ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II

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. 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 of environmental 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.

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