ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 64049707

Your Specific Responsibilities:

This is a professional position in Environmental Public Health (EPH). This is a field position responsible for conducting regulatory inspections in Environmental Public Health programs. The employee in this position is responsible for performing the following tasks in accordance with Florida rules and regulations and Department of Health policies and procedures. Contributes to the organization’s culture of performance excellence by actively seeking to improve personal and organizational performance through measurement, analysis, knowledge management, and processes improvements and participation in performance management committees, councils, and/or workgroups. Continuously demonstrates the Department’s ICARE values. This employee works under the supervision of the Environmental Supervisor. Certain immunizations and TB testing may be required.

Conducts field inspections in EPH program components, on a prescribed schedule ensuring compliance with rules and regulations as outlined in Florida Statutes and Florida Administrative Codes, and the Environmental Public Health program manual.

Responds to public health nuisance complaints, initiating investigation and inspection procedures within EPH policy timeframes. Initiates investigations within two (2) working days after receipt or as coordinated with partnering agencies or divisions. Assists with enforcement actions of nuisance complaints. Collects and documents relevant data, gathers evidence, and participates in informal and formal hearings. Assists with other legal actions to secure compliance with EPH rules and regulations.

Maintains records of all inspections and site visits performed by entering them into the designated Environmental Public Health database and local county systems. Submits all completed inspection reports to the program supervisor for review and enters hours worked and services performed into the Health Management System per Department of Health policies and EPH coding pamphlet.

Communicates with owners, operators, managers, and the public on matters concerning disease control, sanitation, and environmental quality.

Performs other related duties as required, including but not limited to mailing, billing, and filing. Assists with file maintenance and works in conjunction with other inspectors to ensure inspection requirements are met.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Florida Administrative Codes and Florida Statutes related to the duties of the position.
• Skill in the use of equipment relating to EPH programs (ex. Chemical test strips, thermometers, light meter, stopwatch, etc.).
• Ability to perform field work in EPH programs.
• Ability in making observations, taking measurements, and recording data.
• Ability to communicate, establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and customers.
• Ability to prioritize workload to meet deadlines and to ensure completion of inspections as required.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to prepare and present complex information to customers, the general public and community partners.

Qualifications:

REQUIRED:

• Valid Driver’s License and the ability to provide reliable transportation.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds and must be able to move freely around inspection sites, including schools, bars, etc., and work outside in high heat and humid conditions.
• 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. Incumbent may be required to work before, during and/or beyond normal work hours or days in the event of an emergency or as needed.
• May need to work flexible hours to meet needs of department or program. May be required to work before, during and/or beyond normal work hours or days in the event of an emergency or as needed.
• 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 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.