ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 64085841 1

Requisition No: 867479 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 64085841 1

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 64085841 

Salary:  $41,000-$46,000 

Posting Closing Date: 01/13/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Environmental Specialist I - Position 64085841

Open Competitive

$41,000 - $46,000

Your Specific Responsibilities:

Environmental Specialist I position works in several Environmental Health programs including (but not limited to): Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (septic), water well delegation; mobile home and RV parks safety and sanitation; migrant labor camps; public swimming pools and natural bathing areas; limited use water; well surveillance; sanitary/environmental nuisance complaints. The incumbent in this regulatory position is responsible for the compliance of assigned facilities with the appropriate Florida Statutes, Florida Administrative Codes, and local requirements in accordance with department policies and Environmental Health Program Manual 150-4. Works under the supervision of the Environmental Supervisor II.

Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems:  Perform necessary site evaluations, review plans, and approve the issuance of permits in a timely manner in accordance with the Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems, Florida Administrative Code (FAC).  Provide information to homeowners, contractors, and builders on Florida Statues (F.S.) and FAC permitting. 

Well Delegation Program: Review applications and issue permits in accordance with F.S. and FAC. Perform inspections and related fieldwork and respond to the public and contractors.  Initiate and monitor compliance and enforcement actions.

Mobile Home Parks, Recreational Vehicle Parks, and Migrant Farm Labor Camps:  Perform routine inspections and review plans and applications for operating permits to determine compliance with F.S. and FAC.

Swimming Pools & Bathing Places:  Perform routine inspections and review plans and applications for operating and permits to determine compliance with F.S. and FAC.  Collect water samples for bacteriological analysis as needed.

Limited Use Water: Perform routine inspections and review plans and applications for operating and permits for public water systems to determine compliance with F.S. and FAC.  Collect bacteriological and chemical water samples for analysis and notify client of results and corrective actions.

Well Surveillance Program:  Coordinate and collect drinking water samples in cooperation with the Department of Environmental Protection and DOH-Bureau of Toxicology for groundwater chemical contamination.  Assist all agencies and the public in remediation of contaminated wells.

Nuisance Complaint Investigations:  Investigate reports of sanitary nuisance complaints.  Follow-up, document findings, and assure corrective actions have been taken or take necessary enforcement action.

Emergency Duty: Incumbent may be required to work before, during and/or beyond normal work hours or day 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.

Attends various professional conferences and trainings. Attends government planning meetings to provide guidance and ensure compliance pertaining to Environmental Health programs. Assists with other duties and assignments as requested by the supervisor or director.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of the terminology, principles and analytical techniques of the physical or natural sciences. Knowledge of data collection and analysis principles and procedures. Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze and interpret scientific or technical data. Ability to prepare technical reports.  Ability to use computers.  Ability to 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.  Ability to work independently. Manages a variety of responsibilities in a timely, efficient manner, including the ability to prioritize tasks, plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments. Ability to communicate effectively. Ability to lift 50 pounds. Ability to work outside in extreme weather conditions such as heat, cold, high humidity, dampness or chill conditions. Ability to work on slippery or uneven surfaces, in or with moving objects or vehicles. Ability to bend, balance, smell, stoop, reach, kneel, dig or hand auger. Ability to work in poor lighting or with odors. Ability to stand, walk, sit or drive for 3-5 hours at a time in an eight-hour day. Ability to read and interpret color charts. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques. Takes initiative to communicate accurate, up to date plans and information to peers and management. Expresses thoughts clearly, both verbally and in writing. Listens and understands the views of others. Drives a state or county vehicle.

Qualifications:

Minimum – A valid driver’s license, or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire. A bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university with a major in one of the physical or natural sciences, environmental health, public health, or engineering.

Preferred - Knowledge of Okeechobee County geographic area and local municipalities

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 Okeechobee County:

1728 NW 9th Avenue

Okeechobee, FL 34974

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.