ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 42005973 1

State of Florida • Homestead, FL

3d • $60,991 - $73,189

About The Position

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Food Safety, Bureau of Age-Restricted Foods is hiring an Environmental Specialist III. The position’s headquarters is negotiable within Miami-Dade or Monroe County, and the employee must reside in an area specified by Division Policy A-10. The role conducts regulatory inspections of food establishments, including establishments that manufacture, process, pack, hold, or prepare age-restricted foods. Inspections assess compliance with food safety, sanitation, consumer protection, labeling, and related regulations using science-based knowledge and a risk-based approach.

The specialist evaluates food processes, production controls, equipment and structural design, maintenance, and personnel practices. The position also involves inspections and investigations with other agencies, complaint and foodborne-illness investigations, sampling and laboratory follow-up, and appropriate enforcement actions. The employee prepares reports and other administrative documents, maintains inspection equipment, attends required training, and represents FDACS professionally. Occasional travel is required, and some duties involve evening, weekend, or holiday work and overnight or extended travel.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and two years of experience in environmental protection, regulation, or health; a physical or natural science; or engineering; OR a high school diploma or equivalent and 1.5 years of experience as an Environmental Specialist I or higher with the State of Florida; OR a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college and six months of qualifying experience.
• Possession of a valid driver's license.
• Employees conducting food-establishment inspections under Chapter 500, Florida Statutes, must pass and maintain the training and certification required by Rule 5K-4.021, Florida Administrative Code, within 12 months of appointment.
• Must reside in an area specified in Division Policy A-10.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds.
• Knowledge of age-restricted/psychotropic food and product markets, products and marketing terminology, product chemistry, and the legal basis for enforcing the sale and distribution of these products.
• Skills in chemical research, internet searching, and computer use, including hardware and software.
• Ability to communicate complex scientific issues to non-scientific personnel, meet deadlines, keep management informed, work independently and accurately, manage time, and work as part of a team.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments; apply technical critical-thinking skills; interpret rules and regulations; and maintain effective working relationships.
• Knowledge of pathogenic microorganisms associated with foodborne disease and of department program goals, strategies, policies, and procedures.
• Skill in completing and maintaining accurate records and maintaining comprehensive knowledge of the electronic inspection system.
• Must pass a background screening, including fingerprinting, as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regulatory inspections of age-restricted-food establishments and other food establishments under FDACS jurisdiction for compliance with applicable laws, regulations, sanitation, and consumer-protection requirements.
• Evaluate food processing methods, production controls, equipment and structural design, maintenance, and personnel practices using a risk-based approach.
• Conduct initial inspections to assess new businesses, their food processes, activities, and applicable requirements.
• Participate in joint inspections and investigations with the FDA and other federal, state, and local agencies as appropriate.
• Document regulatory deficiencies, explain applicable public-health laws and sanitation and safety standards, and advise establishment management of corrective actions.
• Initiate and manage appropriate enforcement actions, including stop-sale and stop-use orders, destruction reports, release notices, and movement of goods under stop-sale orders.
• Investigate consumer complaints and foodborne-illness reports; conduct follow-up, special, disaster-surveillance, and other designated inspections.
• Provide testimony, documentation, or affidavits in support of administrative, regulatory, civil, or criminal actions as required.
• Inspect and sample age-restricted foods; review labels and advertising; select samples for laboratory analysis; and investigate and collect food or environmental samples when possible adulteration or other violations are indicated.
• Conduct inspections and take enforcement action based on laboratory testing results.
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain inspection test equipment, including thermometers, sanitizer test kits, and pH meters.
• Prepare and submit accurate, complete, and timely inspection reports, sample collection reports, activity reports, travel and expense vouchers, supply requisitions, and other required documents.
• Attend designated training sessions and courses, follow department policies and procedures, and perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Annual and sick leave
• Nine paid holidays and one personal holiday each year
• State group insurance options, including health, life, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance
• Retirement plan options with employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED