ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 64002393

Requisition No: 874036 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 64002393

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 64002393 

Salary:  $36,000 - $42,000 Annually 

Posting Closing Date: 04/24/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I

Open Competitive

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.

Your Specific Responsibilities:

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

Petroleum cleanup site manager.  Manages the performance of contamination assessment, remedial action, and monitoring activities for state-funded rehabilitation projects and non-program petroleum discharges under contract with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Petroleum Restoration Program (PRP), and under the requirements of Chapter 62-780, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.).  In carrying out the duties of this position, the incumbent is expected at all times to be aware of and abide by Department’s Standards of Conduct, as well as and all departmental and /or work unit rules, directive, policies, procedures, and/or general orders applicable to performing the duties of this position.

Site management

Develops site specific scopes of work for state-funded restoration with the assistance of technical support personnel for development into purchase requisitions under the FDEP PRP’s program guidelines.  Provides recommendations for corrective actions, negotiates changes in the scope of work as required and prepares change orders.  Prepares draft correspondence for issuance of FDEP Site Orders.  Monitors the effectiveness of the rehabilitation of the site and the consultant’s performance in accomplishing established goals in a cost-effective and timely manner. Monitors and makes recommendations with collaboration with technical professionals on the rehabilitation of contaminated sites not eligible for state funding (non-program sites).  Advises the owner and consultant regarding cleanup strategy and required progress towards site closure.  Maintains files and documentation of these activities in local program site files and also directly inserts documents into the FDEP Document Management System (OCULUS) electronic record.  Manages data entry into the FDEP Storage Tank and Petroleum Contamination Monitoring (STCM) database within established timeframes. 

Deliverable reviews

Performs reviews of technical reports documenting site remediation activities, monitoring the progress towards site rehabilitation. Issues approval and comment letters addressing the standard of completed work and contractor recommendations for the ongoing site strategy. Works closely with technical professionals (P.E. and P.G.) to address technical questions needing appropriate responses to contractors. Reviews and approves contractor invoices for completed work at state-funded sites. 

Site inspections

Performs inspections of managed sites to document the status and condition of installed remediation equipment and monitoring wells, along with general site conditions.  Completes FDEP inspection forms and takes documentation photographs for inclusion in the file record and OCULUS.

Administrative/Training/Other

Completes time reporting documentation, required training and other administrative functions. Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of general applications of chemistry, geology, physical and mechanical principles in environmental projects. 
• Knowledge of environmental field work, engineering and design principles, tools and equipment.
• Skill in computer applications including document preparation, use of detailed spreadsheets, and extensive databases.
• Skill in communicating tactfully and effectively with clients and the general public, both verbally and in writing.
• Skill in organizing files, records, and other materials, in both paper and electronic filing systems.
• Ability to review detailed technical and analytical data for accuracy and the use of correct sampling procedures.
• Ability to follow instructions, work independently, and to organize, prioritize and schedule necessary tasks.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to navigate and input information in databases.

Qualifications:

Minimum - 

• Valid Florida Driver’s License

Preferred - 

• Bachelor's degree in the Physical or Natural Science or Engineering fields
• Experience using Microsoft Word and Excel Spreadsheets 

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:

Lake Wales, 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.

All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.  

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.

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.