ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II

Environmental Specialist II - 64000519

This is a Career Service Environmental Specialist II position working for the Lee County Health Department. This professional Environmental Specialist II position functions independently for the DOH in Lee County, Environmental Health division in the Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (OSTDS) program. The duties include performing work in the Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems program, Mobile Home/RV parks, as well as other environmental programs. The incumbent in this position is considered to have regulatory responsibilities and is subject to the provisions of Chapter 60L-36, Florida Administrative Code.

OSTDS Program: The environmental specialist is expected to review residential applications and plans, accept and issue permits for residential systems, perform site evaluations, perform abandonment inspections, perform initial and final inspections of newly installed systems as well as inspections of repairs on systems, investigate sanitary nuisance complaints, and any enforcement duties to ensure compliance with public health standards. Field work involves heavy lifting and physical activity in an often-strenuous environment. The specialist determines seasonal high-water tables and seasonally inundated areas to determine system suitability and compliance with 62-6, Florida Administrative Code and Florida Statutes.

When requested, the specialist may be required to meet or consult with clients, government officials, property owners, general contractors, engineers, septic tank contractors, and/or other interested parties regarding inspections and future development of sites to be served by an OSTDS. The position may also be required to present expert witness testimony and represent the department in legal proceedings involving noncompliant persons or facilities within Lee County. This position is responsible for performing assigned program state inspections at least once per year and starting enforcement of in instances of noncompliance. The specialist is responsible for quality assurance and oversite of the functionality and enforcement of assigned program requirements.

Mobile Home/RV Park Program: Regulate and enforce the laws and rules pertaining to approved water and sewer connections, conditions propagating sanitary nuisances, and overcrowding to prevent environmentally transmitted disease per Ch. 381.006(14) F.S.; Ch. 513 F.S.; and Ch. 64E-15 F.A.C. The specialist is required to perform data entry of permit, inspection, and enforcement information into the Environmental Health Database (EHD) as needed. Enter Daily Activity Reports daily and submit time sheets as required and in time frames specified. Attend DOH mandatory training prior to assigned deadlines and respond to Everbridge Emergency alerts within 60 minutes. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Incumbent will be assigned a county vehicle and will be responsible for maintaining and operating the vehicle per state and county regulations Knowledge of basic computer skills, the Environmental Health Database (EHD) program, EHD Mobile App, and Hosted Fax Knowledge of field equipment required, including but not limited to, iPhone, shovel, auger, probes, laser level, and other equipment as deemed necessary to perform OSTDS inspections Knowledge of environmental principles, practices, & procedures Knowledge of correct spelling, punctuation & grammar usage Ability to become a Certified Environmental Health Professional in OSTDS or a Registered Sanitarian and maintain certification Ability to operate general office equipment Ability to frequently use telephone, computer, copier, and small hand tools, i.e.: stapler, scissors, etc. Ability to follow office procedures & practices Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments Ability to handle telephone calls in a courteous & effective manner Ability to communicate effectively verbally & in writing Ability to establish & maintain effective working relationships Ability to understand, interpret & apply applicable rules, regulations, policies & procedures Ability to prioritize individual workload Ability to frequently bend, kneel, reach, and sit or stand for long periods of time Ability to lift & carry up to 50 pounds as needed Ability to work with occasional loud noises indoors and/or outdoors Ability to work outdoors with various temperature changes Ability to walk for long periods of time or great distances Ability to locate information that is listed alphabetically & numerically Ability to follow instructions Ability to review data for accuracy & completeness Ability to work independently or with minimal supervision Ability to work with the public in a tactful and courteous manner Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques

Minimum Qualifications: Position requires a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 30 credit hours in a related science field. Certified Environmental Health Professional in the OSTDS program or Registered Sanitarian Certification FEHA or NEHA as required by Florida Statute 381.0101, or comparable experience. Certification must be obtained within 6 months or hire and maintained every two years as required by Florida Statute. Valid driver's license and have a motor vehicle to carry out these duties. Ability to lift 50 pounds.