OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 64853741

State of Florida • Bartow, FL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The incumbent is part of a global public health organization and is expected to support the Florida Department of Health in Polk County in its mission to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts and its vision to be the Healthiest State in the Nation. Furthermore, the incumbent is expected to incorporate the agency values of Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Responsiveness and Excellence in all aspects of their work.

This is a professional position that conducts site inspections to evaluate applications to construct, modify, or repair onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems (septic systems).  This position conducts plan reviews and site evaluations to ensure applications for onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems meet permitting requirements of all pertinent laws and rules.  This position conducts compliance inspections and on-going monitoring, when required, to ensure that onsite systems are constructed, operated and maintained so as not to be a threat to the public health or degrade drinking, surface or ground water resources.

This position will perform work in the septic section of Environmental Health to include application review and processing, site evaluations, permit issuance, and compliance inspections in all areas of the OSTDS program in accordance with Chapter 381, Florida Statutes, Chapter 64E-6, F.A.C., and the Environmental Health Program Manual DOHM 150-4.  Consults with property owners, engineers, and developers to facilitate design changes.

Investigate nuisance complaints, prepare reports, violation notices, and initiate compliance actions in accordance with Florida Statutes, codes, Environmental Health Program Manual DOHM 150-4, and other department guidelines.

Performs other duties as required, including performance of additional interpreter duties, consistent with skill level, and as needed.

Employee must be able to lift 25 pounds, stand or walk for long periods of time (greater than 30 minutes), and be able to walk on rough or uneven terrain.  Employee must also be able to work in tight spaces with limited air movement and possible high temperatures, to work outdoors in various weather conditions (for example in typical Florida daily rain or heat), and be able to cope with an encounter of live or dead insects or animals when in the field or office.

Employee will adhere at all times to all safety practices which includes but is not limited to the following: proper lifting and office equipment use, safe driving practices (including proper use and storage of vehicle keys) and vehicle safety, proper cell phone use, blood borne pathogen procedures, use of all issued personal protective equipment, proper field equipment use, proper fire extinguisher use, following safety orders and recommendations regarding weather events or other issues, following all safety rules posted at field sites and facilities, heat and field safety, and any other specific safety guidelines or policies provided by supervisors, managers, safety officers, or human resources.  Employee will make every effort to maintain a safe workplace and will report any safety violations to a supervisor or building manager immediately.

Requirements

• Knowledge of all applicable state and local laws, regulations and ordinances pertaining to the physical requirements of regulated facility operations.
• Be familiar with confidentiality law.
• Knowledge and ability to pass Chapter 64E-6, Florida Administrative Code’s Standardization, Soil Standardization, Field Standardization and Environmental Health Professional Certification for the Septic program.
• Knowledge of all applicable codes and regulations.
• Ability to operate laser plane, dumpy balances, and computer.
• Skill in oral and written communication with clients and employees.
• Ability to use personal computer equipment and be familiar with the standard Microsoft Office programs.
• Valid Florida Class E, driver license.
• This position may require certification as outlined in Florida Statutes 381.0101 for either (1) Food Protection, or (2) Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (OSTDS), or (3) both Food Protection and OSTDS programs.
• To qualify for certification, the incumbent must possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in one of the physical or natural sciences, engineering or public health, and must have successfully completed a minimum of 30-semester or 40 quarter hours in environmental health, environmental science, a physical or a biological science, or public health.
• Environmental Health Professional Certification (OSTDS) within 6 months of hire if not already certified

Responsibilities

• Conducts site inspections to evaluate applications to construct, modify, or repair onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems (septic systems).
• Conducts plan reviews and site evaluations to ensure applications for onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems meet permitting requirements of all pertinent laws and rules.
• Conducts compliance inspections and on-going monitoring, when required, to ensure that onsite systems are constructed, operated and maintained so as not to be a threat to the public health or degrade drinking, surface or ground water resources.
• Performs work in the septic section of Environmental Health to include application review and processing, site evaluations, permit issuance, and compliance inspections in all areas of the OSTDS program in accordance with Chapter 381, Florida Statutes, Chapter 64E-6, F.A.C., and the Environmental Health Program Manual DOHM 150-4.
• Consults with property owners, engineers, and developers to facilitate design changes.
• Investigates nuisance complaints, prepare reports, violation notices, and initiate compliance actions in accordance with Florida Statutes, codes, Environmental Health Program Manual DOHM 150-4, and other department guidelines.
• Performs other duties as required, including performance of additional interpreter duties, consistent with skill level, and as needed.

Benefits

• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (mandatory)
• Participation in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements.  Consult with People First and/or the serving HR office)
• Workers’ Compensation (mandatory, if needed)
• Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) (mandatory, if needed)
• Deferred Compensation (voluntary)
• Employee Assistance Program (voluntary)

What This Job Offers

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