ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 64028147

Requisition No: 843758 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 64028147

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 64028147 

Salary:  $44,668.01 - $51,265.99 

Posting Closing Date: 01/24/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Open Competitive

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - HILLSBOROUGH

DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SAFE DRINKING WATER PROGRAM

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III

1105 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602

Thank you for your interest in career opportunities with the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough 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.

Join an amazing company culture that values employee growth and development at the Florida Department of Health. Professional development is highly encouraged and supported within our organization through opportunities for mentorships and educational and skills training.  From the moment you are hired, you can begin to grow as a professional and a leader, through strategic planning, internal committees, and project engagement.  There are also many opportunities for continuing education at no cost to the employee.  If you are looking to further your education through a college degree, the Florida Department of Health can help with our tuition reimbursement program.  We offer an inspiring and encouraging atmosphere to support you while you work with us. 

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) is responsible for the health and safety of all citizens and visitors to the state. As a public health agency, the Florida Department of Health must monitor the health status of Floridians, diagnose, and investigate health problems, and mobilize local communities to address health-related issues. The Florida Department of Health develops policies and plans that support health goals, enforce laws and regulations that protect the health of all residents and visitors, and link people to needed health care services. The Florida Department of Health also provides specialized assistance to pregnant women, infants, and children with special health care needs, regulates health care practitioners, and provides medical disability determinations.

Environmental Specialist III:

This position is responsible for professional environmental work conducting inspections of regulated public water systems, directly dealing with the public, ensuring facilities meet approved standards and implementing the Federal Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Act and Florida Safe Drinking Water Act., collaborating with other agencies, entering data into a computer, answering questions over the phone, preparing inspection reports, ensuring accurate completion and timely submission of administrative reports, maintaining records, attending meetings, receiving training, and collecting water samples. The incumbent of this program is responsible for all aspects of the program and requires minimal supervision. This is a highly specialized position with the department.

Strong communication and technical skills are a must, as this position is required to ensure compliance with state codes and statutes, federal regulations, provide program information, educate the clients and public on Safe Drinking water practices, demonstrating the use of test kits and sampling kits and explain public health policies. Applicant should be detail oriented, able to multi-task, and possess good time-management skills

Your Specific Responsibilities:

• Inspect facilities, monitor operations, collect samples, and/or perform field evaluations to determine compliance with regulatory requirements. Take water samples as required and necessary to determine levels of contaminants. Audit water system files, prepare paperwork, and perform data entry of inspection activities.  Must be skilled in the use of a personal computer and all Microsoft Office applications
• Quality Assurance for Equipment. Maintains and provides training to other staff on full technical capabilities of a the new HACH SL1000 water quality monitoring device which analyzes over 15 different parameters, in addition to our 6 HACH DR/890 colorimeters.  Calibrates and maintains records for all water quality monitoring equipment using precise laboratory standards and procedures. Orders standards and calibration equipment.
• Expert for the Disinfection Byproduct Rule (EPA 40 CFR Part 141 Subpart L) Review Stage 2 Disinfectant Byproduct Rule monitoring plans and ensure that distribution systems (water piping) and water treatments were properly evaluated and locations chosen that best represent the worst water quality.  Maintain a database to track results and the Operations Evaluation Level forms and systems requirement treatment and action plans.  Input all appropriate violations codes and enforcement codes into PWS Oracle database.
• Engineering Functions:

• Assisting Professional Engineer with reviewing engineering plans and specification, applications and supporting data for DOH General Permits
• Review and analyze clearance plans and specifications for SDWA system, specifically water treatment plants, specific construction permits and prepare clearance letters and
• Conducting Safe Drinking Water public supply well site inspections prior to a well drilling permit being issued Conduct a site evaluation, identify all sanitary hazards and potential contamination in the area and submit letters to SWFWMD, owner and well driller

• Will assist in the Lead and Copper Rule Implementation programs
• Preparing technical reports and correspondence to clients and the public. Must be skilled inwritten and verbal communication.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficiency with computers especially Word and Excel
• Highly proficient with Microsoft Office work, using forms and mail merge.
• Intermediate experience with Excel.
• Strong communication, analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills
• 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 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
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques
• Ability to work outside in harsh weather and carry up to 25 lbs of equipment

Qualifications:

• No less than 30 semester hours or 40 quarter hours of major course work in Environmental Health, Environmental Science, or a Physical or Biological Science, Public Halth, Epidemiology or Water Technology Degree (Transcripts will be required.)  or 2 years experience working with the Safe Drinking Water Program, environment regulatory agency or working as a Class C Certified Operator or higher.
• One year of outdoor field work or volunteer experience in remote areas, and in all weather conditions. Must be within the last three years.
• One year of experience working with the public/customer service
• Two years of work experience in either public health, environmental quality or regulatory agencies, environmental consulting or geology agencies. 
• Highly Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, using forms and mail merge and Excel
• One Year Experience with implementing regulatory programs and developing training
• Valid Driver’s License, or ability to obtain in 60 days.
• Reliable personalized motorized transportation.

Preferred:  

• Bachelors’ Degree in Environmental Health, Public Health, Environmental Science, or a Physical or Biological Science

• Working knowledge of various environmental health tools (test kits, water sampling equipment). 
• Technical knowledge reviewing building plans/ blueprints

• Technical knowledge of drinking water contaminants, health effects, public notices and treatment options.
• Technical knowledge of well construction.
• Experience with field site assessments, measuring elevations, setbacks
• Experience with drinking water regulations and rules
•  

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:

Innovation: We search for creative solutions and manage resources wisely.

Collaboration: We use teamwork to achieve common goals & solve problems.

Accountability: We perform with integrity & respect.

Responsiveness: We achieve our mission by serving our customers & engaging our partners.

Excellence: We promote quality outcomes through learning & continuous performance improvement.

Where You Will Work:

Hillsborough County Health Department 1105 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602

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.
• Public Health and Nursing Loan Forgiveness Program
• Tuition waivers for State Universities/Community Colleges.
• And more!

For a State of Florida Total Compensation Estimator visit State of Florida Total Compensation Estimator (myflorida.com)

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. 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.

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.

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.