Environmental Specialist-Suffolk

Salary: $50,000.00 - $55,000.00 Annually
Location : Regional Landfill, 1 Bob Foeller Dr., Suffolk, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: Env Spec
Department: Landfill/Solid Waste
Division: Environmental / HHW
Opening Date: 06/15/2026

Description
The Environmental Specialist performs a broad range of environmental duties, including the safe efficient operation of the Household Hazardous Waste Program, Random Waste Inspection Program, Special Waste Inspection Program, Used Oil Collection Program, groundwater monitoring, Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) compliance sampling, industrial wastewater compliance sampling, landfill gas monitoring, emergency spill response and various recycling programs for unusual and / or hazardous materials.

Performs sampling in the following areas: ground water monitoring, methane gas surface emission monitoring, drinking water monitoring, storm water monitoring, methane gas probe testing, and leachate water discharge monitoring. In addition, perform quarterly inspections at all the SPSA Transfer Stations and the Regional Landfill simulating a Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) inspection to identify potential permit violations before they arise. Also assists with HHW (Household Hazardous Waste collection) events and investigates and prepares reports for unauthorized waste.

All operations will be completed with/without direct, on-site supervision of the Environmental Coordinator and or the Environmental Manager.

Examples of Duties

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
The approximate amount of time spent on essential duties & responsibilities areas are as follows:

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

% of Time

• Responsible for the safe efficient oversight of the Household Hazardous Waste Program, Random Waste Inspection Program, Special Waste Inspection Program, Used Oil Collection, and similar programs.

5%

• Performs sampling of ground, drinking & storm water, methane gas, and leachate to ensure parameters are within regulatory limits.

60%

• Enforce SPSA waste disposal policies. Collect, classify, and store waste received at household hazardous waste collection facilities

5%

• Drive to various sites for inspections and to monitor SPSA's adherence to hazardous waste regulations

10%

• Prepares written reports and maintains required documentation.

20%

• Performs on-site inspections of materials and generating processes in support of the Special Waste program.
• Oversees the work of a team engaged in providing specific services, completing specific projects, or assisting other units.
• Promptly prepares written reports and relay findings in a clear and concise manner.
• Maintains accurate records of recyclable materials collected from the various facilities.
• Conducts simulated Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) self-inspections at SPSA facilities to ensure compliance.
• Corresponds with regulatory authorities as directed by the Environmental Manager.
• Performs regularly scheduled sampling events of groundwater, storm water, industrial wastewater, landfill gas & surface emissions, industrial waste, and drinking water.
• Conscientiously operates and maintains a wide array of scientific and industrial equipment in a manner which promotes longevity and maximum value.
• Responds to emergency situations involving the release of hazardous materials providing both direction and physical support.
• Shows respect for workplace facilities, storerooms, satellite storage areas, and vehicles by maintaining a safe, orderly, and clean work environment.
• Assists with and / or operates the White Goods and Mixed Metal Recycling Program in a safe and efficient manner including recovery of refrigerant from various CFC containing appliances, segregation of scrap metals and proper storage of recyclable hazardous materials.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Experience & Education

• Required Education
  - High school diploma or the equivalent required.
• Required Experience
  - Two years of technical training or experience in the areas of physical/life science, chemistry, or hazardous materials management are required.
• Required Licenses:
• Ability to obtain, within 1 year of employment:
  • 40 hour HAZWOPER, class 6 Waterworks Operator License
  • EPA Section 608 Technician Certification Type 1 refrigerant license
  • UST Class A Operator Certification
• Valid driver's license and safe driving record required to operate SPSA owned or leased vehicles.

An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.
Knowledge & Skills

• Basic knowledge of environmental laws and regulations related to landfill and solid waste operations.
• Knowledge of dangers associated with handling hazardous materials and / or waste.
• Knowledge of hazards and safety precautions required while working in a heavy industrial environment.
• Knowledge of Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) inspections procedures.
• Knowledge of emergency response procedures and ability to respond effectively.
• Basic knowledge of environmental sample collection with ability to…