ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 42001083 (FOR INTERNAL AGENCY EMPLOYEES ONLY)

State of Florida • Fort Myers, FL

22h • $72,000 - $86,400

About The Position

The Environmental Specialist III conducts regulatory inspections of food establishments that manufacture and distribute food under FDACS jurisdiction. The position applies a risk-based approach to assess food processing methods, production controls, equipment and facility design and maintenance, and personnel practices to ensure food is safe and handled under sanitary conditions. The specialist performs inspections and collects food and environmental samples for state surveillance or FDA contract work, including initial inspections to assess new businesses and their processes. The role requires technical expertise in food microbiology, toxicology, food production and processing, good manufacturing practices, and applicable specialized food processes. Inspections include Food Safety Modernization Act requirements and review of food safety and HACCP plans.

The specialist conducts joint inspections and investigations with federal, state, and local agencies; documents deficiencies; explains applicable public health laws and standards; and advises establishments on corrective actions. The role may initiate stop-sale and stop-use orders, destruction reports, release notices, and other enforcement actions. Additional functions include label and advertising review, complaint and foodborne-illness investigations, follow-up and special inspections, consumer information responses, disaster surveillance, and providing testimony or documentation for administrative action.

The position also inspects and samples foods for compliance with consumer protection standards and operates, calibrates, and maintains inspection testing equipment. Administrative duties include preparing inspection, sample collection, activity, travel, expense, and other required reports and documents. The specialist attends required training, may assist with policy interpretation and productivity improvements, and provides technical support to the Bureau. Occasional travel is required, and some work may occur during evenings, weekends, or holidays, with overnight or extended travel. Headquarters is negotiable within Broward, Hillsborough, Manatee, Palm Beach, and Pinellas counties. This opportunity is limited to current FDACS employees.

Requirements

• Meet one of the following education and experience combinations: high school diploma or equivalent and two years of experience in environmental protection, regulation, or health; a physical or natural science; or engineering; or 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 in one of those fields.
• Possess a valid driver's license.
• Employees appointed to food establishment inspection positions 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.
• Pass a background screening, including fingerprinting, as a condition of employment.
• Reside in required areas specified in Division Policy A-10.
• Have knowledge of HACCP concepts, food manufacturing, processing and storage procedures, food handling, food chemistry and microbiology, and pathogenic organisms associated with foodborne disease.
• Be able to interpret laws and rules and have knowledge of department program goals, strategies, policies, and procedures.
• Be able to plan and monitor a statewide commodity-specific food safety sampling program.
• Have public speaking skills and the ability to communicate with media representatives and industry members.
• Complete all Candidate Profile fields and provide verifiable responses to qualifying questions.
• Provide degree verification or, for foreign degrees, a credential evaluation from an approved credential evaluation agency when using education to meet minimum requirements.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regulatory and initial inspections of food establishments under FDACS jurisdiction, assessing food processes, production controls, equipment, facilities, and personnel practices for compliance and food safety.
• Perform inspections under applicable food safety laws and regulations, including the Food Safety Modernization Act, and review food safety and HACCP plans.
• Collect food and environmental samples for state surveillance, FDA contract work, investigations, and laboratory analysis.
• Conduct joint inspections and investigations with the FDA and other federal, state, and local agencies as appropriate.
• Document regulatory deficiencies, explain applicable laws and standards, educate establishment personnel, and advise management on corrective actions.
• Initiate appropriate enforcement actions, including stop-sale and stop-use orders, destruction reports, release notices, and movement of goods subject to stop-sale orders.
• Review product labels and advertising for required consumer information or possible misrepresentation; investigate complaints and foodborne illnesses; conduct follow-up, special, and disaster-related inspections; and respond to consumer information requests.
• Provide testimony, documentation, and affidavits to support administrative action when warranted.
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain inspection test equipment, including thermometers, sanitizer test kits, pH meters, and associated equipment and reagents.
• Attend required training, including position-specific incident-command training for emergency response; assist with policy interpretation and productivity improvements.
• Prepare and submit accurate, timely inspection and sample reports, daily activity reports, travel and expense vouchers, supply requisitions, and other required documents.
• Provide technical support to the Bureau and perform other assigned duties while following department policies and representing FDACS professionally.

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

What This Job Offers

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