ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I – 64045890 Position Number: 64045890 Salary: $33,351.42 – $38,617.44 Annually This position involves professional Environmental Health work, independently conducting inspections of regulated facilities and entities for compliance with Florida Statutes, Florida Administrative Code, and Sarasota County Code requirements in environmental health programs within Sarasota County in accordance with department policies and Environmental Health Program Manual 150-4. The Environmental Specialist I is a generalist role that requires work in all Environmental Health programs, including but not limited to: water well construction permitting; public swimming pools and natural bathing areas; onsite wastewater treatment and disposal systems; mobile home parks safety and sanitation; food hygiene; group care; migrant labor camps; Super‑Act (water well surveillance); limited use public wells; biomedical waste; tattoo, body art and piercing establishments; sanitary/environmental nuisance complaints; rabies surveillance; Safe Drinking Water Act; and skin tanning establishments. The position is based in the North County Environmental Health office in Sarasota, serving primarily the northern half of Sarasota County, with travel to the South County Environmental Health office in Venice as needed. Use of a personal vehicle may be required (with mileage reimbursed per Florida Statute Chapter112.061). Assigned duties will include a majority of work outdoors, conducting inspections and site evaluations of unimproved and un‑cleared acreage and/or land parcels covered in thick vegetation in all types of weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, high humidity, and other adverse and unpleasant conditions. Specific Duties Food Service Establishments – conduct inspections to assure compliance with FAC, review plans, and make recommendations for new and remodeled establishments to ensure compliance with F.S. and FAC. Group Care Inspections and Non‑Emergency Vehicle Inspections – inspect public and private group care facilities and non‑emergency medical transport vehicles to ensure compliance with F.S., FAC, and Sarasota County Ordinances. Mobile Home Parks, Recreational Vehicle Parks & Migrant Farm Labor Camps – perform routine inspections and review plans and applications for operating permits to determine compliance with F.S. and FAC. Public Swimming Pools & Bathing Places – perform routine inspections, review plans and applications for operating permits, and collect water samples for bacteriological analysis. Sanitary and Environmental Nuisance Complaint Investigations – investigate reports of sanitary nuisance complaints and follow up to assure corrective action has been taken or take necessary legal action in accordance with Florida Statute Chapter386. General Environmental Health Program Support – provide field and staff support for all environmental health programs, including Public Swimming Pools and Bathing Areas; Healthy Beaches Program; Super‑ACT; Biomedical Waste; Mobile Home Parks Sanitation; Sanitary Nuisance Complaints; Indoor Air Quality; and other DOH‑Sarasota regulated facilities. Initiate and coordinate enforcement procedures related to assigned duties as required. Other duties as assigned, including providing support for all Environmental Health programs as directed by the Environmental Health Director/Designee. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of Environmental Health Programs, Administrative Code, and County Ordinances. Written and oral communication skills. Ability to use basic office equipment and software platforms. Qualifications Driver’s license. Bachelor’s degree in a physical or natural science, or professional experience in environmental protection, regulation or health; one of the physical or natural sciences; or engineering (381.0101(4)(e) FS, Rule64E‑18.003 FAC). Obtain/Maintain certification as an Environmental Health Professional within 6 months of the probationary period. Preferred Certification as an Environmental Health Professional within three (3) months of the probationary period. Benefits 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. 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. Veterans’ Preference. Pursuant to Chapter295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr