The City of Berkeley is currently accepting applications for Hazardous Materials Specialist I or Hazardous Materials Specialist II in the Planning and Development Department’s Toxics Management Division (TMD). TMD serves as a California-Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) and is responsible for implementing, inspecting, and enforcing hazardous materials and environmental regulations on behalf of the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), and the State Fire Marshal within the City of Berkeley. In addition to CUPA program implementation, TMD also leads stormwater pollution prevention programs and responds to environmental complaints to help protect public health and the environment.
- See the full job specifications:
Hazardous Materials Specialist I: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/berkeley/classspecs/105762
Hazardous Materials Specialist II: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/berkeley/classspecs/105760
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities is:
Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in biology, physical or environmental science, environmental health, industrial hygiene, or a closely related field, or registration as an Environmental Health Specialist.
Hazardous Materials Specialist I
- In addition to the education requirement, some experience in hazardous materials management, environmental health inspections, industrial hygiene practices, or a similar hazardous materials program is desirable.
Hazardous Materials Specialist II
- In addition to the education requirement, two (2) years of experience in hazardous materials management, environmental health inspections, industrial hygiene practices, or a similar hazardous materials program.
- Possession of a Master’s degree in a qualifying field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.
- Must obtain and maintain International Code Council (ICC) certification as a California Underground Storage Tank (UST) Inspector.
Other requirements: Incumbents in both classifications must be able to travel to various locations within and outside the City of Berkeley to meet the program needs and to fulfill the job responsibilities. When driving on City business, maintenance of a valid California driver's license and satisfactory driving record is required.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications must be received by 5:00 PM Pacific on December 15, 2025 and must include a completed application and responses to supplemental questions. Please note that resumes are not a substitute for a completed application.
Applications are available in alternative formats (audio-format, braille, large print, electronic text, etc.) upon request to ada@berkeleyca.gov. Please allow 10 days for production of the material in an alternative format.
EXAM PROCESS
The exam process will include, but may not be limited to:
- Application review for minimum qualifications (qualifying experience will be calculated based on the application filing period close date)
- Review of Supplemental Questions
- Training & Experience Review
Tests may consist of any combination of written, oral or other exercises or assessment procedures that test content and may include, but are not necessarily limited to, typing, math, reading, writing and analytical skills; problem solving ability; computer and software proficiency, or any other job-related knowledge, skill, ability or qualification. The examination process and dates are subject to change. The City may, without notice, change or eliminate any assessment component as needs dictate. Applicants passing all examination phases will have their names placed on an employment eligible list that hiring departments will use to conduct final selection interviews. Reasonable Accommodations: The City is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the examination process and in the work environment. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations in the examination process must submit a request in writing to hr@berkeleyca.gov at the time of application.
