ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 64027326

State of Florida • Miami Gardens, FL

5d • $47,000 - $49,000 • Onsite

About The Position

This is professional environmental health work focused on preventing environmental illness and injury in regulated facilities, and preventing and investigating environmentally related disease and safety concerns. The Environmental Specialist II conducts inspections across assigned program areas, works independently with minimal supervision, and may lead special projects. Inspections are performed under applicable Florida statutes and administrative rules and, when required, the FDA Food Code 2013. The incumbent must become certified as an Environmental Health Professional in food protection within six months of hire.

The role includes inspecting and reinspecting regulated facilities, collecting environmental samples, reviewing construction and remodeling plans, documenting findings, and maintaining timely and accurate facility records in the Environmental Health Database. The specialist investigates disease outbreaks and sanitation nuisance complaints, responds to service requests, advises and educates the public and regulated parties, and coordinates with government agencies. The position may initiate enforcement or legal action, issue stop-sale notices, and support interagency response, employee training, and departmental strategic-plan activities.

The position is based at 1725 NW 167th Street, Miami, Florida 33056. Emergency duty may be required before, during, or beyond normal work hours or days. The incumbent must be able to learn and communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a physical or natural science, with at least 30 semester hours or 40 quarter hours of major coursework in physical or natural sciences.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Private automobile for travel while performing work-related assignments.
• Obtain certification as an Environmental Health Professional in Food Hygiene within six months of hire.
• Knowledge of basic environmental health principles or a natural or physical science, including scientific terminology and technology.
• Skill in collecting, recording, and analyzing technical data related to environmental health.
• Ability to understand and apply environmental health rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, including enforcement.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community leaders and others in a stressful environment while providing environmental health services.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to use technology such as computer software and cell phones.
• Ability to learn and communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing.
• Successful completion of required security background check and/or drug screening; participation in direct deposit is required.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and reinspect regulated facilities for environmental sanitation and safety in accordance with applicable Florida statutes, administrative rules, and the FDA Food Code where required.
• Conduct compliance inspections at assigned facilities, including schools, theaters, bars, residential facilities, afterschool meal sites, detention centers, and mobile home parks.
• Collect environmental samples, including water and food samples, when required or scheduled for quality control or investigation.
• Inspect new construction and remodeling work and conduct plan reviews for new facilities as needed.
• Reinspect facilities with unsatisfactory inspections by the date specified in the inspection report, or document an explanation in the facility file.
• Coordinate inspection duties and requests, maintain accurate facility details and records in the Environmental Health Database, and review office and field activities and supporting documentation.
• Investigate disease outbreaks, environmental sanitation nuisance complaints, and sanitary nuisances that endanger public health and safety; investigate assigned nuisances within two days and follow up until abated.
• Respond to service requests within 30 days of assignment.
• Advise and educate individuals, organizations, builders, owners, public officials, civic groups, and the public about environmental health and safety, disease control, sanitation, and health regulations.
• Initiate and participate in legal actions to obtain compliance when violations are not corrected or immediate facility closure is needed to protect health and safety.
• Issue stop-sale and enforcement notices for unwholesome or unsafe products or facilities as required.
• Coordinate with federal, state, and municipal environmental health and safety agencies, and conduct joint investigations with other local regulatory agencies as required.
• Assist in training new employees as necessary and represent the Division in interagency event coordination and response.
• Participate in executing the department and Environmental Health strategic plans, including client satisfaction, data collection and analysis, seminar and training attendance, process management, and employee satisfaction.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Annual and sick leave
• Nine paid holidays and one personal holiday each year
• State Group Insurance coverage 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: Mid Level