ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 64029609

Requisition No: 861409 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 64029609

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 64029609 

Salary:  $42,561.57 - $47,000.00 

Posting Closing Date: 10/10/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Open Competitive

Your Specific Responsibilities:

This position is an intermediate level environmental health position in two rural county health departments.  The individual that fills this position is expected to have a broad-range knowledge of environmental health and required programmatic activities that must be carried out to conduct a comprehensive program in the county.  This individual is expected to have and maintain a certification in Food Hygiene and Onsite Treatment and Disposal Systems from the Florida Department of Health.  The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Environmental Manager for Lafayette and Suwannee Counties.  This individual will serve as the primary first line contact for environmental health issues in Lafayette and Suwannee Counties with their primary base being at the Florida Department of Health in Suwannee County.  The individual in this position will be responsible for ensuring that all programmatic activities are carried out in a manner consistent with the Environmental Health Program Manual DOH-150-4 and must be familiar with the standards set forth by the state health office for quality assurance.  The position is responsible for carrying out environmental health programs consistent with these standards and is accountable for any performance improvement steps that need to be taken because of bureau reviews.  Additionally, the individual in this position is responsible for assuming duties for Lafayette and Suwannee Counties in the absence of the Environmental Manager during times of leave or when working in other programs.  All field work required to be conducted for environmental health programs is the responsibility of this individual or his/her delegate.  Performs temporary assignments as directed by Environmental Manager and Administration.

Manages aspects of environmental health program to include planning, organizing, and tracking of work plans to ensure that programmatic activities are complete.  Consults with Environmental Manager regarding concerns related to environmental health in Lafayette and Suwannee Counties.  Participates in program reviews and responds as necessary for program improvement with the approval of the Environmental Manager.

Conducts necessary field work to carry out inspections in the Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal program to include plan reviews, site evaluations, writing of permits, and conducting final inspections of completed installations.  Works with contractors and clients to carry out this program in an efficient and organized manner that achieves maximum benefits for all concerned parties.

Conducts necessary inspections of regulated facilities permitted by the health department.  Works with owners and operators to achieve compliance.  Tracks inspection rates through an organized process in consultation with the Environmental Manager.  Participates in program review activities and responds as necessary for program improvement with approval of the Environmental Manager.

Conducts necessary epidemiological investigations to include animal bite investigations and follow-up; food and waterborne disease surveillance; Arboviral surveillance and necessary investigations with nursing staff.

Conducts necessary inspections of small public and private water systems under regulation of the health department.  Prepares necessary enforcement and advisory letters in consultation with Environmental Manager.

Advises Environmental Manager of concerns related to programmatic activities in Lafayette and Suwannee Counties as necessary for follow-up and resolution.  Attends trainings to enhance knowledge, skills, and abilities as they relate to duties and responsibilities.  Maintains professional development through job-related lectures, seminars, online trainings, teleconferences, etc.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of the terminology, principles and analytical techniques of the physical or natural sciences, data collection and analysis principles and procedures.  Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze and interpret scientific or technical data, prepare technical reports, understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to environmental 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, work independently, plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments, communicate effectively, establish and maintain effective working relationships with others, utilize problem-solving techniques and use personal computers.  Knowledge of soils and soil science.

Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the physical or natural sciences or engineering; or a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in one of the physical or natural sciences or engineering; or professional experience in environmental protection, regulation, or health, one of the physical or natural sciences; or engineering can substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required college education.  Thirty credit hours in one of the biological/environmental sciences. 

Valid state driver’s license. 

Willing to work independently and in remote areas. 

Willing and able to work outdoors in the heat/cold and on construction sites. 

Experience working with the public.

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:

Florida Department of Health in Suwannee County

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.    

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.