storing bulk/package hazardous waste from households per DOT and EPA regulations.

They will also setup, breakdown, and cleanup the facility, will coordinate with waste disposal companies on packing and loading hazardous waste for transportation and will act as a contact for customer inquiries.

This position will require some lifting (up to 50 lbs), standing for long periods of time, and will be working in the elements under open shelter while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).

Note: You also must be able to occasionally work other hours than those listed in the Days and Hours section as business needs require.

The posting may be used to fill other similar positions within Austin Resource Recovery outside of the division listed above.

Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday through Saturday. This position is worked on a rotation schedule with staff working half their time on a Monday through Friday schedule and the other half of their time on a Tuesday through Saturday schedule. Monday through Friday hours are worked between 8 am to 5pm and Saturday between 6am and 1pm.

Responsibilities

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Receives, identifies, segregates, stores, and prepares for shipment of household hazardous waste for recycling/treatment/disposal.
• Sets-up, breaks down, and cleans collection facility and equipment.
• Arranges and conducts home/off-site pickups of household hazardous waste.
• Coordinates hazardous waste recycling programs (i.e. Old Paint Recycling, Household Battery Collection & Recycling, Oil, Oil Filter & Antifreeze Recycling, Waste Exchange, etc.) including bid specifications for contractors and contract management/compliance.
• Develops and helps implement vehicles of public/community outreach and education for City and County residents.
• Answers questions and educates public on City's Household Hazardous Waste Management Program (i.e. procedures, eligibility requirements, recycling programs, etc.) hazardous materials use/reuse, disposal alternatives, and collection and treatment options.
• Conducts research for new/alternative Household Hazardous Waste/CESQG operations/programs and industry hazardous waste recycling and treatment technologies/options
• Documents/tracks data, maintains databases and prepares reports (including charts, graphs, tables, slides, etc.) on customer participation, waste characterization and tracking, recycling percentage, etc. for use in meeting state reporting requirements, future reports, presentations, etc.
• Assists in conducting risk analysis and writing safety standards and standard operating procedures for program operations/activities, and proposing changes and updates to improve environmental health and safety plan.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited 4 year college or university with major course work in a field related to Chemistry, Biology, Geology, Environmental Science, plus 1 year of experience in a field related to hazardous waste management, environmental consulting, or environmental planning/research.
• Experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of 4 years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 40 Hour HAZWOPER Trained.
• Previous experience working with chemicals or with household hazardous waste materials.
• Experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Experience working in the outdoors in the elements in extreme and inclement weather.A competency assessment may be required to verify your skill set.
• Please be sure that your application is a reflection of your entire work history. When completing the City of Austin employment application, any gaps in employment must have an explanation and dates of unemployment.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Work experience must include month and year, and a minimum of three (3) verifiable Supervisor or Human Resources phone numbers.
• Successful candidate must pass a pre-employment Human Performance Evaluation, and may be required to pass a pre-employment drug testing.
• Top Candidates are required to show proof of a valid TX Driver's License and current proof of vehicle insurance or insurability. 
• A Type three (T-3) driving history will be conducted.
• Top Candidate must comply with the City of Austin Safe Driver Policy.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
• Knowledge of prescribed safety procedures or federal laws regulating waste disposal methods.
• Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques and methods.
• Knowledge of uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs and disposal methods.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, Local laws, and ordinances governing hazardous waste.
• Knowledge of city practice, policy and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other city employees and the public.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.

Additional Information

Each individual who submits an Application as provided in the Municipal Civil Service Rules and meet the Minimum Qualifications for a Competitive Position shall be considered a Candidate for that Position. Employees, in Good Standing, who are Candidates within the Department or division that the Position resides in and who meet the Minimum and Preferred Qualifications (if any) of the Position will be included in the initial interview.

Please note that all Austin Resource Recovery locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any ARR worksite - including parking lot or in any personal vehicle located on the premises.

Compensation: $17.41 - $21.67.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or TTY (512) 974-2445.

Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Closing Date: March 6, 2015.