Environmental Specialist I - 64005919

State of Florida • Vero Beach, FL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This position involves professional environmental health work under general supervision. The role includes conducting application/project reviews, site inspections or surveys, reviewing/preparing reports, correspondence, legal notices, sample collection, data entry and analysis, and other comparable environmental health work. The specialist will also investigate reported communicable diseases of environmental origin and assist in quality improvement initiatives within the Department of Health (DOH)-Indian River. The role requires performing site inspections of various regulated facilities and systems, evaluating onsite sewage installations, and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations. The specialist will also investigate complaints of sanitary nuisances, determine necessary corrections, and direct citizens toward abatement and compliance. Additionally, the position involves meeting with property owners and other stakeholders to resolve environmental concerns, investigating communicable diseases to prevent secondary cases, and performing administrative duties such as completing daily activity reports, preparing legal notices, and assisting with community presentations and training new staff. The role may also involve assigning and reviewing the work of peers.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Health, Public Health, or a physical or biological science.
• Major coursework in environmental health, environmental science, or a physical or biological science (no less than 30 semester or 40 quarter hours).
• Good working knowledge of principles and objectives of environmental and public health programs.
• Good working knowledge of environmental and public health regulations.
• Good working knowledge of biological, bacteriological, and chemical functions.
• Ability to explain the need for compliance with environmental health regulations.
• Some knowledge of communicable diseases and understanding of epidemiological investigations.
• Some knowledge of soil types and characteristics.
• Ability to operate surveying equipment.
• Ability to establish effective positive working relationships with all customers.
• Ability to read plats, maps, blueprints and to follow directions.
• Ability to train and advise other environmental health personnel.
• Ability to work outside in extreme weather conditions.
• Ability to work in and around water.
• Ability to instruct the public at all levels in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to use personal computers and various software programs.
• Ability to drive a motor vehicle, valid Florida Operator's license.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to use good judgment when problem-solving.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to make educational and informational presentations.
• Ability to drive a minimum of 2 hours per day.
• Must be able to pull, push, and lift 30 pounds.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, walk up to 2 miles per day.
• Must have use of fine motor skills to utilize tools and obtain samples.
• Must be able to read and interpret color charts.
• Current authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.
• Ability to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English.

Nice To Haves

• Registered Sanitarian/Registered Environmental Health Specialist or Certified Environmental Health Professional certification (CEHP) in On-Site Sewage Treatment and Disposal System (OSTDS) or the ability to obtain certification within 1 year.
• Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal (OSTDS) Certification required. Exemption for Registered Sanitarians.
• Assists in community presentations and educational classes.
• Assists supervisor in coordination and ensuring that the number of inspections required are performed within the prescribed time periods.
• Assists in training new field staff.
• May assign and review work of peers.

Responsibilities

• Conduct application/project reviews, site inspections or surveys.
• Review and prepare reports, correspondence, and legal notices.
• Collect samples (water, food, soil, sewage, paint, etc.) for laboratory analysis.
• Perform data entry and analysis.
• Investigate reported communicable diseases of environmental origin.
• Perform site inspections of regulated facilities (food service, group care, swimming pools, mobile home parks, biomedical waste generators, tanning salons).
• Perform site inspections of private and limited use wells, small quantity generators, and onsite sewage disposal systems.
• Evaluate onsite sewage installations, including soil characteristics, system size, and elevation.
• Issue construction and repair permits for onsite sewage installations.
• Inspect and approve final onsite sewage installations for code compliance.
• Investigate complaints of sanitary nuisances and direct citizens toward abatement.
• Meet with property owners, engineers, attorneys, and developers to resolve environmental concerns.
• Investigate communicable diseases to locate and isolate the source, alert contacts, and prevent secondary cases.
• Complete inspection reports and daily activity reports.
• Assist in community presentations and educational classes.
• Assist supervisor in coordinating and ensuring required inspections are performed within prescribed time periods.
• Assist in training new field staff.
• May assign and review work of peers.
• Perform administrative duties such as timesheets, annual training, and EARS reporting.

Benefits

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level