Environmental Specialist I

Mesa County • Full-time • Grand Junction, Colorado • 2w ago

$20.62 - $25.79BACKGROUND:
The mission of Mesa County Solid Waste Management is to provide Mesa County residents with
environmentally responsible and fiscally accessible waste disposal options. The Solid Waste
Management Division encompasses the landfill, compost, 4 transfer stations, and the Hazardous Waste
Collection Facility (HWCF). The HWCF is one of only 8 similar facilities in Colorado. It is intended to
divert regulated waste and other items that may be harmful to the environment and the public and ensure
proper disposal or recycling of those items.
For more information about the HWCF please visit: https://www.mesacounty.us/swm/.
JOB SUMMARY:
Position is an entry-level position at the HWCF. Under general supervision, assists with the daily
processing and basic operational tasks of the Hazardous Waste Collection Facility (HWCF), including the
electronic waste (E-Waste) program. Assorted duties include collecting, handling, segregating, and
processing hazardous material from the public and lifting, weighing, and packaging electronic wastes
received at the facility. Assists with loading trucks with properly packaged hazardous and electronic
waste for offsite disposal/recycling. Interacts with the general public regarding hazardous waste
collection.
The ideal candidate is self-motivated, has the ability to prioritize duties, has the endurance to keep up
with physically demanding activities, is enthusiastic about environmental health and responsible waste
management, takes pride in serving the community, and will represent Mesa County with professionalism
and respect.
This is a full-time, hourly position: typically 40 hours per week, five days per week (Tuesday-Saturday)
with varying work hours from 6-9 hour shifts. Professional development training and special events may
require irregular hours

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
(The following duty statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other non-essential or marginal duties that may be required. Mesa County reserves the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of this job at any time. All responsibilities may not be performed by all incumbents.)

Provide frontline customer service at the HWCF; including providing information to the public regarding proper waste disposal, policies, and procedures. Answering customer questions related to policies and regulations of the Solid Waste Division, setting disposal appointments for VSQGs, and answering and returning telephone calls.

Facilitates the Recycled Latex Paint Program, including but not limited to training staff on the making, labeling, and storing of the latex paint. Provides data on the program to the HMM/ESIII to include the number of gallons and colors created for tracking purposes.
Screen and accept appropriate hazardous wastes received for disposal at the HWCF.
Screen and collect electronic waste from Mesa County residents and businesses. Other duties include segregating weighing the electronic waste and package accordingly for e-waste for monthly shipments.
Bulks latex paint, oil-based paint, and flammable liquids manually into 55-gallon drums. Sort fluorescent light bulbs, batteries, and aerosol cans into correct containers.
Safely segregate and/or consolidate hazardous materials based on chemical compatibility for storage, disposal, and recycling under the supervision of the Hazardous Materials Manager (HMM) and
Environmental Specialist III (ESIII).
Safely and accurately identify, classify, sort, package, and label hazardous and universal waste materials and containers according to local, state, and federal regulations for storage and shipment under the supervision of the HMM/ESIII.
Safely operate sweeper, forklift, and skid loader to move pallets of e-waste and other materials on-site. Assists with the materials reuse and recycling programs and provides information to the public regarding proper waste disposal.
Maintain the cleanliness of the recycling lot by policing the area for improper use, taking out the trash, and notifying the HMM when the recycle bins are full.
Maintains good housekeeping practices to maintain the HWCF. Cleans facility and grounds as needed.
Cleans up spills according to the Health and Safety procedures.
Works with the Jail Inmate Work Crew to perform various tasks around the HWCF, such as assistance with the e-waste program and site upkeep.
Performs facility opening and closing procedures.
Conducts facility recycling runs and obtains pallets as needed.
Assists with developing and implementing new operational procedures.
Oral and written communications must be clear and effective.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES:
Required:
Awareness and execution of safe working practices.
Attention to detail.
Excellent customer service in person and over the phone.
Ability and willingness to work with others and independently.
Ability to prioritize and transition from task to task fluidly in a fast-paced environment.

Read and follow directions in English, both orally and in writing.
Communicate clearly and effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
Recommended:
Experience handling monetary transactions and accurately settling cash drawer.
Experience safely operating small equipment vehicles such as a forklift and UTV.
Experience with industrial processing machinery and equipment.
Laboratory experience including following scientific procedures and “bench chemistry” testing.
Comprehension of the proper handling of chemicals and spills according to relevant regulations.
Understand how to read and interpret MSDS/SDS sheets and industrial chemical labeling.
Proficiency in POS systems, Microsoft Office programs, and Google applications for office work.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
Education and Experience:
High school diploma or equivalent with courses taken in environmental science, chemistry, or related field
and one (1) year of related experience. OR
Any combination of education, training, and experience which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities
required for the job.
Licenses and Certifications:
(all licenses/certifications are preferred but can be obtained after hire)
NAHHMA HHW/VSQG 24hour certification
CDPHE Hazardous Waste and Regulations
DOT Security Awareness Training
DOT HAZMAT Employee Training
CPR and First Aid certifications (optional)
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
This position may require the use of a respirator or supplied air while processing hazardous materials.
This position requires walking standing, stooping, sitting, bending, twisting, gripping, grasping, and lifting
up to 50 pounds regularly, and team lifting up to 250 pounds occasionally.
Employee must be able to respond quickly to sounds.
Employee must be able to move safely over uneven terrain.
Employee must possess the ability to see and respond to dangerous situations.
Employee must wear personal protective gear correctly for the majority of the work day.
The employee is frequently exposed to dirt, smoke, fumes, extreme heat and cold for long duration,
outside atmospheric conditions, traffic noise, and dust for sustained periods of time.
The employee is frequently exposed to loud noise.

The employee is frequently exposed to possible bodily injury from moving mechanical parts of equipment,
tools, and machinery.
The employee is occasionally exposed to possible bodily injury from radiation, explosions or toxic or
caustic chemicals

In compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act the following items can be used as a determining factor in the starting and ongoing wage of an employee working in this position:

A seniority system that rewards employees based on length of employment.

A merit system that rewards employees for exceptional job performance.

Education, training, or experience to the extent that they are reasonably related to the work in question.

Another factor related to job performance or business operations, such as paying a shift differential to workers on less popular shifts

This position includes is eligible for the Mesa County benefits package which includes the following: