ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT - 42003001

State of Florida • Tallahassee, FL

2d • $55,688 - $66,825

About The Position

The Environmental Consultant works for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Food Safety, Bureau of Business Support Services. The position plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates statewide for-cause food product and environmental sampling, field enforcement actions for violative food samples, and triage and investigation of foodborne illness complaints. It coordinates with the Florida Department of Health, federal agencies, and other partners on recalls and Reportable Food Registry events. The role requires in-depth knowledge of the food industry and food safety to provide assessments and background information to management and support the Division’s technical positions.

The incumbent reviews and interprets laboratory results, coordinates follow-up sampling, tracks trends by product and manufacturer, and determines appropriate follow-up or enforcement actions under applicable state and federal laws and regulations. The position also coordinates investigations of recalled products with field operations, the FDA, and USDA; maintains partner relationships; and carries out administrative duties, training activities, and consumer complaint investigations.

The role includes emergency preparedness and response responsibilities. The consultant serves as the division liaison at the State Emergency Operations Center for Emergency Support Function 17, supports ESF 17 coordination during FEMA activations, and helps plan and organize emergency operations. Responsibilities include maintaining program standards and procedures, developing improvement and sustainability plans, coordinating food-product trace-back training, improving interagency information sharing, and preparing after-action reports. The consultant also serves as a liaison with SERT and SART and coordinates the Division of Food Safety Continuity of Operations Plan, including its documents, staff assignments, resources, drills, and updates.

The position maintains working knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations concerning food products and prepares and maintains records and reports. Occasional travel is required. Some duties involve evening, weekend, or holiday activity, including overnight or extended travel.

Requirements

• Meet one of the following education and experience combinations: a high school diploma or equivalent and 3.5 years of experience in environmental protection, regulation, or health; a physical or natural science; or engineering; or a high school diploma or equivalent and 3 years of experience as an Environmental Specialist I or higher with the State of Florida; or a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and 2 years of qualifying experience; or a master's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Possess a valid Class E driver's license.
• Possess and maintain functional working knowledge of the training and certification required by 5K-4.021, F.A.C.
• Knowledge of HACCP concepts as a means of assuring food safety and sanitation.
• Knowledge of food manufacturing, processing, and storage procedures used by major segments of the state's food industry.
• Knowledge of factors affecting food safety, including proper handling procedures, food chemistry, and microbiology.
• Ability to plan and monitor a statewide commodity-specific food safety sampling program.
• Public speaking skills, including when communicating with media representatives and industry members.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate statewide for-cause food product and environmental sampling and field enforcement actions.
• Triage and investigate foodborne illness complaints in coordination with the Florida Department of Health and other partners.
• Coordinate recall and Reportable Food Registry events within Florida.
• Review and interpret laboratory results, coordinate follow-up sampling, identify product and manufacturer trends, and determine follow-up or enforcement actions.
• Coordinate recalled-product investigations with field operations, the FDA, and USDA.
• Build and maintain working relationships with department partners and state and federal agencies.
• Coordinate with bureau administrators and managers to use resources effectively and meet federal contract requirements.
• Serve as the division liaison at the State Emergency Operations Center for ESF 17, provide updates during activations, and assist as an ESF 17 Coordinator during FEMA activations.
• Assist with emergency response planning, preparation, exercises, and operations.
• Maintain operational procedures associated with Standard 5 of the Manufactured Regulatory Program Standards and Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards.
• Develop program improvement and sustainability plans and, when necessary, memoranda of understanding with other agencies.
• Assess, develop, and implement training plans and performance coaching for division members.
• Coordinate food-product trace-back training and improve information sharing with state, federal, local, and agency partners.
• Complete after-action reports following exercises and emergency response events and ensure follow-up actions are addressed.
• Serve as a division liaison with SERT and SART and participate in emergency exercises, meetings, workshops, conferences, and training.
• Coordinate and maintain the Division of Food Safety Continuity of Operations Plan, including documents, staff assignments, resources, alternate sites, drills, training, and updates.
• Maintain working knowledge of applicable food laws, rules, and regulations and prepare and maintain program records and reports.
• Perform administrative duties, participate in training activities, investigate consumer complaints, and perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Annual and sick leave
• Nine paid holidays and one personal holiday each year
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED