ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 64028546

State of Florida • Ocala, FL

42d • $37,000 - $38,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Environmental Specialist I works for the Marion County Health Department, inspecting wells and related water systems, maintaining environmental public health records, and supporting permitting and administrative functions. The role verifies that private well construction information submitted by licensed contractors through the Water Management Information System is accurate and compliant with Florida Administrative Code. It also inspects well abandonments and groutings using state-approved methods and ensures that at least 20% of wells are inspected monthly for each water management delegation.

The incumbent inspects Limited Use Public Supply wells under applicable requirements and operating permits, including collecting water samples and submitting them to a state-approved testing facility. The role documents inspections using approved forms and filing systems, assists with well permit processing and issuance, responds to general public inquiries about the delegated well permit program, maintains well records, and prepares reports for the water management districts.

The position is also the custodian of Environmental Public Health records, organizing and maintaining paper and digital records, scanning and uploading documents to the Environmental Health Database, and reviewing sample-result records for accuracy. The incumbent assists with mobile home park inspections and electronic documentation, covers front desk duties when needed, and performs other related duties as assigned. Work is based at the Marion County Health Department in Ocala, Florida. Employees may be required to perform emergency duties outside normal work hours or days.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid Florida driver’s license.
• Willingness to work outside in the elements, including hot weather.
• Ability to lift at least 30 pounds and twist, bend, and reach above the head.
• Computer, typing, scanning, and filing skills.
• Written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain codes clearly to people with varied educational backgrounds.
• Ability to interpret Florida Administrative Code and apply relevant rules, regulations, policies, and procedures for Environmental Public Health programs.
• Ability to work with the Environmental Health Database, Microsoft Office Access, and WMIS.
• Ability to troubleshoot computer, connectivity, and state-issued smartphone issues or work with technical support and IT to resolve them.
• Ability to work as part of a team toward established goals and assigned duties.
• Ability to take water samples and use a chlorine water test kit.
• Ability to learn and communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor of Science degree in a physical science.
• Experience with the Environmental Health Database.
• Experience with water testing, wells, or plumbing.
• Experience working in a regulatory setting.
• Knowledge of the water well construction industry or a regulatory agency involved in well construction.

Responsibilities

• Inspect private wells after construction and verify contractor-submitted information in WMIS, including permits, applications, and completion reports, for compliance with applicable Florida Administrative Code.
• Inspect well abandonments and well groutings using state-approved methods.
• Ensure that at least 20% of wells are inspected monthly for each water management delegation.
• Inspect Limited Use Public Supply wells according to applicable rules and operating permits; collect water samples and submit them to a state-approved testing facility.
• Document inspections on state-approved forms and in approved physical and digital filing systems.
• Assist with processing well permit applications, entering information and digital documents into a database, and issuing well construction permits.
• Answer general inquiries about Marion County’s delegated well permit program.
• Maintain hard-copy well records, including permits, well logs, grout records, and completion reports.
• Compile data and prepare reports for the Southwest Florida and St. Johns River Water Management Districts as required by delegation agreements.
• Organize and maintain Environmental Public Health records in hard-copy and digital formats.
• Scan Environmental Public Health documents and upload them to the correct Environmental Health Database accounts daily.
• Conduct daily quality assurance reviews comparing hard-copy Limited Use Water System and bathing beach water-quality sample results with their digital copies in the Environmental Health Database.
• Assist with mobile home park inspections and document inspections in an electronic database.
• Cover front desk duties during staff absences, lunches, and breaks.
• Perform other related work activities as assigned.

Benefits

• Annual and sick leave.
• Nine paid holidays and one personal holiday each year.
• State Group Insurance options, including health, life, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance.
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Tuition waivers.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED