CITY OF BOTHELL
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SPECIALIST
FLSA Status: Non exempt
CLASS SUMMARY Performs a wide variety of advanced technical and lead work concerning hazardous materials storage, use and investigation; makes routine and special inspections and investigations of facilities and sites where hazardous classes of materials are stored, used, treated, or disposed. Checks building plans for compliance with fire and life safety standards; performs hazardous materials plan reviews, prepares permits for issuance, enforces appropriate regulations as assigned, and ensures compliance with local, state and federal regulations. Provides liaison with other City departments and other governmental agencies; may assist Fire Marshal in hazardous materials incident investigation to determine cause; may respond to incidents involving release of hazardous materials and assist Incident Commander with technical information as necessary. Work is performed under general supervision with initiative, discretion, and independent judgment in the performance of duties. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS -- Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the
following:
Performs plan review for new and proposed hazardous materials facilities; ensures new construction meets or exceeds code requirements for hazardous materials, and fire detection and suppression systems; confers with other concerned City departments to determine and ensure compliance with fire, life safety and hazardous materials requirements; makes necessary contacts with developers, property owners, architects, engineers and contractors; follows through with related field inspections and tests. Inspects hazardous materials facilities under construction; ensures code and regulation requirements are met; witnesses field tests related to installation of hazardous material systems, tanks, piping, and associated monitoring equipment, fire detection, and fire suppression systems. Conducts inspections of existing commercial facilities/sites utilizing hazardous materials to determine and enforce compliance with applicable federal, state and local codes, laws, and regulations on the transportation, use, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials; may be required to perform complex field inspections for conflict resolution in the areas of architecture, construction, hazardous materials, alarm and sprinkler systems as it relates to new or existing buildings. Reviews Hazardous Materials Inventory Statements to properly classify occupancies in accordance with applicable codes; provides code-related advice to citizens and other City employees/divisions; issues permits for fireworks stands. Reviews and recommends procedures to ensure safe storage and use of hazardous materials which may be harmful to emergency responders, the public or the environment; trains fire suppression staff and inspectors in recognizing and handling basic problems with hazardous materials; evaluates hazardous material dangers for firefighters, City employees, and general public.
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CITY OF BOTHELL May be called to emergency calls to provide assistance and advice to incident or scene commanders engaged in containing a hazardous material release, spill, leak, or related fire; May be called by Fire Marshal to assist in the investigation of fires related to hazardous materials or those of unknown origins. Investigates safe storage violations and initiates actions for compliance; investigates complaints received by the department and determines whether a fire/hazardous materials hazard exists; may issue notice to abate and follows through with immediate supervisor and other City departments as appropriate. Prepares and conducts programs in public education and answers questions regarding hazards and violations of fire prevention and hazardous materials regulations. Performs related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is performed in indoor office and field settings. Duties require effective audio/visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations and communicating with others. May occasionally be required to work beyond normal working hours and on weekends. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education, Training and Experience Guidelines Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree with major course work in chemistry, fire science, fire protection engineering or a related science associated with the study of hazardous materials and considerable and increasingly responsible professional experience with hazardous materials and fire inspection, or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience that provides the following knowledge, skills and abilities: Knowledge of:
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Uniform Fire Code and Uniform Building Code Applicable RCW's, WAC's, NFPA Codes, ICBO standards and other applicable compliance standards related to fire prevention and storage, use, and handling of hazardous materials Methods, technology and equipment necessary for safe storage, use, and handling and detection of hazardous materials Basic chemistry and hazardous materials Principles, practices and procedures of fire prevention Principles, practices and procedures of fire inspection Modern office practices, procedures and computer equipment Applicable software and data processing applications Instructional techniques and mediums
Ability to:
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CITY OF BOTHELL
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Interpret and apply uniform fire and/or building codes and applicable local, state and federal laws, statutes, regulations, and ordinances for the storage, use, disposal, and handling of hazardous materials Review and interpret blue prints, plans, specifications, and technical reports Train and occasionally direct the work of others Stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of hazardous materials enforcement and control Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities Exercise sound judgment and rational thinking under various circumstances; evaluate various options and alternatives and choose an appropriate and reasonable course of action
LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS
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Possession of, or ability to obtain, IFCI Fire Inspector Certification Possession of, or ability to obtain, IFCI Fire Code Inspector Certification Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license
Desirable Certification:
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Certified Hazardous Materials Management Certified Industrial Hygienist
Class specifications are intended to present an illustrative description of the range of duties, the scope of responsibility and the required level of knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to describe the primary functions of the job. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed by employees in each position assigned to the class.
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