OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 64909228

State of Florida•Lecanto, FL

45d•$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 Florida residents. Under the general supervision of the Environmental Supervisor II, the incumbent may work across environmental health programs including onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems (OSTDS), 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 guidance to ensure compliance with state requirements. The role involves reviewing applications and conducting or reviewing site evaluations and inspections; investigating complaints and reported spills; preparing reports, correspondence, and compliance documentation; maintaining accurate facility and inspection records in the Environmental Health Database; tracking inspection deadlines; and providing technical assistance and education to public and private sector clients. The incumbent also records daily activities, submits timesheets, and participates in meetings, training, and conferences. Emergency duty may require work before, during, or beyond normal work hours or days, including assignments in special needs or Red Cross shelters or other disaster response duties. The position is based at 3600 W. Sovereign Path, Lecanto, Florida. It is an Other Personal Services (OPS) temporary position, with pay of $20 to $25 per hour.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in environmental health, environmental science, or a physical or biological science; coursework must include at least 30 semester hours or 40 quarter hours.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation, or ability to obtain them before hire.
Knowledge of proper spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
Knowledge of terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of the physical and/or natural sciences.
Knowledge of environmental public health programs and standards, and of Florida Administrative Code and Florida Statutes related to the position’s duties.
Skill using computers and Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint, or comparable programs.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with team members and clients.
Ability to prepare and present information to educate clients, the public, and community partners.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, and to follow instructions.
Ability to prepare technical reports, make observations, take measurements, and perform mathematical functions.
Ability to review data for accuracy and completeness.
Ability to work efficiently and independently or with minimal supervision; deal 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.
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds as needed.
Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varying extreme weather conditions.
Ability to learn and communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing.
Ability to perform required emergency duties before, during, or beyond normal work hours or days.

Nice To Haves

Certified Environmental Health Professional (CEHP) in Food Protection or OSTDS, or Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS), or ability to obtain certification or registration within six months.
40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER certification, or ability to obtain it within six months.
Willingness to work outside normal work hours as needed, including emergency duty.

Responsibilities

Review applications for proposed construction, modification, or repair of onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems; issue, deny, or request additional information as appropriate.
Perform or review site evaluations for OSTDS suitability and inspect or review inspections of OSTDS installations for compliance.
Inspect existing above-ground and underground storage tank facilities, ensure proper construction or abandonment of tanks, investigate reported spills, and prepare required compliance or noncompliance reports and letters.
Conduct inspections, reinspections, and investigations of facilities involving biomedical waste, tattooing, tanning devices, food service, public swimming pools, educational instruction, residential group care, and 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 appropriate.
Prepare and complete reports, submit them for review, enter data into the Environmental Health Database, and make timely referrals as appropriate.
Track inspection completion for assigned facilities, generate quota and other reports, and maintain 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 for supervisor review and approval.
Attend and participate in staff meetings, training, and conferences to maintain knowledge and stay informed about developments in environmental public health.
Perform other duties as requested by the Environmental Supervisor II or Environmental Health Director.
Perform emergency duties before, during, or beyond normal work hours or days, including shelter work or other disaster-related response duties.