ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 1

Environmental Specialist I

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. This primarily includes inspection of food hygiene, group care, indoor air, and tanning facilities to address environmentally related public health conditions and concerns. At least ninety (90%) 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. The position requires the Certified Environmental Health Professional (CEHP) certification in Food Protection, to be obtained within six months of hiring.

Inspections and follow-up duties:

Inspects assigned food hygiene, group care, and tanning facilities for compliance with all applicable State 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 verify return to compliance. 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. Tracks inspection progress for assigned facilities 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 assigned facilities and all inspection activities. Ensures that all licenses and Environmental Health Database (EHD) entries are current and accurate. Investigates reported complaints involving these facilities and prepare reports, legal notices and other supportive documents, and initiates enforcement action where necessary to achieve compliance. Utilizes EH Manual 150-4 complaint procedures.

Other program areas:

Duties may sometimes include similar inspection work as needed in the mobile home park, biomedical waste, tattooing, migrant labor camp, and water programs, and in the investigation of foodborne illness and sanitary nuisance complaints.

Other duties:

Performs other duties as required and as needed, including interpreter duties depending on skill level.

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

Qualifications:

Minimum - A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the physical or natural sciences or engineering This position requires certification as outlined in Florida Statutes 381.0101 for Food Protection, To qualify for certification, the incumbent must possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree and must have successfully completed a minimum of 30-semester or 40 quarter hours in environmental health, environmental science, a physical or a biological science, or public health. Valid Florida Class E Driver's License

Where You Will Work: Bartow, FL