OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 64909200

State of Florida•Lecanto, FL

4d•$20 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Florida Department of Health in Citrus County is hiring an OPS Environmental Specialist I to support its mission to protect, promote, and improve the health of people in Florida. Under the general supervision of the Environmental Supervisor II, the incumbent may work across environmental health programs including onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems, storage tanks, biomedical waste, tattooing, tanning, food hygiene, public swimming pools, group care, migrant labor camps and housing, and sanitary nuisance complaints. Work is performed in accordance with applicable Florida statutes, administrative code, and environmental health program manuals to ensure compliance with state requirements. The position includes field inspections and evaluations, application and permit review, complaint investigation, compliance documentation, reporting, recordkeeping, and technical assistance or education for the public and private sectors. The incumbent uses the Environmental Health Database and other agency systems, maintains inspection records and activity reports, and participates in meetings and training. Emergency duty may be required before, during, or beyond normal work hours or days, including shelter work or responses to natural or man-made disasters. The position is temporary and pays $20 to $25 per hour. It is based at 3600 W. Sovereign Path, Lecanto, Florida.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with at least 30 semester hours or 40 quarter hours of major coursework in environmental health, environmental science, or a physical or biological science.
A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation, or the ability to obtain them before hire.
Certified Environmental Health Professional (CEHP) in Food Protection or Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems, or Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS), or ability to become certified or registered within six months.
40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER certification or ability to obtain it within six months.
Knowledge of spelling, punctuation, and grammar; terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of physical or natural sciences; and environmental public health programs and applicable Florida rules and statutes.
Skill using computers and Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint, or comparable programs.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; educate and present information to clients, the public, and community partners; and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to follow instructions, prepare technical reports, make observations, take measurements, perform mathematical functions, and review data for accuracy and completeness.
Ability to work efficiently and independently or with minimal supervision, interact tactfully and courteously with the public, and prioritize workload to meet deadlines.
Ability to frequently bend, kneel, reach, and sit, stand, or walk for long periods; lift and carry up to 50 pounds as needed; and work outdoors in varying extreme weather conditions for extended periods.
Willingness to work outside normal work hours as needed and perform emergency duty before, during, or beyond normal work hours or days.
Ability to learn and communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing.

Responsibilities

Review applications for proposed construction, modification, or repair of onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems; issue, deny, or request additional information as applicable.
Perform or review site evaluations to determine lot suitability for onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems and inspect or review installation inspections for compliance.
Inspect existing above-ground and underground storage tank facilities, oversee compliance for new or modified tanks and tank abandonments, investigate reported spills, and prepare required compliance or noncompliance reports and letters.
Inspect, reinspect, and investigate facilities that generate, store, transport, or treat biomedical waste; offer tattooing; furnish tanning devices; conduct food service operations; provide public-use pools; deliver educational instruction; or provide residential group care or seasonal farmworker housing.
Investigate sanitary nuisance complaints, recommend and enforce corrective actions, issue notices, document findings in the Environmental Health Database, and refer matters to agencies with jurisdiction as applicable.
Create and complete reports, submit them to clients and supervisors for review, enter data into the Environmental Health Database, and make timely referrals as applicable.
Track inspection progress for assigned facilities, generate quota and other reports, and maintain current, complete, and accurate facility and inspection records.
Provide technical assistance and education to public- and private-sector clients on environmental public health matters.
Record daily activities in the Health Management System/Daily Activity Report and submit timesheets through People First in a timely manner for supervisor review and approval.
Attend and participate in staff meetings, trainings, and conferences to maintain knowledge and stay current with developments in environmental public health.
Perform other duties as requested by the Environmental Supervisor II or Environmental Health Director.
Perform emergency duties as required, potentially before, during, or beyond normal work hours or days, including work in special needs or Red Cross shelters or disaster-response activities.