ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 64054209

State of Florida • Largo, FL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The incumbent serves as an Environmental Specialist III and is responsible to perform functions requiring independent judgment. The incumbent is expected to meet or exceed SMART performance expectations to include but not limited to Pinellas CHD Core standards as well as:
EPH EPI INVESTIGATION COORDINATOR:
The incumbent performs the functions of the division’s epidemiological investigation coordinator by performing and coordinating potential outbreak investigations linked to diseases of environmental origin, such as but not limited to food service operations, recreational water activities, water system maintenance and other reportable diseases listed in 64D-3. Acts as the Environmental Health professional representative for the County Health Department (CHD) epidemiological investigation team. Acts as division’s liaison by coordinating and collaborating with state and regional environmental epidemiological (REE) staff, (CHD) epidemiological staff, (EPH) staff, and all other regulatory agencies in the state. Monitors [email protected] inbox for FBI complaints forwards complaint data to local EPI for interview and FLCORS entry. Reviews epidemiological surveillance intake logs, forms and databases (FLCORS, Merlin, etc.) to determine investigation response based on case definition guidelines and does so within established timeframes. Reviews and completes QA on completed database/FLCORS entries for completeness and accuracy. Coordinates joint investigations with epi team member and assigned regulatory agency. Responsible for the procurement, maintenance, tracking and shipment of legionella test kits and sampling kits for investigations. Maintains records and logs associated with outbreak cases. Performs investigations and submits sporadic case notifications to required recipients. Assists Epi team member with sampling, notifications and/or media advisories, as needed. Completes investigation report and submits report summary to (REE) and (CHD) epidemiologist for review within established timeframes. Assist with submittal of completed and accurate finalized report to all agencies with jurisdiction over the outbreak source. Assists (CHD) epidemiology staff in updating protocols and SOPs. Reviews investigation reports for completeness and accuracy. Assists (CHD) epidemiology staff with the creation and presentation of educational topics requested by REE, State Office and local community partners.
Trains and evaluates EPH staff on procedures for investigating outbreaks as specified in EPH program manual 150-4 Appendix C-E.
Maintains all required FDOH certification(s) by completing twenty-four hours of approved training within the required timeframe. Acquires training hours in accordance with the FDOH-Pinellas Training Policy (these training courses may include, but are not limited to, the approved CEU courses. Attends all required epidemiological educational courses provided by program office, State and Regional Epidemiologist. (ex. FDOH 6.2 Infectious Substances Packaging and Shipping). Pursues training and certification opportunities to further advance and develop technical expertise. Attends regularly scheduled programmatic conference calls, webinars and meetings (ex. EPH & EPI Coordination meetings).
 EPH PROGRAMMATIC DATABASE SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR ASSISTANT:
Acts as the assistant/backup to Pinellas database system administrator. Assist in training new support staff in data input procedures and the routine operation of database, to include setting up new accounts, billing and inspection input. Assists with the entry of new County fees, as well as updating and managing current County database fee schedules. Backup/assistance with [email protected] inbox by monitoring inbox to update facility information as needed/requested by Inbox coordinator. Assists in monitoring database system entries for accuracy and completeness and provides/notifies findings to database administrator. Assists with certificate, license and permit renewal of all EPH programs in a timely manner and in accordance with F.S. and F.A.C.  Assists in mail merge notification for client wide communications when required. Assists database administrator in providing and/or notifying EPH Bureau unit (Software Application Maintenance (EPH-SAM) of errors/issues/findings to assist in troubleshooting problems and ensuring for the proper functioning of database through reporting/submittal of help desk tickets to EPH-SAM. Attends EPH database workgroups, workforce development groups and/or trainings to aid in database improvements and new database transition. Attends scheduled EPH programmatic conference calls, webinars, trainings and meetings. Submits help desk tickets to EPH-SAM related to EPH database field-use/mobile application system operations reported by inspectors and their supervisors. Provides training and assistance to inspectors utilizing database system and the field-use/mobile application system. Assists database administrator in maintaining eBridge system by reviewing new facility accounts and monitoring for the proper indexing of scanned documents electronically filed into eBridge system, to ensure files created meet requirements of DOH EPH Program Manual 150-4 for the creation of complete and accurate regulated facility files.
EPH Programmatic Management and Training Assistant
Assists management in quality assurance operations by assisting with food service plan reviews, inspection approvals, pool program file reviews, monitoring of vacant zone work, and the review and required corrective action to data and associated files outlined in EPH reports, such as (action, performance measure, and monthly data). Works with management on updates to work 
product procedures of clerical, field, and management, to facilitate programmatic streamlining and optimal standardization. Assists management and works alongside program coordinators to complete “onsite” and “self” EPH program evaluations. Assists with division purchasing and procurement, in a backup/emergency capacity through Ariba on Demand and Pcard use.
Assists EPH program trainers (Facilities and Water programs) with in-office and field training of new staff. Assists with the completion of vacant zone work. Assists with Healthy Beaches monitoring sampling. Assists with running potable water samples to the lab. Attends all EPH program related meetings, such as but not limited to, Quarterly Food Protection and Group Care Consistency Meetings, Pool Program monthly meetings, variance board meetings and field inspector monthly meetings.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the terminology, principles and analytical techniques of the physical 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 use personal computers.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, polices and procedures relating to environmental health 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.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to perform frequent “bend, squat, and/or lift activities” to include lifting field computers, printer, and test kits.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with a major in one of the physical or natural sciences per 64E-18 requirements. College or University transcripts (unsealed/unofficial) must be submitted with the application.
• Valid Driver’s License required; reliable transportation required

Nice To Haves

• Master's in public health (MPH) from an accredited college or university
• 1-3 years of experience working in Environmental Health Programs with the Department of Health
• CEHP Certified Environmental Health Professional (Food Protection) or Registered Sanitarian certification in lieu of unsealed transcripts per 64E-18 requirements

Responsibilities

• Performs and coordinating potential outbreak investigations linked to diseases of environmental origin
• Acts as the Environmental Health professional representative for the County Health Department (CHD) epidemiological investigation team
• Acts as division’s liaison by coordinating and collaborating with state and regional environmental epidemiological (REE) staff, (CHD) epidemiological staff, (EPH) staff, and all other regulatory agencies in the state
• Monitors [email protected] inbox for FBI complaints forwards complaint data to local EPI for interview and FLCORS entry
• Reviews epidemiological surveillance intake logs, forms and databases (FLCORS, Merlin, etc.) to determine investigation response based on case definition guidelines and does so within established timeframes
• Reviews and completes QA on completed database/FLCORS entries for completeness and accuracy
• Coordinates joint investigations with epi team member and assigned regulatory agency
• Responsible for the procurement, maintenance, tracking and shipment of legionella test kits and sampling kits for investigations
• Maintains records and logs associated with outbreak cases
• Performs investigations and submits sporadic case notifications to required recipients
• Assists Epi team member with sampling, notifications and/or media advisories, as needed
• Completes investigation report and submits report summary to (REE) and (CHD) epidemiologist for review within established timeframes
• Assist with submittal of completed and accurate finalized report to all agencies with jurisdiction over the outbreak source
• Assists (CHD) epidemiology staff in updating protocols and SOPs
• Reviews investigation reports for completeness and accuracy
• Assists (CHD) epidemiology staff with the creation and presentation of educational topics requested by REE, State Office and local community partners
• Trains and evaluates EPH staff on procedures for investigating outbreaks as specified in EPH program manual 150-4 Appendix C-E
• Maintains all required FDOH certification(s) by completing twenty-four hours of approved training within the required timeframe
• Acts as the assistant/backup to Pinellas database system administrator
• Assist in training new support staff in data input procedures and the routine operation of database, to include setting up new accounts, billing and inspection input
• Assists with the entry of new County fees, as well as updating and managing current County database fee schedules
• Backup/assistance with [email protected] inbox by monitoring inbox to update facility information as needed/requested by Inbox coordinator
• Assists in monitoring database system entries for accuracy and completeness and provides/notifies findings to database administrator
• Assists with certificate, license and permit renewal of all EPH programs in a timely manner and in accordance with F.S. and F.A.C.
• Assists in mail merge notification for client wide communications when required
• Assists database administrator in providing and/or notifying EPH Bureau unit (Software Application Maintenance (EPH-SAM) of errors/issues/findings to assist in troubleshooting problems and ensuring for the proper functioning of database through reporting/submittal of help desk tickets to EPH-SAM
• Attends EPH database workgroups, workforce development groups and/or trainings to aid in database improvements and new database transition
• Submits help desk tickets to EPH-SAM related to EPH database field-use/mobile application system operations reported by inspectors and their supervisors
• Provides training and assistance to inspectors utilizing database system and the field-use/mobile application system
• Assists database administrator in maintaining eBridge system by reviewing new facility accounts and monitoring for the proper indexing of scanned documents electronically filed into eBridge system, to ensure files created meet requirements of DOH EPH Program Manual 150-4 for the creation of complete and accurate regulated facility files
• Assists management in quality assurance operations by assisting with food service plan reviews, inspection approvals, pool program file reviews, monitoring of vacant zone work, and the review and required corrective action to data and associated files outlined in EPH reports, such as (action, performance measure, and monthly data)
• Works with management on updates to work product procedures of clerical, field, and management, to facilitate programmatic streamlining and optimal standardization
• Assists management and works alongside program coordinators to complete “onsite” and “self” EPH program evaluations
• Assists with division purchasing and procurement, in a backup/emergency capacity through Ariba on Demand and Pcard use
• Assists EPH program trainers (Facilities and Water programs) with in-office and field training of new staff
• Assists with the completion of vacant zone work
• Assists with Healthy Beaches monitoring sampling
• Assists with running potable water samples to the lab
• Attends all EPH program related meetings, such as but not limited to, Quarterly Food Protection and Group Care Consistency Meetings, Pool Program monthly meetings, variance board meetings and field inspector monthly meetings
• 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: Mid Level