Hazardous Materials Officer
Ministry: Science & Technology · Emergency Function: Hazardous Materials Response
Role Purpose
Coordinates safe response to hazardous materials incidents during disasters, protecting the community from chemical, biological, and other hazards.
What You Would Help Do
Before an Emergency
- Develop hazardous materials response plans.
- Coordinate with Health & Human Services and Defense.
- Build HAZMAT response resources and partnerships.
- Participate in preparedness exercises.
During an Emergency
- Coordinate safe response to hazardous materials incidents.
- Assess hazards and recommend protective actions.
- Coordinate with Health & Human Services on health risks.
- Support safe evacuation and shelter decisions.
After an Emergency
- Support hazard assessment and cleanup coordination.
- Document HAZMAT lessons and community impacts.
- Update hazardous materials plans.
Qualifications & Helpful Skills
Who would be a good fit?
Required
- Willingness to complete Weather Watchmen training.
- HAZMAT certification or professional training required for this role.
Helpful But Not Required
- HAZMAT certification or professional training
- Background in fire service, environmental health, or chemistry
- Knowledge of hazardous materials safety
- Calm, methodical decision-making
Training & Readiness
Volunteers are not expected to respond to emergencies without preparation.
Weather Watchmen volunteers may receive or be asked to participate in role-appropriate training, exercises, orientations, drills, and continuing preparedness activities before being assigned operational responsibilities.
Potential training for this role:
Working Together
No Ministry operates in isolation during an emergency.
Three-Deep Succession
Weather Watchmen's emergency management system is designed around continuity of leadership. Critical functions should have trained Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary personnel so that operations can continue if a primary leader is unavailable.
Multiple volunteers may express interest in the same operational area to build this depth.
Interested in Serving?
You do not have to know everything today. If you have relevant experience, transferable skills, or a willingness to train and serve, we encourage you to express your interest.