Environmental Protection Emergency Response Coordinator 1 (35 Hou

The State of Connecticut, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is seeking to hire an Emergency Response Coordinator I in the Emergency Response and Spill Prevention Division's Emergency Response Unit.  Nearly every day, despite preventive measures, there are incidents that threaten the environment. The Emergency Response and Spill Prevention Division is prepared to limit the risks and handle incidents ranging from a spill of a few gallons to a tanker full of petroleum liquids, from an abandoned or unknown drum of chemicals to anthrax or a chemical fire.  Releases, even small ones, can endanger public health or the environment by making the water or air unsafe.  Releases of hazardous materials can contaminate surface water, groundwater or soil, impact plants, fish and wildlife and their habitat or create unsafe exposure for the general public or emergency responders.   

The Emergency Response Unit responds to reported releases of oil, petroleum and chemicals to the air, land and waterways.   It requires a team of highly trained personnel to respond 24 hours a day seven days a week to environmental emergencies that result from releases and threats of release of chemicals, hazardous wastes, petroleum products and other hazardous material onto the ground or into surface waters of the state from roadway incidents, industrial processes, oil and chemical spills, failed tanks/pipes and abandoned drums as well as biological and chemical weapons. 

This position is based in Hartford, CT, but does not typically require reporting to this location on a daily basis. Rather the position is field based and is assigned a geographical area to cover.

This position is 35 hours per week and requires the employee to be on-call and work evenings, weekends and holidays on a rotational basis.

Applicants must submit a resume within the "Resume" tab of their applications.

Questions about this position should be directed to the hiring agency's human resources office:  DEEP.HumanResources@ct.gov, (860)424-3006. 

 

This position is competitive. Open to the public.

Applicants invited to interview may be requested to supply the following:

Current State Employees- Last two (2) performance appraisals and attendance records for the last two (2) years;

Non-State Employees- three (3) professional references, with contact information.

In the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection this class is accountable for performing a limited range of tasks in responding to hazardous material spills, discharges and releases, emergencies, and assisting with on scene clean up activities including development and implementation of corrective actions.

Performs a limited range of related duties in assisting and/or acting as a team leader in the response to hazardous materials spills, discharges, and releases; advises public safety authorities; coordinates on-site clean-up activities; takes samples and collects data on materials spilled; develops appropriate course of action and recommends and issues orders on appropriate clean-up procedures; determines responsible party for spillage and assigns monetary liability; contacts and may oversee clean-up contractors; operates hand tools, deployment devices, and other tools and equipment used for containment and clean-up of spillage; takes photographs of incident site; prepares written reports; may testify at hearings; may conduct training for local authorities regarding hazardous materials and/or emergency response techniques; performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of methods and techniques used for containment and clean-up of hazardous materials spillage; knowledge of chemicals and other hazardous materials; knowledge of methods and procedures for water, soil, and air pollution control; knowledge of industrial safety practices and procedures; knowledge of State and Federal laws and regulations regarding storage and transportation of hazardous materials; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to use and interpret technical, chemical, and safety manuals; ability to utilize computer software.

Five (5) years of experience in hazardous materials management or responding to chemical spill emergencies.

College training in biological science, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, physical sciences, public health, or engineering may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.

Knowledge and experience of methods and techniques used for containment and cleanup of petroleum and hazardous material releases.

Knowledge of State and Federal regulations and laws regarding the cleanup of spills to soil, groundwater and surface water.  

Knowledge and experience in hazardous waste management, storage, treatment and disposal.

Experience in environmental emergency response operations relating to oil spills and releases of hazardous materials. 

Knowledge of methods used to investigate soil and groundwater contamination.

Experience working in an organization that requires 24/7 operation. 

Excellent written and oral communication skills including ability to effectively communicate technical information in clear and common language terms with the regulated community, state and federal agencies, the media and the general public.  

Ability to exercise critical thinking and make sound and timely decisions in high pressure situations. 

Demonstrated experience managing multiple competing priorities and projects.                                   

1. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

Incumbents in this class must have adequate physical strength, stamina, physical agility and visual and auditory acuity, and must maintain such physical fitness as to be able to perform the duties.

Incumbents must be able to work under difficult and dangerous conditions including wearing cumbersome protective equipment and handling materials of unknown toxicity.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.