ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 64005021

State of Florida • Fort Lauderdale, FL

1d • $56,000 - $56,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Environmental Specialist III is an independent, highly technical environmental health position based in Broward County. The role conducts engineering plan reviews, issues or denies permits, and performs site inspections primarily for Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (OSTDS). The position also specializes in well construction and surveillance, Limited Use Public Water Systems, and Healthy Beaches, with additional Drinking Water Program and Fresh Water Bathing Place Program duties as needed. The incumbent works under the general direction of an Environmental Supervisor I and serves as a contact for matters involving well construction, well permitting and surveillance, limited-use public water systems, and beach water quality.

The position conducts field inspections, surveys, site evaluations, sampling, GPS data collection, technical consultations, and written reporting to verify compliance with applicable laws, rules, and standards. Work includes assessing wastewater and potable-water systems, investigating complaints, monitoring water quality, and coordinating compliance and enforcement actions. The role requires completion of Department of Health training and examination requirements for certification and standardization.

Requirements

• Current Florida Department of Health employee, including OPS, Career Service, SES, or SMS employees; applicants from outside the department are not accepted.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in environmental science, environmental health, public health, or a physical or biological science.
• Previous experience interpreting rules, administrative codes, and regulations.
• Valid driver’s license free of major infractions and access to an automobile for work purposes; mileage reimbursement is provided.
• Ability to operate an auger, soil probe, shovel, laser level, GPS data logger, and chlorine test kit.
• Knowledge of inspection processes and data collection and analysis principles and procedures.
• Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze, and interpret scientific or technical data and prepare technical reports.
• Ability to understand and apply environmental program rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, and to understand and follow legislative policy direction in Florida Statutes.
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the public and to work independently.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to use personal computers.
• Ability to learn and communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing.

Nice To Haves

• Valid Certified Environmental Health Professional (CEHP) licensure in all areas of onsite sewage.
• Previous experience conducting plan reviews and site inspections in the Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems Program (OSTDS).

Responsibilities

• Review applications, plans, and specifications for OSTDS permits, including private and commercial systems and system re-approvals; issue or deny construction permits for new and repaired systems.
• Conduct field site evaluations for new and repaired OSTDS, including evaluation of soil type and texture, seasonal high water table, benchmarks, site conditions, and required setbacks.
• Inspect new and repaired OSTDS, using laser leveling equipment to verify system elevations and compliance with applicable standards.
• Conduct inspections and sanitary surveys of assigned limited-use public water systems, collect water samples, process annual operating permits, and prepare reports and compliance-related memoranda.
• Coordinate the well construction program, including well permitting, field inspections, public and contractor interaction, post-construction water sampling, disinfection verification, complaint investigations, and compliance and enforcement actions.
• Prepare legal notices and monitor compliance related to well construction or water-quality issues; coordinate with the South Florida Water Management District to meet delegation-agreement requirements.
• Conduct Well Surveillance Program surveys and sampling; collect GPS coordinates for contaminated sites and nearby potable-water wells, submit data to DOH Tallahassee within required time frames, verify reimbursement documents, and maintain records and reports.
• Inspect septage disposal services, portable toilet services, and septic tank manufacturing companies for compliance.
• Review proposed plats for Broward County Office of Planning and Development and provide comments concerning wastewater disposal and potable water supply.
• Provide technical consultation and support concerning OSTDS to contractors, engineers, architects, and the public.
• Monitor recreational marine bathing beaches along the Broward County coast bi-weekly, collect water-quality information, and maintain records and reports.
• Complete DOH/OSTDS training and examination requirements for certification and standardization; participate in in-service training and continuing education.
• Perform 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 supplemental insurance.
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Tuition waivers.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level