ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST - 64082576

Requisition No: 841641 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST - 64082576

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 64082576 

Salary:  $33,760 - $34,320 annually 

Posting Closing Date: 11/29/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Thank you for your interest in career opportunities with the Florida Department of Health in Polk County.  If you are looking to establish a successful career in Public Health, you have come to the right place.  Many of our innovative and successful health programs are recognized throughout Florida.  We hope you decide to join our team!  Applicants will be contacted directly if selected for an interview.

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 efforts and its vision to be the Healthiest State in the Nation. Furthermore, the incumbent is expected to incorporate the agency values of Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Responsiveness and Excellence in all aspects of their work.

Your Specific Responsibilities:

The incumbent is responsible for working in the Environmental Public Health Division in the Onsite Sewage Treatment (OSTDS) program and is expected to be highly organized to complete the work assignments. The incumbent, an employee of the Florida Department of Health in Polk County, represents the agency and its mission and values.

Under the general supervision of the Environmental Manager, performs independent professional environmental work by assisting with the OSTDS operating and service permit program duties to include tracking and logging required inspections, and maintaining data for the program through the Environmental Health Database (EHD). This position will perform activities that do not require professional certification.

This position will conduct the initial sanitary nuisance complaints and determine if further investigation or action is warranted; conduct service permit inspections, and assist clerical staff as needed.

Prepares reports accurately and within established timeframes to ensure compliance with the regulations of the Florida Statues, Florida Administrative Codes, County Ordinances and in accordance with Environmental Health Manual 150-4.

Provides accurate and timely entry of required data and complex information into agency databases and EHD.

Receives and screens complex and technical applications that are submitted to the Department.  Reviews each application with the client for completeness and accuracy.  Processes the applications within Department guidelines and makes copies for distribution to clients and staff.

Assists in logging permits and notifying clients of permitting status and outcome.

Will act as vehicle coordinator for the OSTDS unit.

Provides customer service via phone calls, email, office, or field.

Works throughout Polk County and may require frequent and extensive travel.  Completes paperwork to determine activities, leave and attendance, etc. May need to work before/after hours or weekends to conduct/complete work assignments. Performs other duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to environmental health programs.
• Ability to understand and follow legislative policy direction as established in Florida statutes. 
• Ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Ability to work independently. 
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to communicate effectively. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. 
• Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques. 
• Ability to perform frequent "bend, squat, and/or lift activities" to include lifting field computers, printer, and test kits.

Qualifications:

• Must be proficient in computers, laptops, and Microsoft and other computer programs.
•  Incumbent may be required to work before, during and/or beyond normal work hours or days in the event of an emergency.  Emergency duty required of the incumbent includes working in special needs or Red Cross shelters, or performing other emergency duties including, but not limited to, responses to or threats involving any disaster or threat of disaster, man-made or natural. 

• CONFIDENTIALITY: Incumbent may have access to records containing Social Security numbers in the performance of their job duties.
•  Must be able to lift and pull 65 pounds of weight and carry 50 pounds of equipment. 
•  Must be able to work out in the field in the Florida weather (hot, humid, wet, etc.) which may also require strenuous physical activity.
•  Must be able to provide own transportation if a state vehicle is not available and possess a Valid Florida Class E Driver’s License.

Florida Department of Health Mission, Vision, and Values:

Mission:

To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts.

Vision:

To be the Healthiest State in the Nation.

Values:

I nnovation: We search for creative solutions and manage resources wisely.

C ollaboration: We use teamwork to achieve common goals & solve problems.

A ccountability: We perform with integrity & respect.

R esponsiveness: We achieve our mission by serving our customers & engaging our partners.

E xcellence: We promote quality outcomes through learning & continuous performance improvement.

Where You Will Work:

Bartow, FL:

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

• 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

(For more information, please click www.myfrs.com);

• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;
• And more!

For a more complete list of benefits, including monthly costs, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

Please be advised:

Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process.  

This position requires a security background check and/or drug screening and participation in direct deposit. Any misrepresentations or omissions will disqualify you from employment consideration. Note: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to conduct this background check Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment for safety-sensitive positions.

Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website: http://www.sss.gov 

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida.  Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement. 

The successful candidate will be required to complete the Form I-9 and that information will be verified using the E-Verify system.  E-Verify is operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration to verify employment eligibility.   

Incumbents may be required to perform emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days.

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 (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. 

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act. 

Florida has the third largest population of veterans in the nation with more than 1.5 million service men and women.  The Florida Department of Health (department) is committed to serving members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans and their families by encouraging them to apply for vacancies that fit their area of knowledge and/or expertise.  Through the Department's VALOR program, which expedites licensing for military veterans, the Department also waives initial licensing and application fees for military veterans who apply for a health care professional license within 60 months of an honorable discharge. These initiatives help ensure that the transition from military service into the workforce is as smooth as possible and reflects our appreciation for the dedication devoted to protecting our country.    

If there are any problems applying online, please call People First Staffing Administration: (877) 562-7287.

Service Center hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., ET. TTY users, call (866) 221-0268.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.