ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II

Position Overview Environmental Specialist II in the Environmental Public Health Program conducts regulatory environmental health and safety inspections, investigations, and enforcement actions to ensure compliance with state and local laws. The position reports to an Environmental Supervisor II and is part of an on‑call roster to maintain optimal staffing. Responsibilities Perform regulatory inspections of child care facilities, family child care homes, school readiness facilities, and other regulated facilities; conduct follow‑up inspections and investigations. Investigate sanitary nuisance complaints, licensing violations, unlicensed operations, and allegations of child abuse or neglect. Document findings, prepare inspection reports, notices, and other correspondence; update data in the Environmental Health Database, Hospital Management System, and Child Care Licensing databases. Meet with property owners, facility operators, engineers, architects, planners, and other stakeholders to provide consultation on design and operation and resolve environmental health issues. Review license applications, plans, blueprints, diagrams, and maps; recommend issuance or denial of licenses, permits, or approvals based on compliance with all applicable standards. Organize and maintain records, files, and enforcement activity documentation; conduct special investigations as required. Participate in outreach, workshops, and public education on disease prevention and environmental health regulations. Attend conferences, hearings, and court appearances; testify as an expert witness in enforcement actions. Perform emergency duty and disaster response as needed; work beyond normal hours when required in emergencies. Skills & Abilities Knowledge of terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of the physical or natural sciences. Knowledge of data collection and analysis principles and procedures. Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze, and interpret scientific or technical data. Ability to prepare technical reports. Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures related to environmental programs. Ability to understand and follow legislative policy direction as established in Florida Statutes. Ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner. Ability to work independently; plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments. Ability to communicate effectively; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to utilize problem‑solving techniques. Ability to use personal computers. Qualifications The educational requirements as per Florida Statutes: applicants must have graduated from an accredited 4‑year college or university with a degree. Additional requirement: associate’s degree or higher for primary area of environmental health (Chapter 64E‑18, Florida Administrative Code). Valid driver’s license; hard hat, steel‑toe safety boots, tight‑fitting respirator, and ability to carry up to 30 pounds. Experience working before, during, or beyond normal work hours, including emergency and disaster response. Certification required in child care, large family child care, and family child care programs. Other Job‑Related Requirements May be required to use state or county vehicles for official business; vehicle use limited to authorized duties. Position requires extensive walking, bending, and working in hot weather. Security background check and drug screening required. Must be able to learn and communicate in English, orally and in writing. Working Hours A. Daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM B. Total hours per workweek: 40 C. Availability for on‑call assignment is required. Daily in‑office or field work is required. Benefits Annual and sick leave benefits. Nine paid holidays and one personal holiday each year. State Group Insurance coverage options (health, life, dental, vision, and supplemental). Retirement plan options with employer contributions. Equal Opportunity / EEO Statement The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation must notify the hiring authority in advance. The State of Florida supports a Drug‑Free workplace and requires drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S. Veterans’ Preference Candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive priority in employment for Career Service vacancies. Documentation of service characteristics is required. Veterans’ Preference documentation must be submitted with each application. Contact Information Location: 345 S. Congress Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33445 Nearest Major Market: Palm Beach Nearest Secondary Market: Miami Additional Information All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English. #J-18808-Ljbffr