EMERGENCY SERVICES HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SPECIALIST 75081

11/01/92 B

This is the first class in the Emergency Services Hazardous Materials series. Positions function as hazardous materials specialists in assigned specialty areas and as subject matter experts in providing information, guidance, direction, advice, and response to a variety of clients, including state, local, and federal governmental agencies involved with disaster prevention/preparation/recovery, and private organizations concerned with emergency services required as a result of hazardous materials disasters. Positions direct emergency response teams, investigate causes of hazardous materials disasters, develop response programs, provide technical consultation and training to all levels of government, private industry, and individuals. This class is distinguished from the Emergency Services Hazardous Materials Supervisor by the latter's responsibility to manage specialized programs relataed to hazardous materials incidents.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of routine difficulty, requiring the independent examination and analysis of a wide variety of factors that affect the prevention, preparation, and recovery from hazardous materials disasters, and the delivery of emergency services. The work involves the examination of information generated by past, present, or anticipated emergency situations. Takes action or enables action that will facilitate the provision of emergency services as they are needed. Directs regional hazardous materials response teams; provides on-site investigation and verification of spills, fires, and incidents involving hazardous materials; and recommends resource allocation. Enters accident scenes to direct leak and spill control, fire suppression, and toxic substance release elimination. Prepares detailed reports concerning incidents, and gives expert testimony regarding emergency services. Consults with appointed and elected officials involved with the request for or provision of emergency services.

Supervision Given: Supervision typically is not a factor. Provides on-site technical guidance to emergency hazardous materials response teams.

Supervision Received: Works under the direction of an Emergency Services Hazardous Materials Supervisor or other higher level agency administrator.

Scope: Activities affect the efforts of local and state agencies to obtain technical and administrative information necessary to prepare for and respond to requests for emergency services in the event of a hazardous materials disaster.

Impact of Actions: Work facilitates the identification of areas in which emergency response may be needed and the development of strategies to meet those needs and minimize the adverse effect of hazardous materials disasters. Failure to perform duties and responsibilities as required could jeopardize client agencies' ability to provide emergency services in an effective and timely manner and thereby endanger the lives and property of Virginia citizens. Inappropriate governmental response to emergency situations could have serious political as well as economic repercussions.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contact with the federal government, local government officials, state agencies, and private industry to provide program guidance or emergency assistance.

Knowledge: Some knowledge of the nature and types of emergency services that might be required in hazardous materials disasters and the technical and administrative details associated with providing such services; and the principles, practices, procedures, and techniques of planning for emergency services.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to perform independently a variety of analyses in the area of specialty; accurately assess potential emergency situations; recommend solutions to a wide range of hazardous materials problems; effectively communicate recommendations to client service providers; work with public officials and the general public; and to function in hazardous chemical environment in self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and encapsulated suit under adverse conditions.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

License or Certification: NFPA/VA SCBA, Fire Fighter III, Fire Instructor III, and Hazardous Materials Specialist III certifications are required.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in chemistry, public safety, fire science, or a closely related field.

Level and Type of Experience: Experience in hazardous materials emergency field response.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was developed as part of the Classification Review/Specification Update Program, and describes certain positions in the Department of Emergency Services that were previously allocated to the State Planner C classification, effective November 1992.