Senior Waste Inspector (Health and Environmental Investigator II)

SummaryThe King County Solid Waste Division (Division) is pleased to welcome applicants for a Senior Waste Inspector (HEI II). We are searching for a team member who is passionate about protecting the environment, public health, safety, and welfare. As part of the Division’s Recycling & Environmental Services Section (RES) Special Waste Unit (SWU), the Senior Waste Inspector (HEI II) will carry out the duties of a Waste Inspector, as well as provide training, guidance, planning, and monitoring and work product review to Waste Inspectors (HEI I’s)-(currently two). The Waste Inspection team helps ensure compliance with King County’s Waste Acceptance Rule and manages unacceptable waste the Division receives at its recycling and transfer stations, drop boxes, and the landfill. The duties of the Senior Waste Inspector (HEI II) support the Division in meeting regulatory and permit requirements; achieving its customer service goals, and protecting its workers and facilities, and managing wastes in an environmentally sound and safe manner.This position requires working outdoors in inclement weather and driving throughout the County between the landfill and transfer stations using a County vehicle. To learn more about the Division and waste acceptance, visit http://your.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/index.asp and https://kingcounty.gov/depts/dnrp/solid-waste/facilities/waste-clearance.aspx.Opportunity to Learn More: We invite you to join a Zoom Meeting Open House to learn more about this position. We will hold this event on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, from 1 pm to 2 pm. To participate in the meeting, join by video link https://zoom.us or audio-only 1-253-215-8782. The Meeting ID is 988 9727 7497, and the passcode is 564295.If you are unable to join us during that time and have questions about the position, you may contact Kris Beatty at 206-477-4620 or kris.beatty@kingcounty.gov.Who May Apply: This position is open to all qualified applicants currently employed by King County.How to Apply: Applicants must submit the following materials: (1) King County Application and (2) Cover Letter detailing your background and describing how your experience and/or education meets the qualifications and has prepared you to perform the essential functions of the job (please limit to no more than two pages).Work Location:Cedar Hills Regional Landfill and Bow Lake Recycling & Transfer StationWork Schedule: This position works 8 hours per day, M-F, between 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. It is subject to FLSA provisions and is over-time eligible. Under certain circumstances, once the probationary period is completed the schedule may be modified to accommodate flexible work hours.About the King County Solid Waste Division: The Division is the government agency responsible for a public solid waste system that serves unincorporated King County and cities within King County that have agreements for participation in that system. The Division operates the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill, ten transfer facilities, nine closed landfills, and many programs to prevent and recycle waste.RES leads the Division’s recycling and environmental stewardship programs, and some of its compliance programs. Notable among the compliance programs are waste stream compliance & enforcement, construction & demolition, green building, household hazardous waste and “Wastemobile” service, product stewardship, school education, and resource recovery.Examples of Job Duties:* Inspect loads of solid waste and special waste for compliance with King County’s Waste Acceptance Rule and Waste Clearance disposal permit conditions of the disposal.* Generate inspection records and enter information into a database.* Respond to and investigate unacceptable waste incidents. Document and report findings.* Report violations of the Waste Acceptance Rule to initiate educational/enforcement action.* Provide recycling and disposal information, technical assistance, and regulatory compliance advice to industry, the public, and other agencies.* Safely load/transport certain unacceptable waste to various facilities for proper disposal or recycling.* Assist Solid Waste Division staff with special waste issues and concerns.* Adhere to established standard operating procedures (SOP’s) and other standard work.* Collect samples, conduct field testing, analyze environmental data, and interpret results.* Participate in program development, planning, implementation, and evaluation.* Represent the SWU Waste Inspection Team working with individuals or groups within SWD.* May require lifting of up to 35 pounds.* Schedule and facilitate monthly team meetings* Create and maintain monthly team member deployment schedule* Develop/maintain procedural and training materials and training records/certifications* Train, mentor, and assist Waste Inspectors to carry out their jobs safely and effectively (includes technical knowledge/issues, procedures, acceptance policy interpretation, and safety expectations and topics)* Manage Waste Inspectors’ workloads, review completed work, ensure work standards are being met, and evaluate work practices for efficiency; recommend corrective action to Supervisor, as needed* Troubleshoot customer problems and operational issues* Maintain inventory of supplies, tools, and other resources (including flyers)* Other duties as assignedOur Ideal Candidate Will Have:* Ability to integrate equity and social justice principles into job responsibilities, and maintain positive and productive working relationships with diverse groups* Excellent organization skills and project implementation experience* Customer service experience in the solid waste industry* Ability to maintain a calm, professional demeanor under challenging conditions; handle conflict well; and manage priorities and work independently* Relevant experience in an environmental, scientific, or technical field, and at least one year of solid or hazardous materials handling experience or three years of regulatory or hands-on experience managing solid waste or hazardous materials or wastes, or, any combination of education and experience that clearly demonstrates the ability and skill to perform the scope of job duties of the position* Basic knowledge of federal, Washington state, and local solid and hazardous/dangerous waste-related environmental regulations* Knowledge of solid waste industry, field occupational and environmental hazards, and worker safety procedures* Ability to learn and consistently apply procedures.* Demonstrated problem-solving skills* Strong verbal and written communications skills* Computer skills sufficient to learn accurate Access database entry, generate letters, draft and edit documents in MSWord, and MS Outlook email and calendar* Ability to make quality decisions within the scope of their position while in the field* Must be able to successfully complete Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training and other training in managing waste streams* Asbestos Building Inspector Certifications and 40-hour HAZWOPER training desirableSelection Process: Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness, and responsiveness to the list of qualifications, skills, and abilities. The most competitive candidates will be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews and may be asked to complete an exercise. References checks may also be conducted.Who to Contact: If you have questions about the position and wish to learn more about SWD, visit http://your.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/index.asp or contact Kris Beatty at kris.beatty@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-4620. If you have questions about the recruitment process, benefits, etc., contact Prakash Meloot at prakash.meloot@kingcounty.gov. Supplemental InformationForbes recently named King County as one of Washington State’s best employers.Together, with leadership and our employees, we’re changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation’s best places to live, work and play.Guided by our “True North”, we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles–we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) EmployerNo person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.To ApplyIf you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.