CUPA Administrator

City of Santa Monica
Santa Monica, California United States  View Map
Posted: Oct 14, 2025
  • Salary: $124,032.00 - $153,120.00 Annually USD
  • Full Time
  • Administration and Management
  • Job Description

    Job Summary

    Administers the City’s Certified Unified Program Agency Program (CUPA) and related environmental programs, performs highly technical inspections for hazardous materials and fire and life safety code compliance, and reviews plans involving hazardous material storage and use.

    Representative Duties

    Oversees the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and procedures for the City’s CUPA program. Liaises with state regulatory agencies and regional partners to ensure consistent application of rules and regulations.

    Supervises, trains, monitors, and evaluates the activities of assigned staff.

    Develops and manages the City’s CUPA database and maintains information in the State of California CERS database.

    Assists in the development and administration of an assigned budget, forecasts additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies, and conducts fee analyses and provides associated recommendations.

    Oversees annual permit billing, monitors fee collections and allocation of revenues, monitors and approves expenditures, and recommends adjustments as necessary.

    Reviews CUPA permit applications, issues permits and establishes accounts. Develops and issues Administrative Enforcement Orders in consultation with the City Attorney’s Office.

    Maintains financial management systems and reports. Coordinates and prepares audits and corresponding reports for state and federal regulatory agencies.

    Coordinates the administration of hazardous waste inspections and enforcement with the participating agency.

    Monitors regulatory development and maintains state standards for the City’s certification as a CUPA.

    Reviews and approves plans for the installation of hazardous material tanks and systems.

    Performs technical and complex inspections of industrial and commercial facilities for compliance with applicable environmental, fire code, and life safety regulations, including inspections of underground petroleum storage tanks and aboveground petroleum storage tanks. May assist staff with hazardous materials, fire and life safety inspections, and other activities, as required.

    Develops, updates, and analyzes documents for sufficiency and compliance with CUPA requirements which include, but are not limited to, the Hazardous Materials Release Response Program (HMRRP), California Accidental Release Prevention Program (CalARP), the Aboveground and Underground Storage Tank (AST/UST) Programs. Writes detailed inspection reports and maintains accurate records.

    Coordinates public outreach and public education activities, including public speaking and design of multi-media educational materials and press releases. May provide City staff with educational instruction regarding public health, safety, and environmental protection-related programs.

    Attends and participates in countywide or regional meetings relating to hazardous materials.

    Responds to public inquiries, verbally and in writing. Coordinates responses to Public Records Requests in accordance with the California Public Records Act.

    Receives and responds to complaints from the public. Conducts investigations of complaints and/or incidents involving hazardous materials.

    Performs other duties, as assigned.

    Requirements

    Knowledge of:

    Federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations

    Principles and best practices of CUPA and related environmental programs

    Quantitative and management analysis techniques

    Fire inspection procedures and practices

    International fire and building codes

    California Environmental Reporting System (CERS)

    Principles of program and partnership development and management

    Principles, practices and techniques of community outreach and public education

    Database management technology

    Principles of budget preparation and administration

    Supervisory principles and practices

    Effective customer service techniques

    Ability to:

    Assess the effectiveness of daily program activities and operations

    Plan, organize, and coordinate the work of staff

    Select, supervise, motivate, train, and communicate effectively with staff

    Assess and research environmental issues

    Keep abreast of current developments in the area of hazardous materials and related issues

    Maintain knowledge and training in the principles of chemistry; the properties of chemicals commonly used in industrial and commercial applications; the laws, rules, regulations, codes, and ordinances related to hazardous materials and waste handling, storage, disposal, and use; principles and practices relating to the proper handling, transportation, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials; and regulatory investigative techniques

    Develop, implement, and administer projects and programs

    Apply complex fire prevention and environmental practices and procedures

    Conduct research, analyze information, and make recommendations

    Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

    Prepare and present clear and concise oral and written reports and recommendations

    Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with the public, City departments, and City boards and commissions

    Work with people from diverse social, cultural, and economic backgrounds as well as a variety of work styles, personalities, and approaches

    Provide effective customer service

    Skill in:

    Program evaluation and development

    Supervision and training

    Public speaking

    Working effectively with persons from diverse, cultural, and economic backgrounds

    Using a personal computer and applicable software applications

    REQUIREMENTS

    Minimum Qualifications:

    Education:

    Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, physical science, environmental science, geology, soil science, environmental health, environmental or sanitary engineering, toxicology, industrial hygiene, hazardous materials management, fire science, fire technology, or a closely related field.

    OR

    Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in a field that is not listed above with a minimum of 30 semester units or quarter unit equivalent in the disciplines referenced above.

    OR

    Registration as an Environmental Health Specialist with the California Department of Public Health.

    AND:

    Experience:

    Three years of recent, paid progressively responsible experience in environmental program management or CUPA program administration or with five years recent q ualifying experience in hazardous materials management, regulation, analysis, or research; environmental research, monitoring, surveillance or enforcement; or resource recovery; or hazardous materials or hazardous waste regulatory compliance inspections.

    Licenses and Certificates:

    Possession of a valid class C driver license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

    Possession of the International Code Council Certification as an Underground Storage Tank Inspector.

    Possession of the Uniform Fire Code Inspector Certificate from either the International Code Council (ICC) or the Universal Fire Code Authority (UCFA) within one year of employment.

    Completion of California State Fire Marshal certification as an Aboveground Petroleum Storage Tank Inspector within six months of employment.

    Possession of Fire Prevention 2A, 2B, and 2C, or Fire Inspector 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D certificates from the Office of the State Fire Marshal are desirable.

    Completion of California State Fire Marshal Hazardous Materials Specialist certification is desirable.

    Completion of 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certification is desirable.

    Supplemental Information

    How to Apply:

    Applicants must submit a completed on-line City Application along with any required supplemental application materials with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline. If you do not submit your on-line application by the filing deadline, you will not be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process.

    If you would like for your education to be considered, you must attach a copy of your college level transcripts, diploma or proof of registration as an Environmental Health Specialist with the California Department of Public Health to your online application. Applicants who indicate receipt of college level coursework or degree from a foreign institution must provide United States credential equivalency verification along with a copy of your college diploma/transcripts. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than the filing deadline. Failure to do so may result in your application being evaluated without the education being considered.

    Selection Process:

    All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding your work history and qualifications for the position. All applications will be reviewed and only those applicants determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

    The selection process will consist of the following components and is subject to change as needs dictate:

    Training and Experience Evaluation (qualifying)
    Oral Interview (100%)

    If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open-competitive list. If fewer than three qualified City employees pass the examination, the appointing authority, in accordance with the City's civil service rules and regulations, can decline to use a promotional list, in which case a promotional list will not be established for this position.

    Note: Internal staff who submit transfer applications must notify the analyst in charge of the recruitment, via email, upon submission of their transfer application.

    Background Investigation:

    Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.

    Inclusion & Diversity Statement

    The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

    The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!

    Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).

    Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.

    The City's liberal fringe benefits for full-time employment include sick leave, holiday and vacation pay, the Public Employees Retirement System, medical, dental and vision insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, Dependent Care Assistance Plan and priority enrollment consideration at Hill & Dale Family Learning Center, Marine Park Child Development Center, and Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School.

    Closing Date/Time: 10/30/2025 5:30 PM Pacific
  • Special Instructions

    Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.
  • ABOUT THE COMPANY

    • City of Santa Monica
    • City of Santa Monica

    Santa Monica is a beachside city of 8.3 square miles on the westside of Los Angeles County. Offering an environment of unparalleled natural beauty, the city is home to a mix of residential communities, commercial districts, and recreational venues. Recently named by National Geographic as one of the Top "10 Beach Cities in the World" and by TIME as one of the "Best Places to Live", Santa Monica features three miles of Pacific beaches and the Santa Monica Pier. Santa Monica’s residential population is approximately 93,000, increasing to an estimated 250,000 during the day with tourists, shoppers, and employees. Tourism attracts over 8 million visitors annually.

    The City of Santa Monica was incorporated on November 30, 1886 and subsequently adopted a City Charter in 1945. In 1947, a City Council-City Manager form of government was established. The City Council consists of seven members elected by the community at large to four year terms.

    The City of Santa Monica is a full-service city. City departments provide police, fire, a regional transportation network, water, refuse and recycling, streets, parking, planning, building, engineering, free public wifi, a high speed fiber optic network, parks, affordable housing, economic development, library, rent control, recreational, cultural, and educational services to the community.

    The City-operated Big Blue Bus regional bus service provides over 16.5 million rides for customers each year, all powered by renewable natural gas. Breeze Bike Share was Southern California's first bike share system with 500 bikes at 85 locations. In 2016, the Metro Expo Line opened connecting Santa Monica to Downtown Los Angeles in under an hour.

    The City of Santa Monica is a national leader in environmental, economic and social sustainability. The City is working toward aggressive climate action goals including: water self-sufficiency by 2020, zero waste by 2030, and carbon neutrality by 2050.

    The highly-rated Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District serves both Santa Monica and Malibu residents. Santa Monica College (SMC), one of the state's top two-year community colleges, serves over 30,000 full-time and part-time students on several campuses and offers more than 90 fields of study. Santa Monica's strong education institutions are complemented by the 5-star rated Santa Monica Public Library system.

    Public safety is a top priority in the City of Santa Monica. Santa Monica Fire Department continues to maintain a Class 1 ISO rating, the highest possible rating.

    Santa Monica has a strong and diverse economy. Known as “Silicon Beach,” local businesses are at the leading edge of the nation’s creative economy and startup scene.

    Sana Monica is also home to three renowned and respected health facilities, Providence Saint John’s Health Center, Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente.

    Connect with the City of Santa Monica by visiting www.santamonica.gov, follow @santamonicacity on Twitter, or sign up for the City's newsletter and emergency alerts at www.smgov.net/newsletter.

     

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Apply Now Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com Job Board.
Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com Job Board.