ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 64029158

Requisition No: 851853 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 64029158

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 64029158 

Salary:  $42,016.78 Annually 

Posting Closing Date: 05/05/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Responsibilities Include:

• Performs regulatory site inspections and re-inspections, investigates complaints and sanitary nuisances, and prepares inspection reports accurately and within established timeframes for regulated food service establishments, public swimming pools and spas, mobile home and recreational vehicle parks/camps, group care facilities, residential facilities, public and private schools, and tanning facilities to ensure compliance with the regulations of Florida Statues, Florida Administrative Codes, County Ordinances and in accordance with Environmental Health Manual 150-4.

• Performs field investigations compiling pertinent data on suspected and confirmed food/waterborne illnesses; collects environmental samples for laboratory examination and interprets test results.  Condemns contaminated food products when necessary; assists with the removal from sale consumer products recalled by Federal and State agencies, and local law enforcement groups. Inspects and licenses temporary food service events. Meets with owners, managers, operators and service companies to review operational requirements and to provide technical assistance. Reviews permit applications for compliance with permit conditions.

• Assists and advises clients, individuals and organizations on the sanitation, safety and hygienic aspects of environmental health programs. Participates in other environmental/public health programs when needed; to include but not limited to Nursing Homes, Child Care, Beach Sampling, Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems, Summer Feeding and Well Surveillance. Maintains all required Florida Department of Health (FDOH) certification(s) by completing twenty-four hours of approved training for each certification within the required timeframe. Obtains and maintains Certified Pool Operator Certification as soon as course is made available.  Acquires training hours in accordance with the FDOH-Pinellas Training Policy. Accurately tracks, records, and reports time and attendance in accordance with FDOH-Pinellas / Division policies and procedures.

• Drafts appropriate correspondence and documentation for compliance, enforcement and closures. Accurately documents all reports and assists in compiling evidence for administrative hearings and court trials; gives expert testimony during these proceedings when required. Gives public health presentations related to environmental health programs.

Knowledge, skills and abilities, including utilization of equipment, required for the position:

• Knowledge of the terminology, principles and analytical techniques of the physical or natural sciences.

• Knowledge of data collection and analysis principles and procedures.

• Skills in problem solving.

• Skills in critical thinking.

• Skill in using computer applications including spreadsheets, database and word processing software.

• Ability to operate a personal computer with an understanding of application software and an understanding of the internet.

• Ability to analyze and prepare documents, reports, and correspondence.

• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work activities.

• Ability to communicate effectively.

• Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze, and interpret scientific or technical data.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with a major in one of the physical or natural sciences.  College or University transcripts must be submitted with application.

• Experience working with the public.

• A valid driver's license. Access to a private automobile is required for work related activities. Incumbent will be reimbursed for travel to the extent provided by rules and regulations.

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:

Mid County DOH-Pinellas at 8751 Ulmerton Rd, Largo FL 33771

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, 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.    

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.