ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 64002101

State of Florida • Fort Lauderdale, FL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This position requires daily in-office or field work and requires you to work on site at one of our facilities located throughout Broward County. This is an independent professional, and highly technical environmental position conducting plan review, issuance of and denial of permits, and site inspection in a specialized program relating to Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (OSTDS). In addition, this county-wide position will also specialize in the Well Construction, Well Surveillance, Limited Use Public Water System and Healthy Beaches Programs. Duties require a thorough understanding of rules, laws, and techniques pertinent to water pollution and related environmental concerns. The incumbent serves as contact person for all issues related to well construction, well permitting, well surveillance, Limited Use Public Water System and beach water quality. The incumbent is also responsible for monitoring beach water quality along the coast of Broward County. Works independently by inspecting, surveying, collecting GPS data, collecting water samples, and preparing written reports. Work is conducted under the general direction of an Environmental Supervisor I. Duties in the Drinking Water Program and Fresh Water Bathing Place Program will be required as needed.

Requirements

• Current employee of Florida Department of Health employees, (includes OPS, Career Service, SES or SMS employees)
• Bachelor’s degree from accredited four (4) year college or university with a degree in environmental science, environmental health, public health or a physical biological science.
• Previous experience conducting plan reviews and site inspections in the Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems Program (OSTDS).
• Previous experience in the Healthy Beaches Program.
• Previous experience in interpretation of rules, administrative codes and regulations.
• A valid driver's license, free of major infractions and access to an automobile to be utilized for work purposes and receive reimbursement for mileage.
• Valid Certified Environmental Health Professional (CEHP) Licensure in all areas of onsite sewage.
• Ability to operate an auger, soil probe, shovel, laser level, GPS data logger and chlorine test kit.
• Knowledge of the inspection process.
• 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 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.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Skills in effective communication, verbal and written.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to use personal computers.
• All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English.

Nice To Haves

• Experience conducting inspections in the Well Surveillance and Well Construction Program.
• Experience conducting inspections in Limited Use Public Water System.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a detailed engineering review of applications, plans and specifications for the issuance of Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal System (OSTDS) for private, commercial, permits and system re-approvals. Issue or deny construction permits for new and repaired OSTDS.
• Conduct technical in-field site evaluations for new and repaired OSTDS including evaluation of soil type and texture, determination of seasonal high water table (SHWT), verifying benchmark and site evaluations and applicable setbacks in accordance with standards of Chapter 64E-6, F.A.C.
• Performs inspections, sanitary surveys and collect water samples of assigned limited use public water systems. Evaluates and process limited use public water systems' annual operating permits. Produces limited use public water systems reports and memos pertaining to pre-compliance, monitoring violations, and other related issues.
• Coordinates the well construction program, with the primary duties being permitting wells, conducting field inspections, interacting with the public including well drillers and building contractors. Collects water samples to clear wells after construction and verifies proper disinfection. Initiates and monitors compliance and enforcement actions which may result from inspections and/or investigations. Conducts site evaluations and investigates complaints concerning well construction or water quality. Writes legal notices and assures that compliance is met. Works with the South Florida Water Management District to assure that all requirements of the delegation agreement are met.
• Conducts surveys and sampling pertaining to the Well Surveillance Program. Collects precise coordinates data with GPS equipment concerning contaminated sites and nearby potable water wells. Forwards data to DOH Tallahassee within prescribed time frames and verifies reinbursement documents submitted by Tallahassee. Maintains accurate records and prepares reports as directed pertaining to work accomplished.
• Conduct field inspection of new and repaired OSTDS for compliance with applicable standards. Inspections include use of laser leveling equipment for verification of system elevations.
• Conduct inspection of septage disposal services, portable toilet services and septic tank manufacturing companies for compliance with applicable standards.
• Review and provide comments on proposed plats for Broward County Office of Planning and Development for wastewater disposal and potable water supply.
• Provide technical consultation and support relative to OSTDS to contractors, engineers, architects and the public.
• On a bi-weekly basis monitors the recreational marine water bathing beaches to insure the residents and visitors of Broward County have a safe and sanitary environment to recreate. Maintains accurate records and prepares reports as directed pertaining to work accomplished.
• Meet all DOH/OSTDS training and examination requirements for certification and standardization of department personnel. Participates in in-service training programs and continued education offerings related to the above.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

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: Senior