Environmental Specialist Ii

Agency:
Department of Health

Working Title:

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II -

This is an Environmental Specialist II position in the Environmental Public Health Program responsible to performs inspections on public pools and beaches to ensure the health and safety of the public. Work is performed under the supervision of an Environmental Supervisor II-SES. This position requires independent judgment, initiative, applying general knowledge of business practices and skill in applying instructions to accomplish various job functions.

This position is designated as a sensitive position and is required to maintain confidential information in accordance with Florida Department of Health (FDOH) Palm Beach County (CHD) information Security Policy, Protocols and Procedures. Confidential Data Sets:
Has access to Health Management System (HMS) for Daily Activity Report (DAR) for entry only. Has access to the Social Security Data Set for typing travel vouchers. Enter and updates information in the Environmental Health database (EH) including inspections, permits. customer and billing information. May view, update and release information as needed.

Conducts field inspections of public swimming pools, spas, highly intricate special purpose pools and water recreation attractions for compliance with sanitary, safety and technical standards mandated by state law. Checks and examines all equipment including pumps, filters, gauges, piping, ladders, etc. to ensure the pool meets or exceeds its original standards specified by a professional engineer. Documents possible causes and remedies conducts follow-up inspections.

Submits written reports of significant deficiencies. Initiates enforcement action including notices of violation. Closes pools, spas and water recreation attractions for noncompliance with the applicable codes and performs follow up inspections. Investigates Environmental Health Complaints involving public pools and appurtenances. Consults with owners, managers, directors, code enforcement, city managers, contractors, service companies, and other concerned individuals or entities to provide instruction and clarification on proper swimming pool operations and disease or injury prevention.

Makes recommendations to owners and boards of directors on compliance with the code on issues that often involve a large cost to voluntarily correct the violations without resorting to enforcement procedures. Coordinates activities with federal, state and local agencies. Ensures all operators are properly licensed or certified.

Conducts sanitary surveys of public bathing places and performs shoreline surveillance for contamination and pollutions. Collects samples of beach waters for laboratory analysis in accordance with the Health Beaches Program and must be familiar with existing US Environmental Protection Agency and Florida Department of Environmental Protection water standards to allow recommendations for corrective action. Provide information on the public bathing places to the media and other interested parties.

Maintains records and updates information for database of regulated bathing facilities for program management.

Update databases, reviewing annual license submittals, dispensing operating permits, and contact permit holders for nonpayment of their annual operating permit fee.

Investigates waterborne illnesses. Accurately input and update the Environmental Data Set including, but not limited to, epidemiology reportable disease reports, physician reports, laboratory test results, epidemiology health investigations and records containing patient identifiers for environmental health waterborne illness investigations.

Attends training functions, participates in various public health educational programs…