Environmental Specialist

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert: Select how often (in days) to receive an alert: The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on ourE-Verify Website . Requisition No:883478 Agency: Department of Health Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 64064960 This is an Environmental Specialist II position conducting a variety of regulatory environmental health and safety inspections to ensure compliance with state and local laws. Makes recommendations on the issuance of permits, licenses, or approvals. Work is performed under the supervision of an Environmental Manager- SES. This position is responsible for conducting a variety of investigations and enforcement tasks. This position requires independent judgment, initiative, applying general knowledge of business practices and skill in applying instructions to accomplish various job functions. This position has regulatory responsibilities and is subject to the provisions of Chapter 60L-36, Florida Administrative Code. This position is designated as a sensitive position and is required to maintain confidential information in accordance with the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) Palm Beach County Health Department (CHD) Information Security Policy, Protocols and Procedures. Has access to Health Management System (HMS) for Daily Activity Record (DAR) entry only. Enter and updates information in Environmental Health (EH) and Child Care Licensing databases including inspections, complaints and complaint investigations, operating permits, customer, and billing information. May view, update and release information as needed. Performs regulatory inspections of childcare facilities, large family child care homes, family child care homes, and School Readiness facilities and other regulated facilities or programs. Conducts follow-up inspections. Investigates sanitary nuisance complaints in accordance with Chapter 386, Florida Statutes, recommends and enforces appropriate corrective actions, and makes appropriate referrals to relevant agencies. Investigates complaints of non-compliance regarding regulated facilities, enforces, recommends appropriate corrective actions and makes appropriate referrals to relevant agencies. Investigates allegations of unlicensed or unapproved facility operations, monitors the facility status following initial investigation, initiates appropriate enforcement actions and referrals to relevant agencies. Investigates allegations of childcare licensing violations including those related to allegations of child abuse and neglect. Documents all findings from inspections or investigations clearly, concisely, and in sufficient detail to fully support all conclusions, recommendations, required corrective actions, and enforcement actions. Provides oral or written information to responsible parties regarding results of investigations or inspections. Accurately documents and update data, and generates inspection reports, notices, and other documents in field settings. Collects data electronically in the field, and ensures timely updates to the main databases, as needed. Meets with property owners, facility operators, engineers, architects, planners, and prospective applicants or their representatives to provide consultation on the design and operation of facilities and resolution of environmental health and safety issues. Coordinates activities with federal, State, and local agencies. Reviews license applications. Reviews and approves plans for childcare, family childcare homes, and large family child care homes. Reads, evaluates, and interprets blueprints, diagrams, sketches, maps and aerial photos involving regulated facilities or properties under investigation. Verifies the availability of approved water and sewer services for regulated facilities. Recommends issuance or denial of licenses, permits, or approvals of regulated facilities based on review of the facility’s level of compliance with all applicable standards or requirements. Organizes and maintains files, reports, and other related documents. Documents possible causes and remedies. Schedules and conducts follow-up inspections. Initiates and conducts enforcement actions and special investigations in a timely manner in keeping with applicable Department or Program standards. Organizes and maintains records and other documents for enforcement activities. Drafts appropriate correspondence, reports and other documents regarding environmental health problems to facilitate compliance with applicable rules and regulations. Participates at conferences, hearings, and court appearances. Testifies at administrative hearings or court appearances as expert witness related to enforcement actions initiated. Organizes, develops, promotes, and conducts workshops and in-depth consultations to educate owners, managers, operators, or consumers of licensing requirements and issues involved in operating a safe and healthy environment. Provide information to the public, builders, owners and public officials and civic groups concerning disease prevention and environmental health regulations. Interprets and explains the significance and application of public health laws and regulations. Participates in outreach, suggestion and/or teamwork activities. Perform other duties as assigned. Knowledge, skills and abilities, including utilization of equipment, required for the position Knowledge of the 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 relating 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. Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments. Ability to communicate effectively. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques. Ability to use personal computers. Qualifications Licensure/registration/certification requirements (If applicable, list the appropriate Florida Statute or federal regulation cite): The educational requirements as per Florida Statutes state “applicants for certification shall have graduated from an accredited 2-year college or university with a degree” per Chapter 381.0101 F.S. The educational requirements as per the Chapter 64E-18, Florida Administrative Code, state “applicants beginning work in a primary area ofenvironmental health on or after September 21,1994 must have an associates degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Other job-related requirements for this position: Incumbent may be required to work before, during and/or beyond normal work hours or days in the event of an emergency. Emergency duty required of the incumbent includes working in special needs shelters, or performing other emergency duties including, but not limited to, responses to or threats involving any disaster or threat of disaster, man-made or natural. Valid Driver’s License. Hard hat and steel toe safety boots, and tight-fitting respirator are required for this position. Position requires extensive walking, bending and working in hot weather. This position required to carry equipment with a total combined weight of up to 30 pounds. Position is required to obtain certification in childcare, large family childcare, and family childcare programs. Working hours: (A) Daily from 8:00AM to 5:00PM (B) Total hours in workweek 40 (C) Explain any variation in work (split shift, rotation, etc.) This position requires daily in-office or field work. 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 800 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 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 . 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: 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io). 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. 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io). 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. Location WEST PALM BEACH, FL, US, 33401 Nearest Major Market: Palm Beach Nearest Secondary Market: Miami For assistance, call the People First Service Center at View phone number on click.appcast.io Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern time. Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211 F. S., the State of Florida is an EEO employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr