ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 64003087

Requisition No: 854787 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 64003087

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 64003087 

Salary:  $46,667.92 - $50,000.00 

Posting Closing Date: 06/19/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Open Competitive Opportunity 

Specific Responsibilities:

This is an Environmental Specialist-III position in the Environmental Public Health Program conducting a variety of environmental site inspections to ensure compliance with state and local laws and rules, making recommendations on the issuance of permits and licenses. Work is performed under the general supervision of an Environmental Manager - 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 requires the collection of fees for the Environmental Public Health (EPH) programs.

This position is a designated sensitive position and is required to maintain confidential information in accordance with Florida Department of Health (FDOH) Palm Beach County Health Department (CHD) Information Security Policy, Protocols and Procedures. This position has access to Health Management System (HMS) for Daily Activity Report (DAR) entry only.

Inspects family day care homes, large family Child-Care homes, and Child-Care facilities, observing conditions of the physical plant and delivery of Child-Care services to determine compliance with licensing requirements thorough and complete review of records and documents to ensure that personnel and volunteers meet required training, background screening, and health requirements; children meet immunization and other health requirements; and the facility operates in accordance with all other health and safety requirements.  Investigates complaints of unlicensed Child-Care operations and initiates appropriate legal action.  Organizes and maintains files, reports and other related documents.  Writes relevant correspondence, reports, and other documents.  Updates database of Child-Care personnel screening and training status. Documents the results of inspections and investigations clearly, accurately, and completely, and in keeping with Department standards.  Collects data manually and electronically in the field and updates relevant databases.  Conducts re-inspections and follow-up or monitoring inspections in a timely manner, and in accordance with program policies and procedures. 

Assists in planning, organizing, and facilitating training programs for Child-Care providers and family Child-Care providers using the outcome driven training approach.  Assists in coordinating Child-Care licensing data management functions, including conducting surveys and related data management function to develop and maintain countywide statistical information about Child-Care providers and family Child-Care providers.  Collaborate with early care and education system partners to share information and provide training to Child-Care providers.  Assists in various public health educational programs as needed.  Provides public health information and training as needed to regulated establishments and public groups.  Assists in the development of teamwork and training objectives.  Assists in training new team members and colleagues.  Attends training functions that are designed to maintain and improve professional knowledge and skills as assigned.

Investigates complaints, completes related documentation, makes appropriate referrals, and conducts required follow-up activities in accordance with Department policies and policies and procedures.  Investigates complaints of unlicensed Child-Care operations and initiates appropriate legal action. Investigates complaints of non-compliance with licensing standards at Child-Care facilities, family Child-Care homes, and large family Child-Care homes.  Conducts inspections of schools and other group care facilities.  Organizes and maintains files, reports and other related documents. Writes relevant correspondence, reports, and other documents. Updates database of Child-Care personnel screening and training status. Conducts plan review and related consultations for Child-Care facilities, family Child-Care homes, foodservice operations, and schools.

Meets with property owners, engineers, architects, and attorneys to provide consultation and technical assistance on the design of facilities and the resolution of environmental and/or physical plant issues and problems.  Coordinates activities with national, state, and local agencies.  Provides information to the public regarding Child-Care statutes and regulations and offers information on related environmental public health issues.  Participates in conferences, public meetings, staff meetings, and training programs.  Trains and provides guidance to new inspectors. 

Reviews new and renewal applications and facility files to determine if the facility is in compliance with licensing requirements.  Recommends approval or denial of licenses to Child-Care facilities, family Child-Care homes, and large family Child-Care homes.  Initiates enforcement actions, collects and presents evidence, and testifies in any related administrative hearings, court cases, or other legal proceedings

Consults with supervisors regarding policy changes and unusual cases. 

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

Performs 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 an associate's 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.