Environmental Specialist

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I -

Agency:
Department of Health

Location:

Bartow, FL

The incumbent is part of a global public health organization and is expected to support the Florida Department of Health in Polk County in its mission to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts and its vision to be the Healthiest State in the Nation.

The incumbent is expected to incorporate the agency values of Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Responsiveness and Excellence in all aspects of their work.

• The position conducts site inspections to monitor and regulate proposed and existing facilities that affect health and environment, primarily inspecting biomedical waste, tattoo establishments and artists, body piercers and establishments, and tanning facilities to address environmentally related public health conditions and concerns.
• At least 90% of the duties are performed in the field performing public health inspections per Florida Statutes, Florida Administrative Code, and other FDOH policies and procedures.
• Inspects assigned biomedical waste generators, transporters and treatment units, tattoo artists and establishments, body piercers and body piercing establishments, and tanning facilities for compliance with all applicable State codes, statutes, and regulations.
• Performs inspections within required frequencies, conducts re‑inspections to confirm corrective actions, and verifies return to compliance.
• Tracks inspection progress, pulls quota reports and other reports from the Environmental Health Database (EHD) to ensure inspections are on track throughout the permit year.
• Mants current, complete and accurate records of assigned facilities and all inspection activities.
• Investigates reported complaints involving these facilities, prepares reports, legal notices and other supportive documents, and initiates enforcement action where necessary.
• Duties may include similar inspection work in the mobile home park, body piercing, tattooing, migrant labor camp, and water programs, and in the investigation of sanitary nuisance complaints.
• Performs other duties as required and as needed, including interpreter duties depending on skill level.
• Physical requirements:
  
  The inspection component requires field duties in all conditions including high summer temperatures, frequent walking and standing, and ability to walk over uneven terrain for significant distances.

• Knowledge of environmental field work and the practical application of scientific principles and techniques.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to environmental programs.
• Skill in data collection, review of documents, and organizing files and records.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with regulated parties and the general public.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to prioritize, organize and schedule work assignments.
• Skill in the operation of a personal computer and the use of common software applications.

• Experience using Microsoft Office programs.
• Experience in public health or related field.

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the physical or natural sciences, environmental health, environmental science, or public health; or four years of related professional experience can substitute for college education.

• Emergency Duty:
  The incumbent may be required to work before, during and/or beyond normal work hours or days in the event of an emergency, including working in special needs or Red Cross shelters, or performing other emergency duties.
• Confidentiality:
  The incumbent may have access to records containing Social Security numbers in the performance of their job duties.

• 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.

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