1 ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS TECHNICIAN
Bargaining Unit: SEIU
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Class Code: 4054
Created or updated:
3/12/2026
DEFINITION
Under general supervision of the Environmental Programs Manager, the Environmental Programs Technician is responsible for technical review of electronically submitted Hazardous Materials Business Plans (HMBPs) for accuracy and completeness, customer service engagement with business operators to obtain acceptable HMBP submittals and invoice payments, tracking and data entry in the City’s permit and invoice databases, and support for file and public records management. Assists CUPA inspectors as needed.
Provides administrative support to the division and department. May receive functional or technical supervision from division staff. Some field work is required to assist HMBP permittees at business sites.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
The Environmental Programs Technician is an entry level position providing technical, regulatory, database, customer service, and administrative support for the Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) hazardous materials program of the Environmental Programs Division.
This position is distinguished from the next higher classification of Environmental Programs Inspector, by the latter conducting facility inspections and investigations to determine compliance with hazardous materials and urban runoff laws and regulations, issuing inspection reports and administrative enforcement orders, and requiring advanced training. The position is further distinguished from the Inspector in that Inspector qualifications are defined by state law. The Technician performs routine, critical tasks related to the permitting, inspection and enforcement process, such as reviewing permit submittals to the California Environmental Reporting System (CERS) for compliance, tracking inspection violation correction due dates, assisting violators in timely violation correction and payment of permit fees, and customer service support for public inquiries.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (illustrative only)
• Conducts preliminary review of hazardous materials submittals in the California Environmental Reporting System (CERS) for completeness and consistency with CUPA program requirements.
• Engages with business representatives to obtain satisfactory HMBP submittals, communicating deficiencies and corrective actions accurately and in detail. • Engages with business representatives to obtain overdue permit invoice payments.
2 • Researches and responds to public inquiries regarding permit records, inspections records, and City environmental issues.
• Responds to inquiries from existing, new and closing businesses and the general public concerning hazardous materials requirements and resources. • Coordinates with City departments, state and local agencies, utilities, and consultants to provide support for environmental and hazardous materials issues.
• Supports CUPA inspection follow-up and return-to-compliance efforts by contacting businesses regarding outstanding violations and facilitating communication between businesses and inspectors.
• Responds to public records requests by cross-referencing databases to search for relevant City records, and uploads documents to the city’s Docuware records management system.
• Designs handouts, flyers, and multi-media communications to promote efficient business compliance with hazardous materials and environmental requirements.
• Maintains and updates regulatory databases and tracking systems related to hazardous materials permits, inspections, and enforcement actions. • Prepares inspection packets, facility records, and regulatory documentation to support inspector field activities.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of education, experience and training that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education and Experience:
One (1) year of full-time experience in hazardous materials management, environmental compliance, environmental monitoring, hazardous waste operations, or a related environmental field.
An Associate degree in a related field is desirable.
Licenses and Certificates:
Possession of a valid California Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record.
Incumbent will be required to complete Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training within 180 days.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
The ideal candidate has demonstrated experience and knowledge of Hazardous Materials Business Plans (HMBPs) and/or environmental compliance regulations, is a patient, effective communicator, able to explain technical program requirements and 3 concepts to the business community, and will have the ability to learn and adapt to new procedures, processes, and database systems.
Knowledge Of:
• California Environmental Reporting System (CERS) database hazardous materials submittal elements and submittal process.
• California environmental and hazardous materials management laws and regulations implemented by the CUPA program.
• Knowledge of commercial or industrial facility environmental, hazardous materials, and safety compliance inspection practices.
• Best management practices in the handling, transportation and disposal of hazardous materials and hazardous wastes.
• Customer service best practices.
• Computer software applications.
Ability To:
• Review, investigate, evaluate, and prepare sound written recommendations for acceptance or denial of hazardous materials business submittals to the CERS database system.
• Communicate technical requirements effectively orally and in writing to assist businesses in making accurate, timely permit submittals to the CERS database system.
• Tactfully engage with business representatives to obtain required invoice payments.
• Perform accurate assessments of large numbers of data elements to verify compliance with standards.
• Conduct periodic site visits to commercial and industrial businesses to assist in the CERS submittal process.
• Interpret and apply relevant laws and regulations, policies and procedures.
WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
The City of Union City is an equal opportunity employer. The City of Union City will comply with its obligations under the law to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities.
Employees of Union City are, by State and Federal law, Disaster Service Workers. In the event of a declaration of emergency, any employee may be assigned activities that promote the protection of public health and safety or the preservation of lives and property, either within the local or their own community.
Positions in this class may require sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and ability to perform repetitive 4 motions. This position lifts/carry items up to approximately 15 pounds (e.g., laptop, paper files, etc.).
Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
Incumbents generally work in a typical office environment with adequate light and temperature.
Travel: Positions in this class may require local and statewide travel as necessary.