HAZARDOUS WASTE SPECIALIST

Job Description:

HAZARDOUS WASTE SPECIALIST

Description

OVERVIEW

Kitsap County is seeking a dedicated environmental professional to fill this critical role at our Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility. This position offers an outstanding opportunity to advance your career in environmental safety and hazardous waste management while making a lasting impact on our community's health and environmental protection. You'll be stepping into a specialized program that safeguards our residents and local businesses through proper hazardous waste handling and disposal, ready for technical expertise and customer service excellence to guide it into the future.

As a key member of our Solid Waste Division, you'll be at the forefront of environmental stewardship, ensuring that hazardous materials are managed safely and in compliance with federal and state regulations. This role offers the perfect blend of hands-on technical work, regulatory compliance, community education, and customer service for an experienced professional passionate about environmental protection and ready to make a meaningful difference in Kitsap County.
This position rotates between the North Kitsap and South Kitsap Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facilities, providing support and oversight across both locations to ensure consistent, safe, and efficient operations.

As the Household Hazardous Waste Specialist, you will:

• Lead hazardous waste operations by receiving, testing, sorting, and packaging hazardous materials from residential and Small Quantity Generator (SQG) customers in accordance with DOT and EPA regulatory requirements
• Provide expert technical assistance to the public and business customers regarding proper storage, transportation, and disposal methods for hazardous materials, delivering guidance in person, by phone, and via email
• Ensure regulatory compliance by identifying, reviewing, and tracking applicable requirements under 40 CFR RCRA, 49 CFR DOT, and Washington State Ecology regulations (WAC 173-303, 173-350)
• Manage waste processing operations including segregating reusable items for redistribution, bulking flammable and automobile fluids, and preparing finished waste packages for off-site shipment
• Coordinate safety programs and training initiatives while maintaining databases, record-keeping systems, and inventory management for facility operations
• Conduct field collections from remote recycling and garbage facilities throughout the County, ensuring proper sorting and packaging in accordance with regulatory standards
• Drive the SQG program by reviewing and identifying potential businesses for technical assistance and helping them meet hazardous waste management requirements
• Support facility operations through equipment maintenance coordination, supply procurement, and scheduling of special appointments for household hazardous waste services

What You Bring

• Professional Experience: Three years of experience in maintenance/operations, construction, or work in related field including two years of experience insolid waste, hazardous waste, or moderate risk waste program experience.
• Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of chemical compatibility and hazards, hazardous waste characterization, consolidation, profiling, labeling, and packaging procedures; understanding of local, state, and federal laws governing solid and hazardous waste management
• Regulatory Background (Preferred): Experience with 40 CFR RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act), 49 CFR DOT (Department of Transportation), Washington Ecology WAC 173-303 (Dangerous Waste Regulations), and WAC 173-350 (Solid Waste Handling Standards)
• Customer Service Excellence: Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the general public, including sometimes hostile individuals; maintain professional demeanor under heavy workload and stressful situations; communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Technology Proficiency: Skilled in utilizing industry-specific software and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook) for database management, word processing, spreadsheets, and web-based systems
• Additional Preferred Qualifications: Experience working in Small Quantity Generator programs; knowledge of hazardous materials response protocol; background in safety coordination and training; strong organizational skills with ability to schedule and prioritize workflow to meet deadlines

Required Licenses, Certificates, Examinations/Tests and Other Requirements:

• Washington State Driver’s License: Must possess a valid Washington State driver’s license at time of appointment.
• Hazardous Waste Certifications (Required within 6 months):
  • 24 or 40-hour HAZWOPER training with current 8-hour refresher
  • DOT 49 CFR certification
• First Aid/CPR Certification : Must obtain within 6 months of hire
• Forklift Operations certification: Must obtain within 6 months of hire
• Bloodborne Pathogen safety certification: Must obtain within 6 months of hire

For the complete job description: Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility

For more information about Kitsap County Public Works: Visit our website at kitsapgov.com

QUALIFICATIONS FOR PERFORMANCE OF THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Required Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED and two years of solid waste, hazardous or moderate risk waste program experience; AND
• 24 or 40-hour HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) training with applicable up-to-date 8 hour refresher training (required within 6 months of employment); OR
• Any equivalent combination of experience and education which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the work.

Preferred Education, Experience or Other Qualifications

• Experience with 40 CFR RCRA, 49 CFR DOT,WA Ecology WAC 173-303; WA Ecology WAC 173-350

Driving Requirements

• The successful incumbent must meet the driving requirements of this position and submit a copy a current driving record/abstract (from state of residency) to review for eligibility to drive for Kitsap County prior to employment.The successful incumbent must obtain a valid Washington State Driver's License prior to hire and maintain a satisfactory driving record as outlined in the Kitsap County Vehicle Use Policy. This position is categorized as:
  • Category 1: Driver operates County-owned vehicle.

Criminal Conviction Standards:

• The successful incumbent will or may have unsupervised access to children under 18 years of age, a vulnerable adult, or a vulnerable person, or access to a secured/confidential facility or computer system(s). As a result, Kitsap County will be conducting an extensive criminal background check by law enforcement agencies, which may include fingerprinting.
  • Please review the following list of disqualifying crimes and negative actions to determine if you meet our standard for this position: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/FSA/bccu/documents/Secretary%27sCrimesListforALLPrograms.pdf

Required Licenses, Certificates, Examinations/Tests and Other Requirements
Please note: The incumbent is responsible for obtaining and maintaining all of the following required licenses, certifications and other requirements.

Prior to employment the successful candidate must:

• Pass a criminal background check through law enforcement agencies.
• Pass a medical/physical evaluation.
• Submit a copy of their State employment driving record abstract to verify their eligibility to drive for Kitsap County.
• Pass all job-related examinations/tests necessary to demonstrate required knowledge, skills and abilities, as determined by the hiring authority at time of job posting.
• Provide references that demonstrate reliability, a good attendance record and a positive work ethic/attitude.

At time of appointment the successful candidate must :
(Evidence of ability to obtain these by appointment may be required at any time in the selection process.)

• Possess a valid Washington State driver's license and appropriate amount of automobile insurance.
• Be able to fulfill all traveling requirements of this position and meet the qualifications and guidelines of the Fleet Risk Control Policies in the operation of a motor vehicle on County business.

Within six months of employment must obtain (and maintain during employment) the following licenses and certifications :

• 24 or 40-hour HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) training with applicable up-to-date 8 hour refresher training
• DOT 49 CFR certification
• Washington State Industrial First Aid/CPR certification
• Forklift Operations certification
• Bloodborne Pathogen safety certification

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Knowledge of:

• Safety procedures including CPR and First Aid
• Occupational hazards and safety rules, regulations and procedures
• Basic chemical compatibility and hazards, hazardous waste characterization, consolidation, profiling, labeling, packaging, and handling.
• Local, State, and Federal laws and regulations pertaining to solid and hazardous waste management.
• Basic hazardous materials response protocol.
• Principles and methods associated with public information and dissemination of information
• Complex, highly technical tools, materials and chemicals
• Industry specific software and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook)

Skills and/or Ability to :

• Appear for scheduled work with regular, reliable and punctual attendance.
• Schedule and prioritize workflow to complete tasks and meet deadlines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others using tact, courtesy and good judgment.
• Understand and execute oral and written instructions and procedures.
• Maintain a professional demeanor under heavy workload and stressful situations.
• Deal tactfully and courteously with the general public, including sometimes hostile individuals.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to policy and procedures of the department.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to physically perform the essential job functions.
• Ability to meet the assignment locations and travel requirements of the position.
• Utilize a variety of computer applications specific to the department including databases, word processing, spreadsheets, and web based systems for entering, retrieving and researching data and records.
• Work over 40 hours in a week, on occasion may require evenings, holidays and weekends, as needed.

Working Conditions/Physical Activities
(The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Kitsap County provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

Positions in this class typically require:

• Work performed in office, warehouse and in the field environment with heavy public contact.
• Walking (short or long distances)
• Handling/grasping documents or equipment
• Sitting and/or standing for short or extended periods of time.
• Clear speaking and adequate hearing sufficient to communicate effectively and respond appropriately in-person and/or on the telephone;
• Vision sufficient to read source materials and computer screen data.
• Repetitive motions for computer, tool and equipment use.
• Hazards associated with this work when exposed to hazardous chemicals, exhaust fumes, loud noise, foul odors, insects and dust.
• Exposure to all weather conditions; including inclement weather (temperature extremes, slippery surfaces).
• Standing or sitting when operating vehicles or equipment.
• Frequent bending, stooping, and reaching (over shoulders, at waist and below waist).
• Adequate vision sufficient to view gauges and traffic and other signals, to operate equipment and read instructions and plans.
• Must be able to carry up to 50 pounds on their own and be able to work with equipment to move larger parcels.
• Requires use of protective gear as needed.
• Exposed to road and traffic hazards.
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Incumbents may be:

• Exposed to potentially hazardous conditions related to violent or hostile individuals.
• Exposed to potential environmental hazards.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

• Receive, test for chemical compatibility if needed, and sort hazardous wastes from residential and SQG customers, in accordance with specific regulatory requirements. Interact with the public with a customer-service frame of reference.
• Segregate reusable items for redistribution; process and package waste according to waste categories, chemical compatibility and regulatory requirements; bulk process latex paints and motor oil and antifreeze; bulk flammable liquids in accordance with respirator protocol. Prepare finished waste packages for shipment off-site in accordance with Department of Transportation regulations.
• Collect waste from remote recycling and garbage facilities throughout the County; sort and package items in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical assistance to the public and SQG customers, on the telephone, in person and via e-mail, regarding proper storage, transportation and disposal methods for hazardous materials, and suggestions for safer alternatives. Assist customers with regulatory requirements for hazardous waste management. Identify, review and track applicable regulatory requirements and best management practices for compliance with proper waste management. Review and identify potential businesses for technical assistance related to the SQG program.
• Perform various duties for the safe, effective operations of the household hazardous waste collection facility, including: safety coordination, training and monitoring, inventorying and ordering supplies, coordinating SQGs and special circumstance household hazardous waste appointments, and general knowledge of building and equipment repair for systems unique to the HHW Collection Facility.
• Perform duties of lower classifications as needed.

OTHER POSITION RELATED INFORMATION

• Who May Apply: This position is open to the general public. Applications will be screened for qualifications and completion of all the required materials and forms. The most competitive applicants may be contacted for further steps in the selection process, which may include testing for office and computer skills.
• This position is classified as eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• Non-represented and covered under the Kitsap County Personnel Manual.
• Kitsap County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources Office.
• Work hours for this position are Tuesday through Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. with a periodic alternating schedule of Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

At Kitsap County, we strive to take care of our team! Our employees are the greatest asset of Kitsap County, and we take pride in offering a highly competitive compensation and benefits package to all eligible employees.

County Paid Benefits Include:
Medical - Kaiser Permanente (HMO) or Aetna (PPO)
Dental -Delta Dental or Willamette
Vision - VSP
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Life Insurance - Basic, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D), Voluntary Term Life Insurance (VTL)
Disability - Short-term disability & Long-term disability
Voya Voluntary Insurance
Transportation incentives
Employee Assistance Program
Travel Assistance Program
Wellness program https://spf.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Wellness.aspx
Benefits become effective on the first calendar day of the month following the month in which the employee is hired except if the employee's hire date is the first calendar day of the month, benefits begin on the day of hire. More information about employee benefits is available on the county's website at: https://spf.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Benefits.aspx or the Kitsap County Digital Benefits Guide .

*Voluntary benefit options also available at the employee's expense

Retirement:
Employees are covered under the PERS retirement plan provided through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and Social Security.

Deferred Compensation (IRS Plan 457b): tax-deferred savings program

Holidays
11 paid holidays and 2 additional floating holiday per year

Vacation Leave
New employees are credited with 48 hours of annual leave upon hire and will be begin accruing at the rate of 8 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 360 hours from one calendar year to the next. Annual leave accrual will increase upon tenure, as follows:

Upon completion of 3 years: 15 days per year (10.00 hours per month)
Upon completion of 5 years: 20 days per year (13.33 hours per month)
Upon completion of 10 years: 25 days per year (16.67 hours per month)
Sick Leave
All new hires will be credited with 48 hours of sick leave upon hire and will begin accruing at the rate of 10 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 1200 hours from one calendar year to the next.

***Part-time employees benefit contributions and leave accruals will beprorated***

Current County Employees
If you are transferring or promoting into this position you are responsible for reviewing these benefit changes; prior to accepting a position. In addition, it is your responsibility to notify the Auditor's Payroll Division of a change in union status.

Union Membership
This position is covered under Public Works Teamsters Local 589collective bargaining agreement. To view the bargaining agreement please visit our website: https://www.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Collective-Bargaining-Agreements.aspx

NOTE: This is a general overview of the benefits offered through employment with Kitsap County, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts or is incorrect with the provisions of the Personnel Manual, applicable laws, policies, rules or official plan documents they will prevail. The Personnel Manual is available at: https://www.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Personnel-Manual-2019.aspx

Closing Date/Time: 11/24/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$73,611.20 - $94,182.40 Annually