ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 64002408

State of Florida; West Palm Beach (FL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Florida's Department of Health seeks an Environmental Specialist II to conduct inspections and review biomedical and hazardous waste permit applications in Palm Beach County. The role includes investigations, data entry, and enforcing applicable rules and regulations.

The position emphasizes independent judgment, field inspections, and coordination with local agencies. It requires a degree in physical or natural sciences or engineering and a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in physical/natural sciences or engineering.
• Master’s or Doctorate in physical/natural sciences or engineering per Florida statutes.

Responsibilities

• Inspect biomedical and hazardous waste facilities for compliance.
• Review applications for proposed biomedical and hazardous waste facilities for compliance.
• Investigate and report hazardous and biomedical waste complaints; prepare enforcement reports.
• Enter and maintain inspection and permit data in EH databases.

Skills

Scientific data analysis

Independent work

Effective communication

Public interaction

Report writing

Problem solving

PC literacy

Education

Bachelor's in physical/natural sciences or engineering

Master's in physical/natural sciences or engineering

Doctorate in physical/natural sciences or engineering

Tools

EHD database

Environmental Health Data Set

Job description

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 64002408

The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on ourE-Verify Website.

This is an Environmental Specialist II position responsible for conducting inspections, reviewing applications for permitting, complaint investigations and enforcement in bio-medical and hazardous waste programs. Work is performed under the supervision of an Environmental Supervisor II - SES. This position requires independent judgement, initiative, applying general knowledge of business practices and skill in applying instructions to accomplish various job functions.

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 Health Management System (HMS) for Daily Activity Record (DAR) entry only. Enters and updates information in Environmental Health (EH) database including inspections, permits, customer, and billing information. May view, update and release information as needed. Environmental Health Data Set and the following information: epidemiology reportable disease reports, physician reports, laboratory test results, epidemiology health investigations and records containing patient identifiers for environmental health hazardous waste investigations.

Inspects biomedical waste generators, transporters, storage, and treatment facilities for compliance with current State and County rules and regulations, makes field interpretations and decisions for compliance and permit conditions.

Inspects hazardous waste generators with current Federal, State and County rules and regulations; makes field interpretations and decisions for compliance and permit conditions. Coordinates with local fire departments and environmental agencies to develop and maintain a current list of all toxic and hazardous waste substances utilized in Palm Beach County.

Reviews applications for proposed biomedical and hazardous waste facilities to determine compliance with Federal, State and local Regulations. Maintains records and updates the database with current permit information and maintain a permitting list of hazardous and biomedical waste facilities in a designated geographic area of Palm Beach County. Enters inspection records into the Environmental Health Database (EHD) in a timely manner.

Investigates and report all types of complaints involving hazardous waste and biomedical waste, conducts field investigations, and prepares reports for enforcement actions. Participate in the standard activities; Outreach, Suggestions, and/or Teamwork.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, skills and abilities, including utilization of equipment, required for the position

• 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 (If applicable, list the appropriate Florida Statute or federal regulation cite):

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the physical or natural sciences or engineering or planning; or
• A master's degree from an accredited or university in one of the physical or natural sciences or engineering; or
• A doctorate from an accredited college or university in one of the physical or natural sciences or engineering degrees per Chapter 403 F.S. Standards Certification which includes minimum standards of education, training or experience per Chapter 381 F.S.

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.
• Hard hats, ear protection, safety glasses and steel-toe safety boots are required.
• Respiratory equipment and personal protection equipment (PPE).

Working hours:

(A) Daily from 8:00AM to 5:00PM (B) Total hours in workweek 40 (C) Explain any variation in work (split shift, rotation, etc.) This position requires daily in-office or field work.

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

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 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.

Vets: 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.

Location: WEST PALM BEACH, FL, US, 33401

Nearest Major Market: Palm Beach
Nearest Secondary Market: Miami

For assistance, call the People First Service Center at [phone] 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.