ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 64085841 1

State of Florida

1d • $41,000 - $46,000

About The Position

Environmental Specialist I position works in several Environmental Health programs including (but not limited to): Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (septic), water well delegation; mobile home and RV parks safety and sanitation; migrant labor camps; public swimming pools and natural bathing areas; limited use water; well surveillance; sanitary/environmental nuisance complaints. The incumbent in this regulatory position is responsible for the compliance of assigned facilities with the appropriate Florida Statutes, Florida Administrative Codes, and local requirements in accordance with department policies and Environmental Health Program Manual 150-4. Works under the supervision of the Environmental Supervisor II. Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems:  Perform necessary site evaluations, review plans, and approve the issuance of permits in a timely manner in accordance with the Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems, Florida Administrative Code (FAC).  Provide information to homeowners, contractors, and builders on Florida Statues (F.S.) and FAC permitting. Well Delegation Program: Review applications and issue permits in accordance with F.S. and FAC. Perform inspections and related fieldwork and respond to the public and contractors.  Initiate and monitor compliance and enforcement actions. Mobile Home Parks, Recreational Vehicle Parks, and Migrant Farm Labor Camps:  Perform routine inspections and review plans and applications for operating permits to determine compliance with F.S. and FAC. Swimming Pools & Bathing Places:  Perform routine inspections and review plans and applications for operating and permits to determine compliance with F.S. and FAC.  Collect water samples for bacteriological analysis as needed. Limited Use Water: Perform routine inspections and review plans and applications for operating and permits for public water systems to determine compliance with F.S. and FAC.  Collect bacteriological and chemical water samples for analysis and notify client of results and corrective actions. Well Surveillance Program:  Coordinate and collect drinking water samples in cooperation with the Department of Environmental Protection and DOH-Bureau of Toxicology for groundwater chemical contamination.  Assist all agencies and the public in remediation of contaminated wells. Nuisance Complaint Investigations:  Investigate reports of sanitary nuisance complaints.  Follow-up, document findings, and assure corrective actions have been taken or take necessary enforcement action. Emergency Duty: Incumbent may be required to work before, during and/or beyond normal work hours or day in the event of an emergency.  Emergency duty required of the incumbent includes working in special needs or Red Cross shelters, or performing other emergency duties including, but not limited to, responses to or threats involving any disaster or threat of disaster, man-made or natural.   Attends various professional conferences and trainings. Attends government planning meetings to provide guidance and ensure compliance pertaining to Environmental Health programs. Assists with other duties and assignments as requested by the supervisor or director.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the terminology, principles and analytical techniques of the physical or natural sciences.
• Knowledge of data collection and analysis principles and procedures.
• Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze and interpret scientific or technical data.
• Ability to prepare technical reports.
• Ability to use computers.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to environmental programs.
• Ability to understand and follow legislative policy direction as established in Florida statutes.
• Ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Ability to work independently.
• Manages a variety of responsibilities in a timely, efficient manner, including the ability to prioritize tasks, plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to work outside in extreme weather conditions such as heat, cold, high humidity, dampness or chill conditions.
• Ability to work on slippery or uneven surfaces, in or with moving objects or vehicles.
• Ability to bend, balance, smell, stoop, reach, kneel, dig or hand auger.
• Ability to work in poor lighting or with odors.
• Ability to stand, walk, sit or drive for 3-5 hours at a time in an eight-hour day.
• Ability to read and interpret color charts.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques.
• Takes initiative to communicate accurate, up to date plans and information to peers and management.
• Expresses thoughts clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Listens and understands the views of others.
• Drives a state or county vehicle.
• A valid driver’s license, or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
• A bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university with a major in one of the physical or natural sciences, environmental health, public health, or engineering.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of Okeechobee County geographic area and local municipalities

Responsibilities

• Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems: Perform necessary site evaluations, review plans, and approve the issuance of permits in a timely manner in accordance with the Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems, Florida Administrative Code (FAC). Provide information to homeowners, contractors, and builders on Florida Statues (F.S.) and FAC permitting.
• Well Delegation Program: Review applications and issue permits in accordance with F.S. and FAC. Perform inspections and related fieldwork and respond to the public and contractors. Initiate and monitor compliance and enforcement actions.
• Mobile Home Parks, Recreational Vehicle Parks, and Migrant Farm Labor Camps: Perform routine inspections and review plans and applications for operating permits to determine compliance with F.S. and FAC.
• Swimming Pools & Bathing Places: Perform routine inspections and review plans and applications for operating and permits to determine compliance with F.S. and FAC. Collect water samples for bacteriological analysis as needed.
• Limited Use Water: Perform routine inspections and review plans and applications for operating and permits for public water systems to determine compliance with F.S. and FAC. Collect bacteriological and chemical water samples for analysis and notify client of results and corrective actions.
• Well Surveillance Program: Coordinate and collect drinking water samples in cooperation with the Department of Environmental Protection and DOH-Bureau of Toxicology for groundwater chemical contamination. Assist all agencies and the public in remediation of contaminated wells.
• Nuisance Complaint Investigations: Investigate reports of sanitary nuisance complaints. Follow-up, document findings, and assure corrective actions have been taken or take necessary enforcement action.
• Emergency Duty: Incumbent may be required to work before, during and/or beyond normal work hours or day in the event of an emergency. Emergency duty required of the incumbent includes working in special needs or Red Cross shelters, or performing other emergency duties including, but not limited to, responses to or threats involving any disaster or threat of disaster, man-made or natural.
• Attends various professional conferences and trainings.
• Attends government planning meetings to provide guidance and ensure compliance pertaining to Environmental Health programs.
• Assists with other duties and assignments as requested by the supervisor or director.

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
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees