PPROEM is the Designated Emergency Response Authority (DERA) for unincorporated El Paso County. The DERA is responsible for Hazardous Materials response, training, incident planning and reporting. This includes monitoring Tier II reporting by facilities using hazardous materials and participation in the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) with local industry and community stakeholders. If you’re passionate about serving our community, see below for the process to join our team.
Volunteer Job Description
Responds to a variety of Hazmat incidents, including incidents involving spills, leaks, and releases from transportation vehicles and packaging and incidents involving residential, retail and commercial facilities. Members may also respond to and help process crime scenes involving illegal activities or perform cleanup and identification of chemicals at chemical spill and abandonment sites.
Essential Functions
- Performs assessments of incident scenes to identify hazards and materials involved in incidents.
- Conducts defensive control and containment operations in response to spills, leaks or releases.
- Conducts decontamination operations as required during incidents.
- Conducts offensive operations to contain and control leaks, spills and releases.
- Participates in and assists with ongoing training of team members and outside agencies.
- Conducts research pertaining to materials involved in incident response.
- Assists in documentation of incident response.
- Inspects, cleans and maintains team equipment and issued equipment.
- Conducts air monitoring, material sampling and identification.
- Works in appropriate PPE including, but not limited to, Level A, B, C and D ensembles.
- Collects, packages, documents, tests and stores samples, evidence and hazardous materials.
- Performs a variety of functions within the incident command system during an incident response.
- Participates in scheduled events and trainings.
- Attend one four-hour training per month.
- Be available for on call rotating schedule (48/96).
- Respond to callouts when available.
Qualifications
- High School Diploma or equivalent required.
- Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
- Ability to work effectively as a member of a team or independently as dictated by circumstances and assignment.
- Ability to communicate and work effectively with County staff, volunteers, senior emergency personnel and civil authorities.
- Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
- Must observe and follow organization procedures.
- Must pass a Colorado State background check and motor vehicle record check as required.
How to Become a Volunteer
- Download and complete the volunteer application
- Email completed application with proof of certs to the Hazmat Coordinators
Benefits of Joining
- Obtain and maintain Hazmat certifications (Awareness/Operations/Technician)
- Build your resume
- Be part of unique and exciting response opportunities throughout the community