Environmental Hazards Specialist I — Trainee Pathway

Orange County; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Orange, Health Care Agency (HCA) seeks a Hazardous Materials Specialist I to perform inspections, investigations, and compliance activities within environmental health programs. The role involves on-the-job training across hazardous materials, waste management, and related regulatory duties.

The HMS I position may require after-hours work and occasional off-hours assignments to support CALARP, CUPA, and LWQ program needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited US college with ≥30 semester science units and at least one lab course in chemistry, physics, microbiology, biology or math.
• For Body Art programs, REHS certification from CDPH is required or preferred.
• Experience applying state and federal environmental laws and regulations in inspections and enforcement.

Responsibilities

• Perform inspections and complaint investigations at regulated facilities.
• Use protective equipment when handling hazardous materials and waste.
• Review laws, permits, and environmental plans for compliance.
• Prepare reports, memos, field notes, and briefing materials after investigations.
• Provide accurate, courteous information to internal staff and the public.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders and support program oversight.

Skills

Technical Knowledge

Oral and Written Communication

Planning and Organization

Education

Bachelor's degree with 30+ science units

REHS certification (CDPH)

Tools

Geotracker

CERS

SWIS

EH data management system

Microsoft Word/Excel

Job description

County of Orange, Health Care Agency (HCA) seeks a Hazardous Materials Specialist I to perform inspections, investigations, and compliance activities within environmental health programs. The role involves on-the-job training across hazardous materials, waste management, and related regulatory duties.

The HMS I position may require after-hours work and occasional off-hours assignments to support CALARP, CUPA, and LWQ program needs.