ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 64066746

State of Florida • Fort Myers, FL

11d • $51,800 - $52,800 • Onsite

About The Position

This is a fulltime Career Service (CS) Environmental Specialist III position working with the Department of Health in Lee County. This professional Environmental Specialist III position functions independently for the Florida Department of Health in Lee County (DOH-Lee) Environmental Health division in the Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (OSTDS) program. Program activities include, but are not limited to, onsite sewage disposal and treatment systems and mobile home/RV parks. The incumbent in this position is considered to have regulatory responsibilities and is subject to the provisions of Chapter 60L-36, Florida Administrative Code.

OSTDS Program: This position functions independently to oversee the department’s new construction permitting process. The position is responsible for ensuring new construction permits are reviewed and written within the guidelines and goals established in Ch. 381.0065 Florida Statutes, 62-6 Florida Administrative Code, and the Environmental Health Program Manual 150-4. The specialist will review applications and plans and accept and issue permits for systems. This position confers with state, city, and county officials, contractors, professional engineers, and community business personnel regarding OSTDS matters. The position may also be required to present expert witness testimony and represent the department in legal proceedings involving noncompliant persons or facilities within Lee County.

This position is responsible for performing higher level program development and coordination. Onsite Sewage Treatment Unit specialty programs include operating permits which require annual inspection and quality assurances. This position will be assigned a program specialty. This position includes coordination for outreach events, leadership capabilities, and problem-solving skills. This position assists in training new and existing staff. This position reviews inspection records and supporting documents generated by the staff.

The environmental specialist will perform site evaluations, abandonment inspections, sanitary nuisance complaint inspections, enforcement duties in environmental programs, and initial and final inspections of newly installed systems and repaired, existing systems under the direction of the department supervisor to ensure compliance with public health standards. Field work involves heavy lifting and physical activity in an often-strenuous environment.

Mobile Home/RV Park Program: Regulates and enforces the laws and rules pertaining to approved water and sewer connections, conditions propagating sanitary nuisances and overcrowding, to prevent environmentally transmitted diseases per Ch. 381.006 (14) F.S., Ch. 513 F.S., and Ch. 64E-15 F.A.C.

The specialist is required to perform data entry of permit, inspections, and enforcement information into the Environmental Health Database (EHD). Enters Daily Activity Reports daily and submits time sheets as required and in timeframes specified. Attends DOH mandatory training prior to assigned deadlines. Responds to Everbridge emergency alerts within 60 minutes.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Knowledge and skill in using field equipment required, including but not limited to operating a laser level, shovel, auger, Munsell Color Charts, drill, and other equipment as deemed necessary to perform environmental health inspections
• Knowledge of terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of the physical or natural sciences
• Knowledge of and basic computer skills
• Knowledge of correct spelling, punctuation & grammar usage
• Ability to operate general office equipment
• Ability to follow office procedures & practices
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments
• Ability to handle telephone calls in a courteous & effective manner
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally & in writing
• Ability to establish & maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to understand, interpret & apply applicable rules, regulations, policies & procedures
• Ability to prioritize individual workload
• Ability to frequently bend, kneel, reach, and sit or stand for long periods of time
• Ability to lift & carry up to 50 pounds as needed
• Ability to work with occasional loud noises indoors and/or outdoors
• Ability to work outdoors with various temperature changes
• Ability to walk for long periods of time or great distances
• Ability to locate information that is listed alphabetically & numerically
• Ability to follow instructions
• Ability to review data for accuracy & completeness
• Ability to work independently or with minimal supervision
• Ability to work with the public in a tactful and courteous manner
• Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques
• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 30 credit hours in a related science field from a US accredited college or university.
• Certified Environmental Health Professional in OSTDS or Registered Sanitarian.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and have a motor vehicle to perform duties.
• Ability to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English.

Nice To Haves

• Incumbent will be assigned a county vehicle and will be responsible for maintaining and operating the vehicle per state and county regulations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the department’s new construction permitting process for onsite sewage disposal and treatment systems.
• Review and issue new construction permits for onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems within established guidelines.
• Confer with state, city, and county officials, contractors, professional engineers, and community business personnel regarding OSTDS matters.
• Present expert witness testimony and represent the department in legal proceedings involving noncompliant persons or facilities.
• Perform higher level program development and coordination for Onsite Sewage Treatment Unit specialty programs.
• Coordinate outreach events, demonstrate leadership capabilities, and utilize problem-solving skills.
• Assist in training new and existing staff.
• Review inspection records and supporting documents generated by staff.
• Perform site evaluations, abandonment inspections, and sanitary nuisance complaint inspections.
• Conduct enforcement duties in environmental programs.
• Perform initial and final inspections of newly installed systems and repaired, existing systems.
• Regulate and enforce laws and rules pertaining to mobile home/RV parks, including water/sewer connections and sanitary nuisances.
• Perform data entry of permit, inspections, and enforcement information into the Environmental Health Database (EHD).
• Enter Daily Activity Reports daily and submit time sheets as required.
• Attend mandatory DOH training prior to assigned deadlines.
• Respond to Everbridge emergency alerts within 60 minutes.

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