ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 64054827

State of Florida

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The incumbent, an employee of the Florida Department of Health in Putnam County, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated State, County, and community efforts. The incumbent is expected to promote innovation by searching for creative solutions and managing resources wisely. They are expected to collaborate through teamwork to achieve common goals and solve problems. The incumbent is expected to be accountable and perform with integrity and respect. They are expected to be responsive by serving our customers and engaging our partners. Finally, the incumbent is expected to perform with excellence by promoting quality outcomes through learning and continuous performance.

This position involves performing technical work in a comprehensive domestic waste program (OSTDS). This Environmental Specialist I is responsible for performing a variety of professional, educational and investigational tasks in the promotion and enforcement of all above functions. Duties include the enforcement of Florida Statutes and Regulations prescribed in F.S. 381, 386, 403, and Florida Administrative Code Chapters 62-302, 62-520, 62-550, 62-555, or 62-560, 62-600, 62-701, respectively. This position also is responsible for the determination of wet season water tables based on soil genesis and redoximorphic features such as gley colors and mottles. Incumbent will identify possible environmental impacts of proposed construction sites. Some of the work assigned will be located in a BMAP area. These spring sheds have a special designation by DEP and are required to install nitrogen reducing septic systems. This position is responsible for inspecting assigned facilities in the food service program, limited use water program, group care facilities, migrant labor, swimming pool program, mobile home/RV parks, and tanning facilities. The incumbent must be certified in food hygiene by the Florida Department of Health. In addition, must have a good working knowledgebase of interagency agreements between DBPR, DACS, DEP, as well as a good working relationship with DOH field inspectors, state, county and city regulatory agencies. Incumbent is responsible for timely upload of inspection reports, and/or entry of data sets into the currently adopted database per state, county, or department, for each assigned program. In addition, accurate and timely entry of coding for daily work activity in the HMS database. Appropriate dress and reliable transportation shall be provided by the incumbent. General guidance is provided by an Environmental Administrator and Environmental Supervisor who assign work and evaluate performance with departmental policies. A reliable vehicle and valid driver’s license are required for this position.This position requires in office and field work.

This position is and Environmental Specialist I for the FDPH-Putnam Environmental Public health Program

This position is responsible for all aspects of OSTDS construction permitting. This entails the locating of specific parcels with or without addresses. Classification of soils to determine wet season water table and texture. This soils information is used to write construction permits and directs installers on the elevation and square footage of drainfield. Determines topographical conditions by establishing benchmarks using calibrated instruments. Meets with property owners, engineers, and developers to recommend design changes and discuss possible environmental protection of environmentally sensitive areas. Reviews and approves the design of individual sewage disposal systems for residents and commercial facilities based on gallons per day of sewage flow. Assists in the inspection of IME/CW/OP annual inspections and the collection of annual permit fees. Septic systems in the BMAP areas of Putnam County are required to install nitrogen reducing systems in certain circumstances.
Conducts routine inspections of assigned food service establishments, group care facilities, swimming pools, migrant labor camps, tanning facilities, limited use water accounts, and MHP/RV parks at the frequency established per statute, regulation, guideline, or policy. Deficiencies are documented and explained to the operator. Education is provided for corrective action by the operator. Performs field tests to determine chemical residuals, pH, etc. Recommends issuance or denial of annual operating permits based on mandated inspections. Issues corrective orders and if necessary, initiates law enforcement action. Monitors and interprets bacteriological results and recommends procedures to correct deficiencies when necessary.
Investigates complaints filed by the public, related to unsanitary conditions in any programs under the authority of Environmental Public Health. Notifies citizens harboring unsanitary conditions of the possible negative health and legal implications of improperly treated human wastes. Initiates legal enforcement action through legal notification in accordance with Chapters 120, 381, and 386 Florida Statutes as required.
Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Incumbent must be able to lift 60 pounds (concrete septic tank manhole covers).
• Incumbent must be able to force a 30 inch probe through the ground surface to locate and measure existing drain fields.
• Incumbent must be able to utilize a laser level to determine reference points and drain field fall.
• Incumbent must be able to properly classify soils utilizing Munssel color chart and determine soil texture in the field using only tactile perception.
• Incumbent must be able to estimate wet season water tables via USDA accepted redoximorphic features such as gley colors and/or mottles.
• Incumbent must be able to work with contractors and the public to educate and enforce environmental regulations.
• Incumbent must be able to utilize a Windows based computer to perform data entry of inspections and complaints into the EHD/EPHD system.
• Incumbent must be able to drive a pickup truck responsibly while following written directions to unfamiliar locations.
• Incumbent must be willing to work in the Florida weather, frequently very hot and humid but, also rain and cold.
• Incumbent must be able to perform basic arithmetic functions needed to determine area of polygons, required drain field, and septic tank volumes.
• Ability to work in a team to accomplish established goals or assigned duties.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to environmental health programs.
• Ability to troubleshoot and/or work with IT to resolve technical issues with computer and state issued smartphone.
• Ability to speak with people with various educational backgrounds.
• Ability to write clearly and explain various codes in easily understandable terms.
• Ability to take water samples and use chlorine water test kit.
• Ability to twist, bend, reach above head.
• Bachelor’s degree with at least 30 hours of course work in a natural science (biology, chemistry, geology, etc.) from an accredited college or university
• Basic computer Skills including Microsoft Office, Valid Drivers License
• Must be willing to physically come in the office daily and perform field work

Nice To Haves

• DOH certification in OSTDS program
• DOH certification in Food Hygiene program
• Certified Pool Operator
• Experience taking water samples
• Experience inspecting facilities based on rules and regulations

Responsibilities

• responsible for all aspects of OSTDS construction permitting
• Classification of soils to determine wet season water table and texture
• Determines topographical conditions by establishing benchmarks using calibrated instruments
• Meets with property owners, engineers, and developers to recommend design changes and discuss possible environmental protection of environmentally sensitive areas
• Reviews and approves the design of individual sewage disposal systems for residents and commercial facilities based on gallons per day of sewage flow
• Assists in the inspection of IME/CW/OP annual inspections and the collection of annual permit fees
• Conducts routine inspections of assigned food service establishments, group care facilities, swimming pools, migrant labor camps, tanning facilities, limited use water accounts, and MHP/RV parks at the frequency established per statute, regulation, guideline, or policy
• Performs field tests to determine chemical residuals, pH, etc
• Recommends issuance or denial of annual operating permits based on mandated inspections
• Issues corrective orders and if necessary, initiates law enforcement action
• Monitors and interprets bacteriological results and recommends procedures to correct deficiencies when necessary
• Investigates complaints filed by the public, related to unsanitary conditions in any programs under the authority of Environmental Public Health
• Initiates legal enforcement action through legal notification in accordance with Chapters 120, 381, and 386 Florida Statutes as required
• Performs other duties as assigned

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