ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II

Environmental Specialist II - 64027271

This is a field professional position in Environmental Public Health (EPH), responsible for conducting regulatory inspections across multiple EPH programs. The employee in this position is required to work independently and manage their time to meet established deadlines and is responsible for performing the following tasks per Florida rules and regulations and Department of Health policies and procedures.

Contributes to the organization's culture of performance excellence by actively seeking to improve personal and organizational performance through measurement, analysis, knowledge management, process improvements, and participation in performance management committees, councils, and/or workgroups. Continuously demonstrates the Department's ICARE values. This employee works under the supervision of the Environmental Administrator.

Certain immunizations and TB testing may be required.

Conducts field inspections in assigned EPH program components, ensuring and maintaining compliance on a prescribed schedule following Florida Statutes, Florida Administrative Codes, the Environmental Health program manual, internal policies, and standard operating procedures.

Assists with plan review activities and conducts pre-opening inspections of new or existing establishments in the food hygiene program.

Provides support to program supervisors and coordinators by working with existing and potential account holders, providing clear and concise oral or written information regarding the results of investigations or inspections to achieve compliance with Florida laws and regulations. This includes appropriate interaction, consultation, and education with customers.

Responds to public health nuisance complaint investigations and performs inspection procedures in assigned programs within two (2) working days after receipt. Completes and tracks compliance enforcement activities originating from nuisance complaints in cooperation with program supervisors and coordinators.

Assists with foodborne illness complaints and conducts foodborne illness investigation tasks, including completion of Environmental Health Assessment Reports. Collects and documents relevant data and gathers evidence, including water, food, and/or other samples, in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.

Participates in informal and formal hearings and assists with other legal actions necessary to secure compliance with EPH rules and regulations.

Maintains records of all inspections and site visits performed by entering them into the designated Environmental Public Health database and local county systems. Submits all completed inspection reports to the program supervisor for review and records hours worked and services performed into the Health Management System per Department of Health policies and the EPH coding pamphlet.

Provides training and education in assigned EPH programs to clients, the general public, and community partners through formal and informal methods, including presentations, outreach activities, email communication, phone calls, and in-person instruction. Performs other related duties as required, including evening or weekend work, and participates in approved training, staff meetings, and inspections in other programs as needed.

Knowledge of Florida Administrative Codes, Florida Statutes, and standards related to the duties of the position. Knowledge of food hygiene establishment equipment and operational functionality. Skill in the use of food hygiene tools and other equipment used in EPH field programs. Ability to interpret floor plans and apply technical standards for food hygiene plan review tasks. Ability to perform field work, write reports, and prepare legal notices when necessary. Ability to prepare and present complex information to clients, the general public, and community partners. Ability to communicate effectively and establish and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers and customers. Ability to work independently and as part of a team to prioritize workload and meet established deadlines.

Required: Certified Environmental Health Professional in Food Hygiene is required per Florida Statutes and Chapter 64E-18, FAC. Certification must be obtained within six months of hire and maintained through recertification every two years. Bachelor's degree from a U.S. accredited college or university with a minimum of 30 credit hours in a related science field (Environmental Health, Environmental Science, or a Physical or Biological Science). Ability to lift 50 pounds and move freely around construction sites and undeveloped property in high heat and humid conditions. Valid driver's license and reliable transportation. Incumbent may be required to work before, during, and/or beyond regular work hours or days during emergencies. Emergency duty may include staffing special needs or Red Cross shelters, or performing other duties related to disaster response or recovery. May be required to work flexible hours as needed to meet program and departmental needs.

Where You Will Work: Naples, Florida