Lead Hazardous Waste Technician

The Lead Hazardous Waste Technician leads overall operational accountability for the operation of the Benton County Moderate Risk Waste Facility currently consisting of a fixed collection facility for household and small quantity generated business waste. This position oversees the receiving, extracting, sorting and shipping of material or waste, which may be considered hazardous but exempt under state and federal regulations because the receiving quantity falls below a certain threshold.

(Duties listed are illustrative and not intended as an exhaustive listing. This classification specification reflects the general concept and intent of the position and should not be construed as a detailed statement of all the requirement that may be inherent in the position.)

Coordinates, operates and maintains the household hazardous waste collection facility at the Benton County Moderate Risk Waste Facility. Receives, sorts, bulks, documents, packages and manages moderate risk waste received from residents and businesses at the facility and mobile collection events.

Operates and maintains the permanent household collection site, including safety inspections. Identify needed repairs or maintenance tasks to ensure its proper and safe operation. Maintains the used oil and antifreeze drop off site. Promptly reports any problems or malfunctions.

Performs all elements of designating various waste streams for proper disposal, which includes identifying unknowns, consolidating poisons, designating waste categories for proper shipment, manifesting waste, and scheduling shipments.

Maintains department records and prepares regular reports on collection and waste manifests and maintains adequate inventories of hazardous waste operation forms, and other clerical supplies.

Operates forklifts, drum-lifts and other hand or power tools to move heavy drums or pallets with liquid or solid contents.

Assists the public, employees, managers, and vendors by phone, correspondence, or in-person regarding solid waste processes, policies, and related procedures.

Provides oversight of the Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC). Coordinates SWAC meetings, provides SWAC with updates on the facility, programs and grant opportunities, and acts as the liaison between the SWAC and Benton County.

Pursues self-development and continuing personal development of skills and knowledge by attending ongoing educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, and establishing personal networks.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Associate’s degree.

One year experience in manual labor in the principal area of collecting and processing hazardous and moderate risk waste.

One year of lead or supervisory experience.

Or any combination of education and experience which would provide the applicant with the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job.

Customer service/Cashiering experience preferred.

General office experience preferred.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, & OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Employment at Benton County is contingent upon the results of a background check and eligibility for coverage by the County’s liability insurance carrier. Depending upon the position, background checks may include personal and professional references, social security verification, education and professional licensing verification, financial history, and criminal history.

Valid Washington State driver’s license.

40-hour Hazardous Waste Operator Training and certification, or ability to obtain within the first three months of employment.

24-hour Hazardous Waste Operator training renewal each year.

First Aid/CPR certification, or ability to obtain within first three months of employment, and renewal each year.

Forklift certification, or ability to obtain within the first three months of employment.

Proficient knowledge of modern principles, methods, and practices as it relates to area of assignment.

Proficient knowledge of Benton County business and financial acumen and the application and interpretation of Benton County policies and procedures and federal, state, and local rules, laws, regulations, legislation, codes, and ordinances as they relate to area(s) of assignment.

Proficient troubleshooting skills to resolve issues or problems by analyzing trends and problems, identifying alternative solutions, interpreting compliance documentation, projecting consequences of proposed actions, and communicating and/or implementing recommendations in support of goals and maintaining compliance.

Proficient time management and mental and physical organization skills that support the ability to focus, have clarity, and use strategy to fulfill a variety of tasks successfully.

Proficient skills in Microsoft Office Suite, the internet for research and the ability learn and develop proficient skills in the County-wide enterprise resource planning software, and other online portals for state agencies.

Ability to exercise a high degree of independent judgment and discretion and maintain the confidentiality of sensitive and confidential information.

Ability to write and speak clearly and concisely and to express ideas and recommendations effectively, orally, and in writing. Ability and willingness to establish and maintain communication and working relationships with peers, representatives from other agencies, vendors, public officials, and the general public using courtesy, tact, and good judgment.

Ability to effectively present information, findings, proposals, training, or other information to a variety of audiences by clearly articulating, engaging the audience, assessing the needs of the audience, and using appropriate materials to help audience understand the message.

Ability to identify and take advantage of opportunities, organize and prioritize several ongoing and frequently changing assignments to meet deadlines.