ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 64049093 1

State of Florida • Tampa, FL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Thank you for your interest in career opportunities with the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County. If you are looking to establish a successful career in Public Health, you have come to the right place. Many of our innovative and successful health programs are recognized throughout Florida. We hope you decide to join our team! Applicants will be contacted directly if selected for an interview.

Join an amazing company culture that values employee growth and development at the Florida Department of Health. Professional development is highly encouraged and supported within our organization through opportunities for mentorships and educational and skills training. From the moment you are hired, you can begin to grow as a professional and a leader, through strategic planning, internal committees, and project engagement. There are also many opportunities for continuing education at no cost to the employee. If you are looking to further your education through a college degree, the Florida Department of Health can help with our tuition reimbursement program. We offer an inspiring and encouraging atmosphere to support you while you work with us.
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) is responsible for the health and safety of all citizens and visitors to the state. As a public health agency, the Florida Department of Health must monitor the health status of Floridians, diagnose, and investigate health problems, and mobilize local communities to address health-related issues. The Florida Department of Health develops policies and plans that support health goals, enforce laws and regulations that protect the health of all residents and visitors, and link people to needed health care services. The Florida Department of Health also provides specialized assistance to pregnant women, infants, and children with special health care needs, regulates health care practitioners, and provides medical disability determinations.

Environmental Specialist II:

This position is responsible for professional environmental work conducting inspections of regulated public water systems, directly dealing with the public, ensuring facilities meet approved standards and implementing the Federal Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Act and Florida Safe Drinking Water Act, responsible seeking enforcement for non-compliance, collaborating with other agencies, conducting complaint and waterborne illness investigations, entering data into a computer, answering questions over the phone, preparing inspection reports, ensuring accurate completion and timely submission of administrative reports, maintaining records, attending meetings, receiving training, and collecting water samples. The incumbent of this program is responsible for all aspects of the program and requires minimal supervision. This is a highly specialized position with the department.

Strong communication and technical skills are a must, as this position is required to ensure compliance with state codes and statutes, so as to, protect the public’s health, provide program information, educate the clients and public on Safe Drinking water practices, demonstrating the use of test kits and sampling kits and explain public health policies. Applicant should be detail oriented, able to multi-task, and possess good time-management skills.

Requirements

• Proficiency with computers especially Word and Excel
• Strong communication, analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of the terminology, principles and analytical techniques of thephysical 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 understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies andprocedures relating to environmental programs
• Ability to understand and follow legislative policy direction as established inFlorida statutes
• Ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques
• Ability to work outside in harsh weather and carry up to 25 lbs of equipment
• No less than 30 semester hours or 40 quarter hours of major course work in Environmental Health, Environmental Science, or a Physical or Biological Science, Public Health, Epidemiology or Water Technology Degree (Transcripts will be required.) or experience working with the Safe Drinking Water Program or are a Class C Certified Operator
• One year of outdoor field work or volunteer experience in remote areas, and in all weather conditions
• One year of experience working with the public/customer service
• One year of environmental/public health/regulatory experience, volunteer work will be considered.
• Highly Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, using forms and mail merge and Excel
• Experience with training others and implementing programs
• Valid Driver’s License, or ability to obtain in 60 days.
• Reliable personalized motorized transportation.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelors’ Degree in Environmental Health, Public Health, Environmental Science, or a Physical or Biological Science
• Working knowledge of various environmental health tools (test kits, water sampling equipment).
• Technical knowledge of drinking water contaminants, health effects, public notices and treatment options.
• Technical knowledge of well construction.
• Knowledge of the Environmental Litigation and Reform Act (ELRA) and the FDEP Enforcement Manual and process
• Experience with drinking water regulations and rules

Responsibilities

• Inspect facilities, monitor operations, collect samples, and/or perform field evaluations to determine compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Take water samples as required and necessary to determine levels of contaminants.
• Document significant deficiencies, issue notices to correct violations and/or obtain proper permits as defined in FAC and/or FS and conduct follow-up inspections as necessary to achieve compliance.
• Analyze, evaluate and interpret scientific and technical data, such as chemical and microbiological analyses and determine if maximum contaminant levels are exceeded, per FAC 62-550.
• Perform enforcement activities for drinking water systems that do not comply with Florida Administrative Code and Federal Regulations; including the preparation of warning notices, notices of violation, consent orders, case reports, and conducts informal meetings and follow up inspections.
• Use scientific instruments and equipment to gather and analyze technical data in the field.
• Provide information to complainants on complaints involving safe drinking water wells
• Audit water system files, prepare paperwork, and perform data entry of inspection activities. Must be skilled in the use of a personal computer and all Microsoft Office applications
• Preparing technical reports and correspondence to clients and the public. Must be skilled in written and verbal communication.
• Perform emergency planning and/or response activities.
• Preparing enforcement cases, with thorough site inspections and follow-ups including photographs, and documentation of phone calls, emails and any written correspondence.
• Maintain timely and current knowledge of all environmental health regulations (FS and FAC) that are under the jurisdiction of the Department.
• Track all approved action plans as related to an exceedances of maximum contaminant levels.

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