ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I

Environmental Specialist I - 64041923

This position performs specialized professional environmental work in the onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems (OSTDS) and the facilities programs making independent decisions, performing site evaluations, research, permit application and project reviews for new and existing septic tank installations and repair permits for failing systems. This position is also responsible for inspection and permit issuance in all areas of OSTDS, water and facilities programs. This position maintains a good working knowledge of all statutory and rule requirements. This position maintains a good working knowledge of all applicable codes and regulations involving these tasks and can prepare and present legal cases. This position is required to be Department of Health certified at all levels in the primary area of Onsite Sewage Treatment & Disposal and Food Protection.

Your specific responsibilities include inspecting new and existing septic tank installations and properly completes all paperwork on approved systems. If the system is approved, notifies installer or applicant. Performs site evaluations for septic tank permit applications. Reviews the application for completeness, identifies environmental impact associated with proposed activities, assists in giving guidance and direction in the resolution of environmental issues, drafts proposed agency action. Coordinates the review and evaluation of proposed systems for consistency with department laws and regulations. Issues permit or send denial letter after completion of the site test. Inspects failing septic systems and issues repair permits after completion of investigation. Performs site inspections of regulated systems to ensure compliance with regulations. Performs early failure investigations. Conducts inspections and issues permits for Aerobic treatment units, industrial/manufacturing zone OSTDS, initiates enforcement actions by drafting non-compliance and warning letters. Conducts sanitary nuisance complaint investigations, contactor complaint and private provider investigations. Responsible for gathering evidence and information to be utilized in legal actions. Serves as backup to inspect septage haulers, portable toilet operations, septage land application areas and lime stabilization as required by applicable codes. Conducts site visits to determine the mean annual flood line. Reviews federal and state environmental health laws and regulations for compliance, prepares reports, reviews to determine compliance with codes. Conducts inspections and issues permits for aerobic treatment units, alternative systems designed and submitted by an engineer and performance-based treatment systems. Reviews and approves or disapproves inspections provided by private provider inspectors. Initiates enforcement actions by drafting notices of violation and warning letters. Backup inspector - Responsible for conducting animal bite investigations and prepares reports of animal bite incidents for the Rabies Surveillance program. Conducts inspections of biomedical waste facilities based on applicable codes and Environmental Public Health standard operating procedures. Approves initial licenses for biomedical waste facilities. Monitors and/or verifies safe and sanitary disposal of biomedical waste generated by various facilities in Hernando County. Implements and provides educational programs designed to enhance professional knowledge, awareness and capabilities of biomedical waste handling and packaging. Conducts food service establishment inspections at the required frequency based on EPH standard operating procedures. Investigates food-borne illness and food hygiene complaints. Approves initial licenses for food service establishments. Conducts mobile home/RV park and recreational camp inspections at the required frequency based on (EPH) standard operating procedures. Approves initial licenses for mobile home/RV parks. Conduct preliminary and follow-up site inspections of group care facilities to evaluate and ensure compliance of codes based on EPH standard operating procedures. Conducts preliminary and follow-up inspections of tattooing and tanning facilities to ensure code compliance. Conducts swimming pool inspections at the required frequency based on EPH standard operating procedures. Attend Certified Pool Operator course. Provides education and training to swimming pool operators. Conduct Limited-Use water supply system inspections and sanitary surveys. Collects bacteriological and chemical samples. Coordinates the program with other agencies (Department of Environmental Protection, Southwest Florida Water Management District) in the investigation of jurisdictional complaints. Collects water samples for the Coastal Beach Monitoring (Healthy Beaches) program and well surveillance program. Assured samples are delivered to the Department of Health Tampa Branch Laboratory or other laboratories in a timely manner for analysis Prepares legal action. Prepares and maintains appropriate records in a manner that would qualify as legal documents. Maintains a good working knowledge of applicable rules and regulations. Prepare legal documentation and enforcement notices. Investigate complaints and non-septic sanitary nuisances. Coordinates work with other Environmental Public Health staff and assist them in the different investigations and evaluations. Reviews federal and state environmental health laws and regulations for projected impact on state operations. Perform other related duties as requested/required. Reports breaches of security to supervisor. Responsible for securing the designated information set for the purposes of protecting confidentiality, data integrity, and appropriate access, for all information, both confidential and public record, which is stored in hard copy or electronic formats.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities include reading comprehension, problem-solving and decision-making, efficient communication, scientific data collection and analysis, independent work, understanding and application of environmental rules and regulations, maintaining effective working relationships, and prioritizing work assignments.

Qualifications include a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in environmental health, environmental science, or a physical or biological science. This position requires exposure to the outside elements and the ability to lift/pull 65 pounds. You must be able to perform the duties of this position under these conditions with or without reasonable accommodation. Must have a valid Florida Driver's license or be able to obtain one within 30 days of hire. Ability to be certified in the Onsite Sewage Program (OSP) within 6 months of hire and/or obtain the food certification (NOTE: must meet educational requirements to become certified).

Locations: 7551 Forest Oaks Boulevard Spring Hill, FL 34606 300 S. Main Street Brooksville, FL 34601