Hazardous Materials Trainee
Salary
$92,431.04 - $111,901.92 Annually
Location
Throughout the County of Santa Clara, CA
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
26-V2D-A
Department
Department of Environmental Health
Division
Hazardous Materials Program
Opening Date
10/02/2026
Closing Date
10/23/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit
01
Description
Under close supervision, conducts basic inspections and investigations in the enforcement of hazardous materials/waste laws, ordinances, policies and procedures within the Countys jurisdiction.
This recruitment is for a position working in the Department of Environmental Healths Hazardous Materials Program, which is authorized by the California Environmental Protection Agency to operate as a Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA).
EXAMINATION DATES: Candidates who meet the employment standards will be invited to take a written examination that will be conducted online through a secure third party, TENTATIVELY scheduled for the week of November 10, 2026. Qualifying candidates will be notified with examination instructions via the email address attached to their application.
Typical Tasks
Attends training sessions to receive instructions in hazardous materials management principles, methods, techniques, site remediation, hydrogeology, risk assessment and chemical fate and transportation;
Observes techniques in taking samples of suspected hazardous waste to determine if there have been unauthorized releases, spills or leaks;
Learns to train staff and participating agencies on hazardous materials management;
Conducts inspections for compliance with applicable Federal, State and Local hazardous materials/waste laws and regulations;
Assists with enforcement activities;
Maintains inventories of hazardous materials/waste facilities;
May assist in soil and waste site remediation projects;
Assists in the reviews of facility construction plans for conformance to applicable laws and ordinances;
Gathers information on prior inspections and investigations using departmental database and files and reviews the information to understand certifications of compliance or resolution of outstanding issues;
Prepares clear professional reports, memoranda, business correspondence, and other documentation including reports of findings concerning spills and prepares material for use in legal actions;
Answers inquiries and prepares informational literature to provide technical assistance to representatives of industry, government associations and the general public on hazardous materials management and/or remediation;
Investigates and resolves complaints regarding improper storage, use, handling or disposal of hazardous materials/waste;
Hazardous Materials Trainee
Conducts investigations into illegal dumping and unauthorized releases of hazardous materials/waste;
Assists in inter-agency investigations, clean-ups and enforcement efforts to achieve uniformity of procedures and consistency in the interpretation of codes;
May assist Hazardous Materials Specialists in interviewing witnesses, in the collection of evidence and in the preparation of materials for use in legal actions;
Observes Hazardous Materials Specialists who appear in court as an expert witness of the affects of hazardous materials/waste;
Performs related duties as required.
Employment Standards
The knowledge and abilities required to perform this function are acquired through the possession of a Bachelors Degree, preferably in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geology, or a related Science. The degree must include a minimum of thirty (30) semester units as required by the State of California for the Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) which may include courses such as: Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Physical Science, Environmental Science, Geology or Soil Science, Environmental Health, Environmental or Sanitary Engineering, Toxicology, Industrial Hygiene, Hazardous Materials Management, Fire Science or Fire Technology.
Possession of a valid California Drivers license prior to appointment.
Knowledge of:
Basic organic and inorganic chemistry, with a strong emphasis on chemical characteristics, hazardous identification, compatibility issues and their effects on human health and the environment;
Statistics;
Elementary understanding of the principles and practices of hazardous materials management;
Elementary understanding of Federal, State and Local laws and regulations applicable to hazardous materials management and environmental health;
Elementary understanding of the practices in the transportation, process/treatment, recycling, and disposal of hazardous waste;
Basic methods, techniques and practices used in the control of physical and health hazards;
Computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets and/or databases.
Ability to:
Interpret laws, regulations, ordinances, codes and data;
Learn to collect samples of hazardous substances, soil and groundwater;
Prepare comprehensive and technically accurate reports;
Communicate effectively verbally and in writing;
Maintain records accurately;
Identify, control and dispose of hazardous waste and recommend corrective action;
Conduct statistical analysis;
Meet respiratory protection program requirements;
Enforce laws, regulations, ordinances and codes pertaining to hazardous materials/waste.
Hazardous Materials Trainee
Some positions may require an employee, under direct supervision, to climb ladders, scaffolding, or trenches, or to crawl while performing investigations and field inspections
The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more here.
The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.
In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.
Retirement Benefits
The County offers robust retirement plans including a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the CalPERS pension plan. In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family's long-term financial well-being.
Health Flexible Spending Account
The Health Flexible Spending Account (HFSA) empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.
Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
The Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the Employee Childcare Assistance Plan, an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.
Life and AD&D
The County offers life and disability benefits including Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, Long-Term Disability insurance, California State Disability Insurance, and Integration with Leave. These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.
Employee Wellness
The Employee Wellness Program offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.
Education Reimbursement
A generous Learning and Employee Development program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.
NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.
Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.
01
Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is REQUIRED and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Initially, it will be used to determine minimum qualifications. For those applicants meeting the employment standards, this information will be critical in the subsequent competitive assessment to identify those candidates to be invited to continue in the examination process. Your responses to the questions may also be reviewed and scored in a Competitive Rating evaluation process based on pre-determined rating criteria. Your answers should be as complete as possible, as no additional information will be accepted from applicants once the Competitive Rating evaluation has begun. A response of "see resume" or "see application" will deem your application incomplete.
Include a detailed description of your work experience in the following format for EACH employer referenced, in each answer:
a) Employer Name
b) Job Title
c) Start Month/End Month Dates of Employment
d) Total Hours Worked per Week
e) Detailed Description of Job Duties
Do you understand the requirement to provide complete answers in order to determine relevant experience for each area in question?
02
What is the highest level of education you have completed?
03
Please indicate the University / School attended and the major field of study for any degree referenced above. If none, indicate N/A.
04
This position requires the possession of a Bachelors degree. The degree must include a minimum of thirty (30) semester units in coursework that is required by the State of California for the Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA). This requirement includes courses such as: Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Physical Science, Environmental Science, Geology or Soil Science, Environmental Health, Environmental or Sanitary Engineering, Toxicology, Industrial Hygiene, Hazardous Materials Management, Fire Science or Fire Technology.
You must attach transcripts demonstrating conferral of a Bachelors degree and completion of required coursework.
Do you understand this requirement and have you attached your transcripts?
05
Please describe your work experience related to one or more of the programs implemented by a Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) per the States Unified Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Materials Waste Program.
Required in your response, include the following information for EACH employer referenced:
a) Employer Name
b) Job Title/Your role
c) Start Month/End Month Dates of Employment
d) Total Hours Worked per Week
e) Specify Which Programs
f) Detailed Description of Typical Tasks Performed in Each Program
If no experience, type N/A.
06
Please provide the name of computer applications and databases that you have used to prepare technical reports, track or maintain environmental compliance and advise/instruct others on environmental requirements. Give specific examples of how you used each and describe your level of proficiency. Required in your response, include the following information for EACH employer referenced:
a) Employer Name
b) Job Title/Your role
c) Start Month/End Month Dates of Employment
d) Total Hours Worked per Week
e) Level of Proficiency
f) Specific Examples of How You Used Each Computer Application and/or Database
If no experience, type N/A.
07
The position requires the ability to climb ladders, scaffolding, or trenches, or to crawl while performing investigations and field inspections. Do you understand this requirement?
08
Do you possess a current, valid California Drivers License?
09
How did you find out/hear about this job?
10
How did you find out about this job? If "Other" is selected: Please describe how you heard about this job.
Required Question
Employer County of Santa Clara
Address 70 W. Hedding Street
8th Floor, East Wing
San Jose, California, 95110
Phone (408) 299-6816
Website http://www.sccjobs.org/
| Location | Santa Clara, CA |
| Salary | $92,431.04–$111,901.92 Per Year |
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