ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 64063813 1

State of Florida • Tampa, FL

6d • $47,668 - $74,722 • Onsite

About The Position

The Environmental Specialist III is a full-time Career Service position with the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County, within Environmental Public Health. This internal promotional opportunity is open only to current DOH employees. Reporting to the Environmental Manager, the role develops, implements, and delivers quality projects and initiatives for Community Environmental Health programs. The specialist is expected to have extensive experience across multiple Environmental Public Health program areas, solve problems effectively, and work with minimal supervision.

The position conducts routine field inspections throughout Hillsborough County in program areas such as Biomedical Waste, Food Hygiene, Group Care, Limited Use, Migrant Labor, Mobile Home Parks, Healthy Beaches, Swimming Pools, Tanning, Body Piercing, and Tattoo facilities as needed. It also serves as the department’s Certified Food Hygiene Coordinator, conducting food-related investigations and plan reviews, supporting inspectors, and coordinating with the state office. Emergency duties may be required before, during, or beyond normal work hours or days.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in environmental health, environmental science, or a physical or biological science; transcripts must be provided with the application.
• Certification to perform food inspections in Florida as a Certified Environmental Health Professional (CEHP), or certification as a Registered Sanitarian or Registered Environmental Health Professional (RS/REHS).
• At least 3 years of field-inspection experience in three or more of the listed Environmental Public Health program areas: Biomedical Waste, Food, Group Care, Limited Use, Migrant Labor, Mobile Home Parks, Private Wells, Swimming Pools, Tanning, or Tattoo facilities.
• Current driver’s license.
• Transportation available to perform inspections throughout Hillsborough County.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds, drive up to one hour between inspection sites, walk from parking lots to facilities, bend and squat, reach, and climb stairs and ladders.
• Knowledge of physical or natural science terminology, principles, and analytical techniques; public health principles; and data collection and analysis principles and procedures.
• Skills in customer service, data collection and interpretation, technical reporting, and use of personal computers.
• Ability to apply environmental program rules and procedures, communicate effectively, work independently, organize and coordinate assignments, manage time, solve problems, and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to learn and communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing.
• Must complete required security background check and/or drug screening, and participate in direct deposit.

Nice To Haves

• At least 1 year of experience as a county-level Environmental Public Health program coordinator.
• At least 1 year of experience with the Environmental Health Database (EHD).
• Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification.
• Registered Environmental Health Professional or Registered Sanitarian certification.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English.
• Experience as a team member on a Quality Improvement Project.

Responsibilities

• Monitor progress of Community Environmental Health programs toward annual quotas and conduct inspections where assistance is needed.
• Document violations, discuss inspection results with the person in charge, explain public health requirements, and issue official inspection reports.
• Identify program weaknesses and develop, implement, and lead quality improvement initiatives.
• Provide customer service and serve as a subject matter expert for Environmental Public Health programs.
• Lead special projects within Environmental Public Health programs; serve as a backup sampler for the Healthy Beaches Program; assist with large events and other public health programs as needed.
• Serve as the Certified Food Hygiene Coordinator for the Department of Health in Hillsborough County.
• Investigate foodborne illness complaints and assist local and regional epidemiologists with investigations, including collecting samples as needed.
• Review plans for new and remodeled food establishments and conduct opening inspections for compliance with applicable Florida statutes and administrative code.
• Train new and existing food inspectors and assist inspectors with compliance issues.
• Coordinate with the state office on policies, procedures, regulations, and compliance matters.

Benefits

• Annual and sick leave.
• 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.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Professional development, mentorship, educational and skills training, and continuing education opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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