ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 64000519

State of Florida; Fort Myers (FL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual and Sick Leave benefits

Nine paid holidays and one personal holiday

State Group Insurance coverage options

Job summary

The State of Florida is seeking an Environmental Specialist II for the Lee County Health Department. This position involves conducting inspections related to Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems, ensuring compliance with health standards and regulations.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in a related science field, be capable of performing physical tasks, and must maintain certification as an Environmental Health Professional.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of basic environmental principles and laws.
• Ability to operate a county vehicle following regulations.
• Capacity to perform OSTDS inspections and compliance checks.
• Ability to handle heavy lifting and strenuous outdoor work.

Responsibilities

• Review residential applications and issue permits for sewage systems.
• Conduct inspections and ensure compliance with public health standards.
• Manage environmental programs and enforce relevant regulations.
• Document activities and maintain accurate records in EHD.

Skills

Knowledge of environmental principles, practices, & procedures

Ability to work with the public

Knowledge of field equipment

Basic computer skills

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related science field (30 credit hours minimum)

Certification as Environmental Health Professional

Tools

Environmental Health Database (EHD)

Field equipment (e.g., iPhone, auger)

Job description

Requisition No: 873745

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 64000519

This is a Career Service Environmental Specialist II position working for the Lee County Health Department.

This professional Environmental Specialist II position functions independently for the DOH in Lee County, Environmental Health division in the Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (OSTDS) program. The duties include performing work in the Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems program, Mobile Home/RV parks, as well as other environmental programs. The incumbent in this position is considered to have regulatory responsibilities and is subject to the provisions of Chapter 60L-36, Florida Administrative Code.

OSTDS Program: The environmental specialist is expected to review residential applications and plans, accept and issue permits for residential systems, perform site evaluations, conduct abandonment inspections, perform initial and final inspections of newly installed systems as well as inspections of repairs on systems, investigate sanitary nuisance complaints, and any enforcement duties to ensure compliance with public health standards. Field work involves heavy lifting and physical activity in an often- strenuous environment. The specialist determines seasonal high‑water tables and seasonally inundated areas to determine system suitability and compliance with 62-6, Florida Administrative Code and Florida Statutes.

When requested, the specialist may be required to meet or consult with clients, government officials, property owners, general contractors, engineers, septic tank contractors, and/or other interested parties regarding inspections and future development of sites to be served by an OSTDS. The position may also be required to present expert witness testimony and represent the department in legal proceedings involving non‑compliant persons or facilities within Lee County.

This position is responsible for performing assigned program state inspections at least once per year and starting enforcement when instances of noncompliance occur. The specialist is responsible for quality assurance and oversight of the functionality and enforcement of assigned program requirements.

Mobile Home/RV Park Program: Regulate and enforce the laws and rules pertaining to approved water and sewer connections, conditions propagating sanitary nuisances, and overcrowding to prevent environmentally transmitted disease per Ch. 381.006(14) F.S.; Ch. 513 F.S.; and Ch. 64E‑15 F.A.C.

The specialist is required to perform data entry of permit, inspection, and enforcement information into the Environmental Health Database (EHD) as needed. Enter daily activity reports daily and submit time sheets as required and within specified time frames. Attend DOH mandatory training prior to assigned deadlines and respond to Everbridge emergency alerts within 60 minutes.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge, skills and abilities, including utilization of equipment, required for the position.
• Incumbent will be assigned a county vehicle and will be responsible for maintaining and operating the vehicle per state and county regulations.
• Knowledge of basic computer skills, the Environmental Health Database (EHD) program, EHD Mobile App, and Hosted Fax.
• Knowledge of field equipment required, including but not limited to, iPhone, shovel, auger, probes, laser level, and other equipment as deemed necessary to perform OSTDS inspections.
• Knowledge of environmental principles, practices, & procedures.
• Knowledge of correct spelling, punctuation & grammar usage.
• Ability to become a Certified Environmental Health Professional in OSTDS or a Registered Sanitarian and maintain certification.
• Ability to operate general office equipment.
• Ability to frequently use telephone, computer, copier, and small hand tools, i.e.: stapler, scissors, etc.
• Ability to follow office procedures & practices.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to handle telephone calls in a courteous & effective manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally & in writing.
• Ability to establish & maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to understand, interpret & apply applicable rules, regulations, policies & procedures.
• Ability to prioritize individual workload.
• Ability to frequently bend, kneel, reach, and sit or stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift & carry up to 50 pounds as needed.
• Ability to work with occasional loud noises indoors and/or outdoors.
• Ability to work outdoors with various temperature changes.
• Ability to walk for long periods or great distances.
• Ability to locate information that is listed alphabetically & numerically.
• Ability to follow instructions.
• Ability to review data for accuracy & completeness.
• Ability to work independently or with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work with the public in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Ability to utilize problem‑solving techniques.

Minimum Qualifications

• Position requires a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 30 credit hours in a related science field.
• Certified Environmental Health Professional in the OSTDS program or Registered Sanitarian Certification FEHA or NEHA as required by Florida Statute 381.0101, or comparable experience. Certification must be obtained within 6 months or upheld and maintained every two years as required by Florida Statute.
• Valid driver’s license and must have a motor vehicle to carry out these duties.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.

Benefits

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).

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.

The successful candidate will be required to complete the Form I‑9 and that information will be verified using the E‑Verify system.

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.

Equal Opportunity and Drug‑Free Workplace Statements

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. Notification 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. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission.

Location: FT MYERS, FL, 33901

Nearest Major Market: Fort Myers

Nearest Secondary Market: Cape Coral

For assistance, call the People First Service Center at (877) 562‑7287 Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern time.

Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211 F.S., the State of Florida is an EEO employer.