OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 64909228

State of Florida • Lecanto, FL

2d • $20 - $25 • Onsite

About The Position

This is an Other Personal Services (OPS) Temporary Position with the Florida Department of Health in Citrus County. The incumbent is expected to support the mission to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. The incumbent is also expected to incorporate the agency values of Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Responsiveness, and Excellence in all aspects of their work.

Requirements

• Knowledge of proper spelling, punctuation and grammar usage.
• Knowledge of the terminology, principles and analytical techniques of the physical and/or natural sciences.
• Knowledge of environmental public health programs and standards, F.A.C. and F.S. related to the specific duties of this position.
• Skill in the use of computer and Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint or other comparable programs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with team members and clients.
• Ability to prepare and present information to educate clients, the general public and community partners.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to follow instructions.
• Ability to prepare technical reports.
• Ability to make observations, take measurements and perform mathematical functions.
• Ability to review data for accuracy and completeness.
• Ability to work efficiently and independently or with minimal supervision.
• Ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Ability to prioritize individual workload to meet deadlines.
• Ability to frequently bend, kneel, reach and sit, stand or walk for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds as needed.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying extreme weather conditions for extended periods of time.
• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation or ability to obtain prior to hire.
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in environmental health, environmental science or a physical or biological science. Major course work must be no less than 30 semester hours or 40 quarter hours of class work. Florida Statutes Chapters 381.
• All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Environmental Health Professional (CEHP) in either Food Protection or Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (OSTDS) or a Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) or able to become certified or registered within six months.
• 40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER certification or able to become certified within six months.
• Willingness to work outside of normal work hours as needed; may be required to work before, during and/or beyond normal work hours or day in the event of an emergency. Emergency duty required of the incumbent includes working in special needs or Red Cross shelters or performing other emergency duties including, but not limited to, responses to threats involving any disaster or threat of disaster, man-made or natural.

Responsibilities

• Reviewing applications received for proposed construction, modification or repair of Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (OSTDS); issuing, denying or requesting additional information as applicable; performing or reviewing site evaluations of lots to determine suitability for installation of OSTDS; inspecting or reviewing inspections of OSTDS installations for compliance.
• Inspecting existing above ground and underground storage tank facilities (AST/UST) for compliance as well as ensuring the proper construction of new or modified storage tanks or the abandonment of storage tanks; investigating reported spills at regulated facilities; preparing and submitting reports and letters of compliance and noncompliance as required.
• Performing inspections, reinspections and investigations of assigned facilities that: generate, store, transport or treat biomedical waste, offer conventional or cosmetic tattooing, furnish tanning devices, conduct food service operations, provide pools for public use, deliver educational instruction, supply housing for the purpose of residential group care or seasonal farmworkers.
• Investigating sanitary nuisance complaints; recommending and enforcing corrective actions; issuing notices; documenting findings into Environmental Health Database (EHD) appropriately and making referrals to agencies with jurisdiction as applicable.
• Creating and completing reports; submitting reports to clients and supervisors for review; inputting data into the EHD as well as making appropriate referrals as applicable in a timely manner.
• Tracking inspection completion progress for assigned facilities to ensure that all inspections are performed within the required timeframes; routinely generating quota reports and other reports from EHD and maintaining current, complete and accurate records of assigned facilities and all inspection activities.
• Consulting with, providing technical assistance and/or educating both the public and private sector in matters related to environmental public health.
• Recording daily activities in the Health Management System (HMS)/Daily Activity Report (DAR) and submitting timesheets through People First in a timely manner for supervisor review and approval.
• Attending and participating in staff meetings, trainings and conferences to further and maintain knowledge as well as to stay abreast of advances related to the field of environmental public health.
• Performing other duties as requested by the Environmental Supervisor II or Environmental Health Director.

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

• Career Level: Entry Level