Hazardous Materials Specialist I/II/III (Open & Promotional)
Apply NowCompany: County of San Mateo, CA
Location: San Mateo, CA 94403
Description:
Salary : $7,579.87 - $11,778.00 Monthly
Location : San Mateo, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: J004N
Department: Environmental Health Services
Division: Environmental Health Services
Opening Date: 04/17/2025
Closing Date: 5/12/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 02
Description
San Mateo County Health is seeking well-qualified individuals for the position of Hazardous Materials Specialist I/II/III to work in the Environmental Health Services Division, which is the Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) for the County. Hazardous Materials Specialists (HMS) perform inspections, enforcement activities and special assignments to ensure regulatory compliance at underground storage tank facilities, hazardous waste generators, tiered permitting facilities, hazardous materials handlers and above ground tank sites. They also respond to industrial and residential complaints and provide technical consultation and coordination of activities with city and county agencies. These positions will also assist facilities with compliance, review electronic facility submissions, and locate and educate new facilities.
There are currently two regular vacancies; they are in San Mateo, CA, but will travel/drive throughout the County to perform duties of the position.
In addition, Hazardous Materials Specialists I/II/III will review underground storage tank permit applications and perform UST construction/modification inspections.
Certification: Local regulatory staff must possess a valid California Underground Storage Tank (UST) Inspector Certificate issued by the International Code Council (ICC). Successful candidates selected for the position who do not possess a valid California Underground Storage Tank (UST) Inspector Certificate issued by the International Code Council (ICC) are required to pass the exam within 180 days of hire. The certificate must be renewed every 24 months in accordance with the California Code of Regulations, Title 23, Section 2715(j).
The ideal candidate is self-motivated, eager to learn, and willing to ask questions. A desire to assist facilities with environmental regulatory compliance and manage time effectively, is critical; familiarity with California Environmental Reporting System (CERS) and experience performing regulatory inspections is preferred.
SALARY
Level I: $7,579 - $8,476/monthly
Level II: $8,883 - $11,100/monthly
Level III: $9,425 - $11,778/monthly
NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.
Examples Of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Qualifications
Knowledge of:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:
Level I: Bachelor's degree in environmental health science, physical science, engineering science, industrial hygiene, chemistry, geology, or a related field.
Level II: One year of experience in hazardous materials management.
Level III: Two years of journey level experience in hazardous materials management.
Application/Examination
Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, Confidential and Management extra-help/limited term, and SEIU or AFSCME represented extra help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.
The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: pass/fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.
IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.
TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Application Deadline: Monday, May 12, 2025 11:59 PM PST
Application Screening: Week of May 19, 2025
Civil Service Panel Interviews: Week of June 2, 2025
Departmental Interviews: Week of June 9, 2025
About the County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse communities.
The County of San Mateo is committed to advancing equity in order to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.
The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion at all levels. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Talent Acquisition Analyst: Ximena Burns (04102025) (Hazardous Materials Specialist I/II/III - J001, J003, J004)
Please visit for a complete listing of all benefits for this classification.
Benefits are offered to eligible employees of the County of San Mateo. All benefits are subject to change.
As an additional benefit, the County offers extensive training and development programs designed to improve skills and enhance career opportunities. Most programs are offered on County time at no cost to you.
County employees are also covered by the federal Social Security system and earn benefits for retirement based on salary and time worked.
01
IMPORTANT: Applicants for this position are required to submit responses to the supplemental questions below. Your responses will provide detailed information about your background and experience related to this position.
This information will weigh heavily in the application screening by the subject matter experts and will also be used in the selection process.
Answer the questions completely, paying attention to the multi-parts of the questions. While being thorough and detailed, also be concise. Your strategic use of language as well as neatness, clarity of expression, attention to detail, proper use of grammar and the ability to follow instructions will be considered in the evaluation process. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for your responses.
02
Describe your qualifications, including your training and experience in underground storage tanks, hazardous waste, hazardous materials, and other Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) programs. Include any relevant licenses or certificates.
03
Describe your training and work experience in conducting inspections, performing investigations and enforcing Federal, State or local regulations. Include your role, typical tasks you performed, and challenges you encountered and how you resolved them.
04
As an HMS I/II/III, you will be responsible for ensuring compliance (inspection, compliance assistance, and enforcement orders), managing data (violation and inspection data tracking), and reviewing electronic submissions for over 200 facilities, as well as handling complaints from the public and assisting co-workers on special projects. Provide an example of how you have managed competing responsibilities in the past or how you would manage them in this position.
Required Question
Location : San Mateo, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: J004N
Department: Environmental Health Services
Division: Environmental Health Services
Opening Date: 04/17/2025
Closing Date: 5/12/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 02
Description
San Mateo County Health is seeking well-qualified individuals for the position of Hazardous Materials Specialist I/II/III to work in the Environmental Health Services Division, which is the Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) for the County. Hazardous Materials Specialists (HMS) perform inspections, enforcement activities and special assignments to ensure regulatory compliance at underground storage tank facilities, hazardous waste generators, tiered permitting facilities, hazardous materials handlers and above ground tank sites. They also respond to industrial and residential complaints and provide technical consultation and coordination of activities with city and county agencies. These positions will also assist facilities with compliance, review electronic facility submissions, and locate and educate new facilities.
There are currently two regular vacancies; they are in San Mateo, CA, but will travel/drive throughout the County to perform duties of the position.
In addition, Hazardous Materials Specialists I/II/III will review underground storage tank permit applications and perform UST construction/modification inspections.
Certification: Local regulatory staff must possess a valid California Underground Storage Tank (UST) Inspector Certificate issued by the International Code Council (ICC). Successful candidates selected for the position who do not possess a valid California Underground Storage Tank (UST) Inspector Certificate issued by the International Code Council (ICC) are required to pass the exam within 180 days of hire. The certificate must be renewed every 24 months in accordance with the California Code of Regulations, Title 23, Section 2715(j).
The ideal candidate is self-motivated, eager to learn, and willing to ask questions. A desire to assist facilities with environmental regulatory compliance and manage time effectively, is critical; familiarity with California Environmental Reporting System (CERS) and experience performing regulatory inspections is preferred.
SALARY
Level I: $7,579 - $8,476/monthly
Level II: $8,883 - $11,100/monthly
Level III: $9,425 - $11,778/monthly
NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.
Examples Of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Inspect establishments and properties for compliance with hazardous materials management laws and regulations.
- Use testing equipment and special field apparatuses; interpret results.
- Make recommendations for the elimination or control of hazardous conditions.
- Conduct enforcement activities.
- Investigate and resolve citizen complaints.
- Assist with Site Mitigation Monitoring and perform sample collections.
- Provide instruction/education to community groups, contractors and individuals on matters of hazardous materials management.
- Maintain records and prepare reports and correspondence.
- If assigned, respond to emergencies as a member of the Hazardous Materials Response Team.
- Provide expert witness testimony in court proceedings.
- Electronically document observations and inspection findings in a department application, manage inventory electronically using standard and user defined dashboards and reports
- At the III level, research and coordinate a specialized hazardous materials management project or activity, such as health risk assessment, toxicology, and alternative technology.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Knowledge of:
- Hazardous materials management, including its scientific background, technology, principles, methods, investigative techniques and problems.
- Laws, regulations and codes governing hazardous materials.
- Government agencies, community organizations and business establishments as they relate to environmental health and hazardous materials management.
- Practices in the transportation and disposal of hazardous wastes.
- Emergency response procedures and protocols.
- Interpret laws, regulations and data.
- Define difficult problem areas, analyze complex data and make valid recommendations.
- Advise and instruct others on compliance requirements of hazardous materials programs.
- Enforce local ordinances and state law.
- Work independently and as a team member.
- Keep complex and accurate records.
- Prepare clear, concise reports and correspondence.
- Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others.
- Use, repair and calibrate field equipment.
- Collect samples of substances.
- Speak effectively and make public presentations.
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:
Level I: Bachelor's degree in environmental health science, physical science, engineering science, industrial hygiene, chemistry, geology, or a related field.
Level II: One year of experience in hazardous materials management.
Level III: Two years of journey level experience in hazardous materials management.
Application/Examination
Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, Confidential and Management extra-help/limited term, and SEIU or AFSCME represented extra help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.
The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: pass/fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.
IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.
TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Application Deadline: Monday, May 12, 2025 11:59 PM PST
Application Screening: Week of May 19, 2025
Civil Service Panel Interviews: Week of June 2, 2025
Departmental Interviews: Week of June 9, 2025
About the County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse communities.
The County of San Mateo is committed to advancing equity in order to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.
The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion at all levels. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Talent Acquisition Analyst: Ximena Burns (04102025) (Hazardous Materials Specialist I/II/III - J001, J003, J004)
Please visit for a complete listing of all benefits for this classification.
Benefits are offered to eligible employees of the County of San Mateo. All benefits are subject to change.
As an additional benefit, the County offers extensive training and development programs designed to improve skills and enhance career opportunities. Most programs are offered on County time at no cost to you.
County employees are also covered by the federal Social Security system and earn benefits for retirement based on salary and time worked.
01
IMPORTANT: Applicants for this position are required to submit responses to the supplemental questions below. Your responses will provide detailed information about your background and experience related to this position.
This information will weigh heavily in the application screening by the subject matter experts and will also be used in the selection process.
Answer the questions completely, paying attention to the multi-parts of the questions. While being thorough and detailed, also be concise. Your strategic use of language as well as neatness, clarity of expression, attention to detail, proper use of grammar and the ability to follow instructions will be considered in the evaluation process. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for your responses.
- I have read and understand this important information. Proceed to supplemental questions.
02
Describe your qualifications, including your training and experience in underground storage tanks, hazardous waste, hazardous materials, and other Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) programs. Include any relevant licenses or certificates.
03
Describe your training and work experience in conducting inspections, performing investigations and enforcing Federal, State or local regulations. Include your role, typical tasks you performed, and challenges you encountered and how you resolved them.
04
As an HMS I/II/III, you will be responsible for ensuring compliance (inspection, compliance assistance, and enforcement orders), managing data (violation and inspection data tracking), and reviewing electronic submissions for over 200 facilities, as well as handling complaints from the public and assisting co-workers on special projects. Provide an example of how you have managed competing responsibilities in the past or how you would manage them in this position.
Required Question