ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 64029341

State of Florida • Bartow, FL

21d • Onsite

About The Position

The incumbent is part of a global public health organization and is expected to support the Florida Department of Health in Polk County in its mission to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts and its vision to be the Healthiest State in the Nation. Furthermore, the incumbent is expected to incorporate the agency values of Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Responsiveness and Excellence in all aspects of their work. This position conducts site inspections to monitor and regulate proposed and existing facilities that affect health and environment. This primarily includes inspection of food hygiene, group care, indoor air, and tanning facilities to address environmentally related public health conditions and concerns. At least ninety (90%) of this position is work performed in the field performing public health inspections per Florida Statutes, Florida Administrative Code, and other FDOH policies and procedures. The Environmental Specialist I in this position must be well-organized, possess strong interpersonal skills, and must be able to work independently in the field and exercise good judgment. The position requires the Certified Environmental Health Professional (CEHP) certification in Food Protection, to be obtained within six months of hiring.

Requirements

• Knowledge of environmental field work and the practical application of scientific principles and techniques.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to environmental programs.
• Skill in data collection, review of documents, and organizing files and records.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with regulated parties and the public.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to prioritize, organize and schedule work assignments.
• Skill in the operation of a personal computer and the use of common software applications.
• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the physical or natural sciences or engineering.
• Certified Environmental Health Professional (CEHP) certification in Food Protection, to be obtained within six months of hiring.
• Successfully completed a minimum of 30-semester or 40 quarter hours in environmental health, environmental science, a physical or a biological science, or public health (to qualify for CEHP certification).
• Valid Florida Class E Driver’s License.
• Ability to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English.

Responsibilities

• Support the Florida Department of Health in Polk County in its mission to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts and its vision to be the Healthiest State in the Nation.
• Incorporate the agency values of Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Responsiveness and Excellence in all aspects of their work.
• Conduct site inspections to monitor and regulate proposed and existing facilities that affect health and environment.
• Inspect assigned food hygiene, group care, and tanning facilities for compliance with all applicable State codes, statutes, and regulations.
• Perform these inspections within the required frequencies and conduct all inspections and other functions in accordance with EH Manual 150-4.
• Perform scheduled re-inspections to confirm corrective actions to address violations and verify return to compliance.
• Track inspection progress for assigned facilities to ensure that all inspections are performed within required frequencies.
• Pull quota reports and other reports from the Environmental Health Database (EHD) to ensure these inspections are on track throughout the permit year.
• Maintain current, complete and accurate records of assigned facilities and all inspection activities.
• Ensure that all licenses and Environmental Health Database (EHD) entries are current and accurate.
• Investigate reported complaints involving these facilities and prepare reports, legal notices and other supportive documents, and initiate enforcement action where necessary to achieve compliance.
• Utilize EH Manual 150-4 complaint procedures.
• Perform similar inspection work as needed in the mobile home park, biomedical waste, tattooing, migrant labor camp, and water programs.
• Investigate foodborne illness and sanitary nuisance complaints.
• Perform other duties as required and as needed, including interpreter duties depending on skill level.

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