Environmental Specialist

Pay Range

$20.62 - $25.79

The mission of Mesa County Solid Waste Management is to provide Mesa County residents with environmentally responsible and fiscally accessible waste disposal options. The Solid Waste Management Division encompasses the landfill, compost, 4 transfer stations, and the Hazardous Waste Collection Facility (HWCF). The HWCF is one of only 8 similar facilities in Colorado. It is intended to divert regulated waste and other items that may be harmful to the environment and the public and ensure proper disposal or recycling of those items.

For more information about the HWCF please visit: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Position is an entry-level position at the HWCF. Under general supervision, assists with the daily processing and basic operational tasks of the Hazardous Waste Collection Facility (HWCF), including the electronic waste (E-Waste) program. Assorted duties include collecting, handling, segregating, and processing hazardous material from the public and lifting, weighing, and packaging electronic wastes received at the facility. Assists with loading trucks with properly packaged hazardous and electronic waste for offsite disposal/recycling.

Interacts with the general public regarding hazardous waste collection.

The ideal candidate is self-motivated, has the ability to prioritize duties, has the endurance to keep up with physically demanding activities, is enthusiastic about environmental health and responsible waste management, takes pride in serving the community, and will represent Mesa County with professionalism and respect.

This is a full-time, hourly position: typically 40 hours per week, five days per week (Tuesday-Saturday) with varying work hours from 6-9 hour shifts. Professional development training and special events may require irregular hours.

• Provide frontline customer service at the HWCF; including providing information to the public regarding proper waste disposal, policies, and procedures. Answer customer questions related to policies and regulations of the Solid Waste Division, setting disposal appointments for VSQGs, and answering and returning telephone calls.
• Facilitate the Recycled Latex Paint Program, including but not limited to training staff on the making, labeling, and storing of the latex paint. Provide data on the program to the HMM/ESIII to include the number of gallons and colors created for tracking purposes.
• Screen and accept appropriate hazardous wastes received for disposal at the HWCF.
• Screen and collect electronic waste from Mesa County residents and businesses. Other duties include segregating, weighing the electronic waste and packaging accordingly for e-waste for monthly shipments.
• Bulk latex paint, oil-based paint, and flammable liquids manually into 55-gallon drums.
• Sort fluorescent light bulbs, batteries, and aerosol cans into correct containers.
• Safely segregate and/or consolidate hazardous materials based on chemical compatibility for storage, disposal, and recycling under the supervision of the Hazardous Materials Manager (HMM) and Environmental Specialist III (ESIII).
• Safely and accurately identify, classify, sort, package, and label hazardous and universal waste materials and containers according to local, state, and federal regulations for storage and shipment under the supervision of the HMM/ESIII.
• Safely operate sweeper, forklift, and skid loader to move pallets of e-waste and other materials on-site. Assist with the materials reuse and recycling programs and provide information to the public regarding proper waste disposal.
• Maintain the cleanliness of the recycling lot by policing the area for improper use, taking out the trash, and notifying the HMM when the recycle bins are full.
• Maintain good housekeeping practices to maintain the HWCF. Clean facility and grounds as needed.
• Cleans up spills according to the Health and Safety procedures.
• Work with the Jail Inmate Work Crew to perform various tasks around the HWCF, such as assistance with the e-waste program and site upkeep.
• Perform facility opening and closing procedures.
• Conduct facility recycling runs and obtain pallets as needed.
• Assist with developing and implementing new operational procedures.
• Ensure oral and written communications are clear and effective.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Required:
  • Awareness and execution of safe working practices.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Excellent customer service in person and over the phone.
  • Ability and willingness to work with others and independently.
  • Ability to prioritize and transition from task to task fluidly in a fast-paced environment.
  • Read and follow directions in English, both orally and in writing.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
• Recommended:
  • Experience handling monetary transactions and accurately settling cash drawer.
  • Experience safely operating small equipment vehicles such as a forklift and UTV.
  • Experience with industrial…