ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II

Environmental Specialist IIThis is professional work involving the prevention of environmental illness and injury in environmental regulated facilities. This also involves the prevention of and investigation concerning environmentally related disease and safety in the regulated facilities. The incumbent in this position is responsible for conducting inspections in various program areas, acting independently with minimal supervision and assuming leadership for special projects. Inspects and re-inspects, as necessary, regulated facilities for environmental sanitation and safety as set forth in Florida Administrative Code 64E Series, Chapter 381 and 386 of the Florida Statutes, and FDA Food Code 2013 as required by E.H. Manual 150-4. The incumbent must be certified as an Environmental Health Professional (CEHP) in food protection within 6 months of hire. Conduct compliance inspections in facilities including, but not limited to schools, theaters, bars, residential facilities, afterschool meals, detention centers, and mobile home parks as assigned by supervisor. Take environmental samples including water and food as applicable when required or scheduled for quality control or investigation. Inspects new construction or remodeling operations to ensure compliance with plan review requirements. Re-inspect regulated facilities with unsatisfactory inspection on date specified on the inspection report or place note of explanation on file. Coordinates duties to ensure timely response, accuracy and proper documentation of facility details and inspection requests to assure accurate recording and reporting in the Environmental Health Database. Provides a review of office and field activities and the required supporting documentation. Investigates disease outbreaks and environmental sanitation nuisance complaints. Investigates sanitary nuisances endangering public health and safety within 2 days of assignment and follows up with facility until abated. Advises individuals and organizations concerning environmental health safety. Responds to service requests within 30 days of assignment. Confers with and educates the public, builders, owners, public officials and civic groups concerning disease control, sanitation and health regulations. Initiates and participates in legal actions to obtain compliance when violations are noted and are not corrected or when conditions require immediate closing of facilities to protect health, safety and the welfare of patrons. Issues stop sale and enforcement notices on unwholesome or unsafe products or facilities as required. Coordinates activities with federal, state, and municipal environmental safety and health agencies, as needed. Conducts joint investigations with other local regulatory agencies, as required. Assists in the training of new employees, as necessary. Represents the Division and coordinates activities with other agencies for events requiring inter-agency response. Conduct plan reviews for new facilities as needed. Participates in the execution of the overall department's strategic plan, and the strategic plan for Environmental Health. This includes, but is not limited to, client satisfaction, data collection and analysis, seminar and training attendance, process management, employee satisfaction. Performs all other duties as assigned.Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of basic principles of environmental health or one of the natural or physical science, like biology, environmental studies, chemistry, including knowledge of scientific terminology and technology. Skill in methods of data collection including the ability to collect, record, and analyze technical data relating to environmental health. Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policy, and procedure related to environmental health, including enforcing regulation. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community leaders and others in a stressful environment while providing total quality environmental health services. Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing. Ability to use technology such as computer software and cell phones.Qualifications: Minimum- Bachelor's degree in physical or natural science from an accredited college or university with no less than 30 semester hours or 40 quarter hours of major course work in physical or natural sciences. Valid driver's license. Private automobile to travel while performing work related assignments. Incumbent in this position is required to be a Certified Environmental Health Professional in the area of Food Hygiene within six (6) months of hiring.