ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I

Environmental Specialist I - 64082896

Thank you for your interest in career opportunities with the Florida Department of Health in Polk County. If you are looking to establish a successful career in Public Health, you have come to the right place. Many of our innovative and successful health programs are recognized throughout Florida. We hope you decide to join our team! Applicants will be contacted directly if selected for an interview.

Your Specific Responsibilities:

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 position conducts site inspections to monitor and regulate proposed and existing facilities that affect health and environment and works primarily in the Mobile Home Park, RV Park, and Recreational Camp Program. At least eighty-five (85%) percent of this position is work performed in the field performing public health inspections per Florida Statutes, Florida Administrative Code, and other FDOH policies and procedures. The Environmental Specialist I in this position must be well-organized, possess strong interpersonal skills, and must be able to work independently in the field and exercise good judgment.

Inspections & follow-up – Mobile Home Park program: Inspects mobile home parks, RV parks, and recreational camps for compliance with all applicable codes, statutes, and regulations. Performs these inspections within the required frequencies and conducts all inspections and other functions in accordance with EH Manual 150-4. Performs scheduled re-inspections to confirm corrective actions to address violations and return to compliance. Monitors own inspection progress to ensure that all inspections are performed within required frequencies. Pulls quota reports and other reports from the Environmental Health Database (EHD) to ensure these inspections are on track throughout the permit year. Maintains current, complete and accurate records of permitted facilities. Ensures that all permits and database entries (EHD) are current and accurate. Investigates complaints, completing a complaint inspection report if a DOH regulated facility is the subject, and documents the investigation and resolution in the EHD complaint module. Prepares documentation for enforcement action where necessary to achieve compliance. Investigates all complaints reported regarding assigned facilities, and at facilities assigned to others when needed. Completes complaint functions in accordance with EH Manual 150-4 complaint procedures.

Mobile Home Park plan review, plan modifications & lot approvals As needed reviews plans on file for existing mobile home parks to ensure they are accurate and consistent with current park layout and mobile home/RV space measurements. Assists clients with updates and changes to park plans and approved spaces. Assists in the preparation of provisos to document approved changes and any restrictions. Completes lot approval forms to assist clients with Polk County Building Division approval for placing homes on approved spaces, ensuring the spaces meet requirements for the size of the homes.

Other program areas: Duties may sometimes include similar inspection work as needed in the facility programs and in the investigation of sanitary nuisance complaints. Other duties: Performs other duties as required and as needed, including interpreter duties depending on skill level.

Physical requirements: The inspection component of this position requires that the employee perform field duties in all conditions including high summer temperatures. Position duties involve frequent walking and standing. Some inspection locations and sites require the ability to walk over uneven terrain for significant distances.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of environmental field work and the practical application of scientific principles and techniques. Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to environmental programs. Skill in data collection, review of documents, and organizing files and records. Ability to communicate and work effectively with regulated parties and the public. Ability to work independently. Ability to prioritize, organize and schedule work assignments. Skill in the operation of a personal computer and the use of common software applications. Skill in reading plans and the ability to use engineering scale measurements to measure pertinent features on plans.

Qualifications: Minimum - Valid Florida Class E Driver's License Public health or related field experience Experience using Microsoft Office programs Preferred - A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the physical or natural sciences, environmental health, environmental science, or public health; preferred. Or four years of related professional experience can substitute for college education.

Where You Will Work: Bartow, FL

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 ); Flexible Spending Accounts; Tuition waivers; And more! For a more complete list of benefits, including monthly costs, visit