ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 64054827

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Job Posting Category ( Open Competitive)

Your Specific Responsibilities:

The incumbent, an employee of the Florida Department of Health in Putnam County, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated State, County, and community efforts. The incumbent is expected to promote innovation by searching for creative solutions and managing resources wisely. They are expected to collaborate through teamwork to achieve common goals and solve problems. The incumbent is expected to be accountable and perform with integrity and respect. They are expected to be responsive by serving our customers and engaging our partners. Finally, the incumbent is expected to perform with excellence by promoting quality outcomes through learning and continuous performance.

This position involves performing technical work in a comprehensive domestic waste program (OSTDS).  This Environmental Specialist I is responsible for performing a variety of professional, educational and investigational tasks in the promotion and enforcement of all above functions. Duties include the enforcement of Florida Statutes and Regulations prescribed in F.S. 381, 386, 403, and Florida Administrative Code Chapters 62-302, 62-520, 62-550, 62-555, or 62-560, 62-600, 62-701, respectively.  This position also is responsible for the determination of wet season water tables based on soil genesis and redoximorphic features such as gley colors and mottles. Incumbent will identify possible environmental impacts of proposed construction sites. Some of the work assigned will be located in a BMAP area. These spring sheds have a special designation by DEP and are required to install nitrogen reducing septic systems. This position is responsible for inspecting assigned facilities in the food service program, limited use water program, group care facilities, migrant labor, swimming pool program, mobile home/RV parks, and tanning facilities. The incumbent must be certified in food hygiene by the Florida Department of Health. In addition, must have a good working knowledgebase of interagency agreements between DBPR, DACS, DEP, as well as a good working relationship with DOH field inspectors, state, county and city regulatory agencies. Incumbent is responsible for timely upload of inspection reports, and/or entry of data sets into the currently adopted database per state, county, or department, for each assigned program. In addition, accurate and timely entry of coding for daily work activity in the HMS database. Appropriate dress and reliable transportation shall be provided by the incumbent. General guidance is provided by an Environmental Administrator and Environmental Supervisor who assign work and evaluate performance with departmental policies. A reliable vehicle and valid driver’s license are required for this position.This position requires in office and field work.

This position is and Environmental Specialist I for the FDPH-Putnam Environmental Public health Program

• This position is responsible for all aspects of OSTDS construction permitting. This entails the locating of specific parcels with or without addresses. Classification of soils to determine wet season water table and texture. This soils information is used to write construction permits and directs installers on the elevation and square footage of drainfield. Determines topographical conditions by establishing benchmarks using calibrated instruments. Meets with property owners, engineers, and developers to recommend design changes and discuss possible environmental protection of environmentally sensitive areas. Reviews and approves the design of individual sewage disposal systems for residents and commercial facilities based on gallons per day of sewage flow. Assists in the inspection of IME/CW/OP annual inspections and the collection of annual permit fees. Septic systems in the BMAP areas of Putnam County are required to install nitrogen reducing systems in certain circumstances.
• Conducts routine inspections of assigned food service establishments, group care facilities, swimming pools, migrant labor camps, tanning facilities, limited use water accounts, and MHP/RV parks at the frequency established per statute, regulation, guideline, or policy. Deficiencies are documented and explained to the operator. Education is provided for corrective action by the operator. Performs field tests to determine chemical residuals, pH, etc. Recommends issuance or denial of annual operating permits based on mandated inspections. Issues corrective orders and if necessary, initiates law enforcement action. Monitors and interprets bacteriological results and recommends procedures to correct deficiencies when necessary.
• Investigates complaints filed by the public, related to unsanitary conditions in any programs under the authority of Environmental Public Health. Notifies citizens harboring unsanitary conditions of the possible negative health and legal implications of improperly treated human wastes. Initiates legal enforcement action through legal notification in accordance with Chapters 120, 381, and 386 Florida Statutes as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• • Incumbent must be able to lift 60 pounds (concrete septic tank manhole covers).
  • Incumbent must be able to force a 30 inch probe through the ground surface to locate and measure existing drain fields.
  • Incumbent must be able to utilize a laser level to determine reference points and drain field fall.
  • Incumbent must be able to properly classify soils utilizing Munssel color chart and determine soil texture in the field using only tactile perception.
  • Incumbent must be able to estimate wet season water tables via USDA accepted redoximorphic features such as gley colors and/or mottles.
  • Incumbent must be able to work with contractors and the public to educate and enforce environmental regulations.
  • Incumbent must be able to utilize a Windows based computer to perform data entry of inspections and complaints into the EHD/EPHD system.
  • Incumbent must be able to drive a pickup truck responsibly while following written directions to unfamiliar locations.
  • Incumbent must be willing to work in the Florida weather, frequently very hot and humid but, also rain and cold.
  • Incumbent must be able to perform basic arithmetic functions needed to determine area of polygons, required drain field, and septic tank volumes.
  • Ability to work in a team to accomplish established goals or assigned duties.
  • Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to environmental health programs.
  • Ability to troubleshoot and/or work with IT to resolve technical issues with computer and state issued smartphone.
  • Ability to speak with people with various educational backgrounds.
  • Ability to write clearly and explain various codes in easily understandable terms. 
  • Ability to take water samples and use chlorine water test kit.
  • Ability to twist, bend, reach above head.

Qualifications:

Minimum: Bachelor’s degree with at least 30 hours of course work in a natural science (biology, chemistry, geology, etc.) from an accredited college or university

Basic computer Skills including Microsoft Office, Valid Drivers License

Must be willing to physically come in the office daily and perform field work 

Preferred:

• DOH certification in OSTDS program
• DOH certification in Food Hygiene program
• Certified Pool Operator
• Experience taking water samples
• Experience inspecting facilities based on rules and regulations

Florida Department of Health Mission, Vision, and Values:

Mission:

To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts.

Vision:

To be the Healthiest State in the Nation.

Values:

I nnovation: We search for creative solutions and manage resources wisely.

C ollaboration: We use teamwork to achieve common goals & solve problems.

A ccountability: We perform with integrity & respect.

R esponsiveness: We achieve our mission by serving our customers & engaging our partners.

E xcellence: We promote quality outcomes through learning & continuous performance improvement.

Where You Will Work:

Florida Department of Health in Putnam County

2801 Kennedy St.

Palatka, FL 32177

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

• 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 other supplemental insurance options;
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions

(For more information, please click www.myfrs.com);

• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;
• And more!

For a more complete list of benefits, including monthly costs, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

Please be advised:

Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process.  

This position requires a security background check and/or drug screening and participation in direct deposit. Any misrepresentations or omissions will disqualify you from employment consideration. Note: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to conduct this background check Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment for safety-sensitive positions.

Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website: http://www.sss.gov 

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida.  Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement. 

The successful candidate will be required to complete the Form I-9 and that information will be verified using the E-Verify system.  E-Verify is operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration to verify employment eligibility.   

Incumbents may be required to perform emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days.

All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.  

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. 

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. 

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act. 

Florida has the third largest population of veterans in the nation with more than 1.5 million service men and women.  The Florida Department of Health (department) is committed to serving members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans and their families by encouraging them to apply for vacancies that fit their area of knowledge and/or expertise.  Through the Department's VALOR program, which expedites licensing for military veterans, the Department also waives initial licensing and application fees for military veterans who apply for a health care professional license within 60 months of an honorable discharge. These initiatives help ensure that the transition from military service into the workforce is as smooth as possible and reflects our appreciation for the dedication devoted to protecting our country.    

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.