ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 64061189

Requisition No: 883890 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 64061189

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 64061189 

Salary:  $36,000 - $42,000 annually 

Posting Closing Date: 09/27/2026 

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:

This is a professional and technical position in the Stationary Tanks Inspection Program of the Environmental Health Division, responsible to the Environmental Manager.  The central function of this program is the completion of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) storage tanks compliance verification contract.  The position requires detailed knowledge of the construction and operation of regulated storage tanks systems, skill in describing and documenting field observations, and the review and interpretation of environmental records and data, along with a thorough understanding of Chapters 62-761 and 62-762, Florida Administrative Codes (F.A.C.), DEP contract requirements, and Polk CHD policies.

Performs routine compliance inspections of regulated storage tank system facilities, under the direction of the Environmental Supervisor II (program supervisor), to verify compliance with Chapters 62-761 and 62-762, F.A.C.  The performance and completion of these inspections includes: inspection of all storage tank system conditions, with particular attention to possible sources of leaks or discharges, verification that release detection equipment is functioning properly and release detection procedures are followed, thorough review of facility records for completeness and any indication of potential system problems, identification and citing of all non-compliance items, photo documentation as specified by contract, on-site instruction and guidance to facility owner-operators, post-inspection follow-up as needed to determine or clarify any aspect of facility compliance, and preparation of standard inspection reports and correspondence within time frames specified by the program supervisor.

Tracks the status of violations cited during facility inspections, with emphasis on Significant Non-Compliance (SNC) items as specified in the DEP contract and pursue resolution of open violations through appropriate corrective action.  Documents periodic contacts made to facilities to remind them of unresolved violations, and of the possibility of enforcement action resulting from failure to comply.  Reviews records or documentation submitted in response to non-compliance notification to determine whether violations have been resolved.  On notification of completed repairs or other physical corrections, perform re-inspections to verify resolution of violations.  Forwards facilities with unresolved SNC violations for enforcement referral to the DEP Southwest District by the 90-day deadline stipulated in the contract.

 Performs installation inspections and site visits to verify that new regulated storage tank systems or components are installed in accordance with Ch. 62-761.500 and 62-762.501, F.A.C., including photo documentation, written reports, and correspondence.

Performs closure inspections to verify that regulated storage tank systems and components are removed or closed in place in accordance with Ch. 62-761.800 and 62-762.801, F.A.C., including photo documentation, written reports, and correspondence.

Performs a variety of other contract tasks at the program supervisor’s direction, including:  discharge inspections, complaint investigations, assistance in developing enforcement cases, closure assessment review, issuance of SAR letters and other correspondence, plan review, response to information requests, assistance with maintenance of program vehicles and equipment, and attendance at meetings and training sessions.

Performs other duties as assigned by the program supervisor.

This position may serve clients that speak only Spanish, Creole or other languages.  It may require performance of interpreter duties, if bilingual, or implementation of the Department’s Limited English Proficiency Plan.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of environmental field work.
• Knowledge of standard written English, including correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar. 
• Ability to organize files and records.       
• Ability to work effectively with the general public. 
• Ability to work independently. 
• Ability to prioritize, organize and schedule work assignments. 
• Knowledge in construction, operation, inspection or maintenance of mechanical systems.  
• Knowledge of our coursework in the operation of a personal computer

Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the physical or natural sciences or engineering and two years of professional experience in environmental protection, regulation or health; one of the physical or natural sciences; or engineering.
• This position may require certification as outlined in Florida Statutes 381.0101 for either (1) Food Protection, or (2) Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (OSTDS), or (3) both Food Protection and OSTDS programs. 
• To qualify for certification, the incumbent must possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and must have successfully completed a minimum of 30-semester or 40 quarter hours in environmental health, environmental science, a physical or a biological science, or public health.
• OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER certification and annual 8-hour recertification as required by DEP contract
• Valid Florida Class E Driver’s License

Other job-related requirements for this position:

Emergency Duty: 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.

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.