ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 64002080

Requisition No: 855324 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 64002080

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 64002080 

Salary:  $38,848.68 - $40,795.04 

Posting Closing Date: 07/06/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Open Competitive Opportunity 

Specific Responsibilities:

This is an Environmental Specialist I position in the Environmental Public Health Program conducting a variety of regulatory environmental health and safety inspections to ensure compliance with state and local laws, and makes recommendations on the issuance of permits, licenses, or approvals. This position is responsible for conducting a variety of investigations and enforcement tasks. Work is performed under the supervision of an Environmental Supervisor II-SES. This position requires independent judgment, initiative, applying general knowledge of business practices and skill in applying instructions to accomplish various job functions. This position has regulatory responsibilities and is subject to the provisions of Chapter 60L-36, Florida Administrative Code.

This position is designated as a sensitive position and is required to maintain confidential information in accordance with the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) Palm Beach County Health Department (CHD) Information Security Policy, Protocols and Procedures. Has access to the Environmental Health Data Set for food borne illness investigations. This position may view, update, or release information. Confidential Information sets include, Clinical Information Data. Access to Health Management System (HMS) to Daily Activity Record (DARs). Enters and updates data in Environmental Health Database (EHD) and Child Care Licensing databases, as needed, including data relating to inspections, complaints and complaint investigations, operating permits, and billing information. May view, update, and release information as needed.

Monitors screening procedures for child care personnel county-wide by completing background screening, monitoring visits to licensed child care facilities, including review of finger printing, employment history checks, checking of references, local criminal records checks, juvenile record checks, volunteer record checks and other required screening procedures. Audits screening data at licensed child care facilities to access the level of compliance with statutory requirements and child care standards. Monitors personnel list of child care facilities and family child care homes employment dates for completeness and accuracy. Provide relevant information to child care licensing staff in a timely manner. Conducts and participates in enforcement actions including evidence gathering, interpretation and application of rules, and issuance of administrative notices. Maintain records, updates information and generates reports for program management. Maintains database (s) of child care screening training/credentials status as required. Utilizes a computer to conduct record reviews, inspections, consultations and is responsible for collecting, inputting, maintaining and uploading information as required in the Environmental Health Database (EHD) and child care program data management system. Interprets and explains the significance of public health laws and rules. Drafts appropriate correspondence, reports and other documents of environmental health/child care licensing issues to facilitate compliance with appropriate rules and regulations.

Reviews and approves child care facility and family child care plans and license applications. Reviews background screening documents for compliance with state and local rules. Meets with property owners, engineers/ architects, attorneys, etc. to provide consultation on the design of facilities and the resolution of environmental health issues. Coordinates activities with federal, state and local agencies. Participates at enforcement conferences, hearings and court appearances as needed.

Acts as liaison between the Department Child Care Licensing program and Department of Children and Families (DCF). Conducts the investigations of complaints of unlicensed child care activity. Produce clear, complete, and accurate reports of investigation and provide timely responses to the complainants.

Attends training functions designed to maintain and improve professional knowledge and skills as needed. Conducts and participates in various public health educational programs as needed. Provides child care licensing information and training as needed to regulated establishments and public groups. Conducts and participates in field training of other staff as assigned by supervisor. Coordinates and participates as a trainer in training programs offered for child care providers.

Participate in the standard activities; Outreach, Suggestions, and/or Teamwork.

Perform other duties as assigned.

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 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 use personal computers.

Qualifications:

Licensure/registration/certification requirements:

• The educational requirements as per Florida Statutes state “applicants for certification shall have graduated from an accredited 2-year college or university with a degree” per Chapter 381.0101 F.S. The educational requirements as per the Chapter 64E-18, Florida Administrative Code, state “applicants beginning work in a primary area of environmental health on or after September 21,1994 must have a associates degree or higher from an accredited college or university.  

Other job-related requirements for this position:

• 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 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.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Hardhat and steel toe safety boots and tight-fitting respirator are required for this position. 
• Position requires extensive walking, bending and working in hot weather.
• This position required to carry equipment with a total combined weight of up to 30 pounds.
• Position is required to obtain certification in childcare, large family childcare, and family childcare programs.

Working hours: (A) Daily from 8:00AM to 5:00PM (B) Total hours in workweek 40 .

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:

800 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

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.