Environmental Specialist - Solid Waste

Overview

Collier County strives to be an employer of choice, and many of our employees build long‑term careers with us. The salary listed in the job description reflects the full pay range for this position, from entry level through advanced career stages.

NEW EMPLOYEES ARE HIRED AT, OR NEAR THE ENTRY POINT SHOWN, DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATIONS AND RELEVANT EXPERIENCE.

The purpose of this classification is to lead and direct operational, regulatory, and safety functions within the Solid Waste Operations Division, with primary emphasis on the County’s recycling and hazardous waste drop‑off facilities. This position oversees day‑to‑day activities, staff, and compliance across these sites while maintaining the versatility to support landfill, transfer station, and deep injection well operations as needed.

• Coordinate with contractors and generators for waste packaging, pickups, and specialized services; act as a field liaison and Division representative at temporary events.
• Identify, segregate, package, bulk, and prepare materials for collection by vendors, in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including RCRA and DOT requirements.
• Maintain all required documentation, including manifests, labels, inventory records, tracking documents, and site safety plans; ensure accurate inventory and tracking of hazardous wastes processed at the division's designated locations.
• Draft and implement standard operating procedures for material handling and tracking and train staff.
• Conduct hazardous waste analysis, including categorization tests for unknown materials; observe waste collection and disposal activities and resolve operational issues.
• Perform site operations such as setup, cleanup, inspections, bulking of hazardous wastes, unloading, lab packing, and general facility maintenance; respond appropriately to spills or releases.
• Operate pickups, trailers, forklifts, bobcats, compactors, pumps, generators, pressure washers, pallet jacks, and other equipment required for hazardous waste management and transport.
• Lead safety trainings for Solid and Hazardous Waste staff and contractor personnel; interpret and communicate procedures, rules, regulations, and safety protocols to staff and the public.
• Respond to public inquiries, provide program information, and support special projects and initiatives related to the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Program.
• Assist with program development and implementation, including ordering materials (e.g., drums, containers, PPE) needed for site operations.
• Draft bid schedules and solicitations for hazardous material disposal or recycling; review and verify manifests, invoices, and cost records for accuracy and approve for payment as appropriate.
• Prepare reports related to quantities, costs, and overall management of hazardous materials processed, disposed of, or recycled.
• Provide information and technical guidance to property owners, contractors, developers, and the public regarding environmental regulations, hazardous waste management practices, storage requirements, and waste disposal procedures; recommend solutions to address compliance concerns.
• Interpret, apply, and support enforcement of applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations; research regulatory requirements and initiate corrective actions when compliance issues arise.

• Perform other related duties as required to support Division operations.

• Bachelor's degree required.
• One (1) year of related experience.
• Candidates without a degree should possess four (4) additional years of related experience.
• Fingerprinting required.

• May require possession and maintenance of valid OSHA Certified Hazardous Material Operations certification.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License with any applicable endorsement(s) to drive a County vehicle as provided in CMA 5805.

Salary offers above the minimum pay grade may be considered based on qualifications. Essential Employees may be required to work during an undeclared or declared emergency. The County’s Administrative Office will determine who will be required to work on an incident‑by‑incident basis.

This job posting is not intended to be an all‑inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position.