Senior Hazardous Materials Inspector

Job Description

Description

Regular, Full-Time Employment Opportunity

Come join Sunnyvale’s Fire Prevention Division! We are looking to staff our Hazardous Materials Team that ensures compliance with applicable local, State and Federal regulations, codes, and laws as a Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) and enforce Fire Code elements. This journey level position includes access to latest plan review technology , a chance to improve upon the databases , and the unique opportunity to provide the highest level of comprehensive hazardous materials program management within Silicon Valley.
To view the full job description, click here.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The position of Senior Hazardous Materials Inspector differs from Hazardous Materials Inspector in that the Hazardous Materials Inspector does not regularly review complex building and equipment plans or assist with CUPA program coordination and audit activities. The Senior Hazardous Materials Inspector is also expected to provide technical assistance and lead direction to Hazardous Materials Inspector employees.

Essential Job Functions

(May include, but are not limited to, the following):

• Reviews complex building and equipment plans and specifications related to hazardous materials storage and use.
• Conducts routine and special inspections of facilities that store of use hazardous materials in a regulated quantity; reviews plans and documents and issues permits to ensure compliance with applicable ordinances, laws, and regulations governing the storage, use, treatment, and disposal of hazardous materials.
• Updates and maintains permit and inspection files and databases to ensure that records of facilities reflect operations and status.
• Conducts investigations and initiates appropriate enforcement action to ensure compliance with ordinances, laws and regulations governing the handling, storage, use and/or disposal of hazardous materials.
• Provides technical support and advice regarding the storage, use, and disposal of chemical, biological, and microbiological agents.
• Monitors and tracks progress of locations and sites where hazardous materials and hazardous waste discharges have occurred.
• Conducts special studies and compiles program data.
• Assists with Consolidated Unified Program Agency (CUPA) program coordination and audit activities.
• Serves as liaison to local, regional, and state agencies, as assigned.
• Assists with the research, development, and revision of new codes, standards, and policies.
• Develops, maintains and delivers training to the general public and colleagues on matters related to hazardous materials storage, use, treatment and disposal.
• Stays current on the legal and technical developments in the hazardous materials field; provides input at meetings with local, regional, and state officials regarding the City's positions on items of interest to the City.
• Responds to releases and emergency situations involving actual or suspected hazardous materials and assists in actions to remedy the situation.
• Promotes public relations through public education programs; speaks to various civic and professional organizations to promote the goals of the City; meets with industrial and business representatives to promote cooperation and provide information regarding codes and standards; makes presentations and participates in promotional events, demonstrations, and fire and life safety programs.
• Provides technical assistance and lead direction to lower level staff.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking on level, uneven and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard. The position also requires near and far vision when performing tasks such as field inspections, in reading written reports and work related documents and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal customer service. The need to lift, drag, carry and push equipment, tools and supplies up to 25 pounds is also required. Additionally, when performing field inspections, the incumbent may be exposed to hazardous materials and work in a variety of working conditions, including loud noise and inclement weather conditions, such as wet, heat and cold. In an emergency, may be working in an environment which requires wearing a respirator as well as appropriate personal protective equipment which may include encapsulated suits. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to climb ladders and steep slopes, and walk around worksites.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in chemistry, biology, geology, environmental studies, or other related science associated with the study of hazardous materials or soil and groundwater contamination; AND

Three years of professional experience performing duties related to the mitigation and control of hazardous materials, including the application of codes and standards.

Knowledge of:

• Modern principles and practices of chemistry, biology, or geology as applied to regulated hazardous materials, hazardous wastes, and industrial wastes.
• Hazardous waste sampling techniques and analysis.
• Pertinent local, State and Federal laws, rules and regulations related to the storage, use, treatment, and disposal of hazardous materials.
• Fire and building codes and national standards related to fire prevention and mitigation of hazards resulting from hazardous materials storage and use.
• Proper use of laboratory equipment.
• Methods and procedures to monitor and track compliance with regulations, codes, and laws.
• Procedures associated with hazardous materials clean-up.
• Methods for sampling and interpreting laboratory tests on suspected discharges of hazardous materials.
• Methods and techniques of developing and delivering effective public education, public relations and community presentations.
• Effective communication techniques for gathering, evaluating, and transmitting information.
• Office methods, procedures, software and equipment.

Ability to:

• Effectively enforce hazardous materials and fire prevention codes and standards.
• Conduct thorough inspections and prepare documentation.
• Create professional business correspondence, memoranda, reports, and other documentation.
• Deal tactfully and effectively with the public.
• Educate the public on matters of hazardous materials storage, handling, and disposal;
• Express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, to groups and individuals.
• Organize and keep accurate records of events.
• Operate a computer using word processing and business software and other office equipment.
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain and promote positive and effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public.
• Demonstrate initiative and exercise good judgment in the performance of duties.
• Work independently and as a team member; recognize and set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.

Willingness to:

• Work in, with, and around hazardous substances.
• Travel to remote sites within the City to conduct inspections of discharges of suspected hazardous materials.
• Respond to emergencies associated with hazardous materials at any time of the day or night.
• Wear a respirator or breathing apparatus, and protective clothing and equipment.
• Wear a Department-issued uniform.
• Participate in public education and outreach events after-hours and on weekends.

Licenses/Certificates:

• Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license and a safe driving record.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within 6 months of appointment, ICC Underground Storage Tank (UST) Inspector, Self-Certified Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act (APSA) Tank Inspector, and Hazardous Waste Operation Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certifications.
• Completion of, or ability to successfully complete, California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) approved Hazardous Materials Technician (Module A, B, C, and D) and Hazardous Material Technician (Module F and G) courses within 18 months of appointment.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Previous experience working for a municipality.

Application and Selection Process

APPLICATION PROCESS

The application submitted must meet the minimum qualifications listed in the job description in order to move forward in the recruitment process with the City of Sunnyvale. The information provided in the Work Experience, Education, and Certificates/Licenses sections of the application will be used to determine if the application meets the minimum qualifications. A resume, employment history provided elsewhere in the application, or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of the completed application.

Note: The minimum qualifications for experience are based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Experience included in the Work Experience section of the application is calculated to the full-time equivalent (hours are pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week). Volunteer experience is not considered qualifying experience.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a City of Sunnyvale employment application and responses to the supplemental questions to the Department of Human Resources. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, the posting will close on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 5:00pm.

Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience, or skills relevant to this position. Electronic applications may be submitted online through the City's employment page at Sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on JOBS. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

EXAM PROCESS

Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications of this position. Based upon a review of the application materials, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination process, which may consist of an oral examination scheduled for Wednesday, October 21`, 2026. (Note: The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Director of Human Resources).

SELECTION PROCESS

Those candidates that receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year, in accordance with the City's Civil Service Rules and Administrative Policies. Any candidate selected by the hiring department will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, which may consist of a comprehensive background investigation, as well as medical exam(s) administered by a City-selected physician(s) before hire. Prior to starting work, all newly-hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose conviction history will result in refusal of employment or termination. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.
A valid California Class C driver's license and a safe driving record is required for this position at the time of appointment. Should you move forward to be hired for this position, you will be required to turn in a current copy of your DMV driving record.

INFORMATION ABOUT PROOF OF EDUCATION Any successful candidate selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e., copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts). An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credential evaluation service at the candidate’s expense. Candidates may utilize any third-party agency for the evaluation. If you search ‘education equivalency verification’ or similar online, you will obtain results for agencies that provide this evaluation service. A conditional job offer cannot be made until the education has been evaluated and submitted to the Department of Human Resources.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Positions in this job classification are represented by the Sunnyvale Employees Association (SEA).
For assistance on how to fill out your job application, watch the following video:

• How to Apply for a City of Sunnyvale Job- YouTube (5:13)

The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

The City of Sunnyvale is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state, or local laws. The City of Sunnyvale is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 730-7490 or recruitments@sunnyvale.ca.gov .

Summary of Sunnyvale's Employees AssociationSEA

Notice of CFRA (California Family Rights Act) Rights and Obligations

Closing Date/Time: 10/8/2026 5:00 PM Pacific