Work at a job that makes a real difference in your community and for the environment. Be part of a team which are the leaders in their field. Join this innovative team at an award-winning, state-of-the-art facility. Work with the team that supports learning and growth.

What Would You Do?

This is technical work assisting in all phases of the Solid Waste department's specialized recycling and waste reduction programs. Positions in this class also provide support services to other programs within Solid Waste as needed. Responsibilities include assisting the Solid Waste Supervisor, Solid Waste Program Coordinator, and Solid Waste Technician(s) with the operation of the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) programs. Responsibilities involve work with known and unknown hazardous chemicals. Work involves a high degree of contact with the public and employees are expected to function independently during varied work hours.

• Analyzes chemicals that are unknown for proper characterization, placement, and disposal as per regulations.
• Attends trainings, webinars, and meetings to ensure continuous education and understanding of regulations.
• Coordinates projects, including, but not limited to, supply ordering, Swap Shop oversight, vehicle and equipment scheduling and safety, and site safety checks, as directed by Solid Waste Program Supervisor.
• Greets customers, assess chemicals for drop-off, and collect customer information at the HHW Center, Household Chemical Collection events, and other HHW programs, as assigned.
• Lab packs drums per DOT regulations and completes paperwork in accordance with Federal Guidelines.
• Maintain working knowledge of federal and state solid and hazardous waste regulations, hazardous materials, and County and State recycling programs and materials processing through continuous reading, research, and application.
• Maintains records and completes reports assigned by the Solid Waste Program Supervisor or Section Manager.
• Operates heavy equipment and trucks in association with the transportation of household hazardous waste.
• Performs related work as assigned or required.
• Recognizes, identifies, and addresses unsafe chemical handling situations.
• Responds to emergency chemical spills and provide proper information to emergency agencies to ensure human safety and minimize environmental impacts.
• Segregates and lab packs household chemical waste into proper classifications per DOT regulations and completes paperwork in accordance with Federal guidelines
• Sorts household chemical waste into the proper classifications for shipping in compliance with DOT regulations.

What Do You Need to Have?

Experience in chemical and electronic processing field related to solid waste operations.

• 3 years of experience as described above; or
• Associate degree with coursework in chemistry or other environmental science, and 1 year of experience as described above; or
• Bachelor or higher-level degree with course work in chemistry or other environmental science.
• Possession and maintenance of a valid State of Florida Class B Commercial Driver's License with Hazardous Waste endorsement within six months of hire with eligibility based upon evaluation of a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) driving report.
• Hazardous Waste Operator and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) 40-hour certification, 29 CFR 1910.120, within 6 months of hire.
• FEMA ICS 100 and 700 certifications within 6 months of hire.
• OSHA 10-Hr General Industry certification within 12 months of hire.
• Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.
• Ability to work at the Solid Waste facility located at 2855 109th Avenue N., St. Petersburg, FL 33716.
• Ability to work a rotating schedule. This position will work a 4-day, 40-hour week, 10-hour days which will include some Saturdays. Shift work is from 6:45 a.m. – 5:15 p.m.
   

Highly desirable skills

• Experience in Hazardous Materials, Chemistry or Solid Waste programs. 

Why choose Pinellas County?

Our benefits rank among the top in the area!

We are dedicated to offering employees a multitude of comprehensive and competitive benefits including, but not limited to:

• Medical coverage at a low cost
• Benefits package includes health, vision, prescription, dental, life insurance, disability, and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
• Florida Retirement System (FRS)
• Generous leave time
• Wellness Program: access to county gyms 24/7
• Deferred compensation plans
• To learn more, see What We Offer

Want to learn more?

Review the full classification description with the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities, Physical/Mental Demands and Working Conditions at the below link.

Solid Waste Program Assistant