Requisition No: 799373

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 64038854

Position Number: 64038854

Salary: $1647.51 bi-weekly

Posting Closing Date: 04/26/2023

Thank you for your interest in career opportunities with the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County. If you are looking to establish a successful career in Public Health, you have come to the right place. Many of our innovative and successful health programs are recognized throughout Florida. We hope you decide to join our team! Applicants will be contacted directly if selected for an interview.

The incumbent is part of a global public health organization and is expected to support the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County in its mission to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts and its efforts and its vision To be the Healthiest State in the Nation. Furthermore, the incumbent is expected to incorporate the agency values of Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Responsiveness and Excellence in all aspects of their work.

The Environmental Specialist II position is under the Storage Tank Compliance Section in the Division of Disease Control and Health Protection and contracted as part of the Permitting and Compliance Assistance Program in the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (FDEP) Division of Waste Management. The program implements state and federal rules for regulation of underground and aboveground pollutant storage tank systems. The primary regulatory activities for tank systems include routine inspections, oversight of installations, closure procedures, complaint investigations, and enforcement actions. This position will have a direct responsibility to the Pollutant Storage Tank (PST) program manager.

Your Specific Responsibilities:

Requires a detailed knowledge of pollutant storage tank systems, construction techniques, and the interpretation of environmental assessment data, along with a thorough understanding of Chapter 62-761 / 62-762, Florida Administrative Code (FAC), and policies pertaining to the Division of Disease Control and Health Protection.

Independently performs compliance level inspections to ensure fulfillment of the FDEP’s Chapter 62-761 / 62-762, FAC, Contract and Task Assignment terms, Florida Inspection Reporting Storage Tanks (FIRST) User Manual, and Program guidance. Provides on-site instruction and guidance to facility owner-operators, and other interested parties in the interpretation and adherence to Chapter 62-761 / 62-762, FAC.

Thoroughly documents extent of non-compliance at all facilities, and issues standard non-compliance correspondence within the FDEP specified time frames. Reviews incoming correspondence, including technical and laboratory analytical data / reports, to assist in tracking facility response toward “compliance-without-enforcement” status. Pursues enforcement action on all unresolved “significant-not-in-compliance” (SNC) items within the FDEP specified timetable. Interacts with the PST program manager on all FDEP case referrals and keeps them apprised of SNC resolution progress. Receptive to critique of all work-products with goal of maintaining professional level of effort.

Under the direction of the PST program manager, independently performs compliance level review of closure reports insure fulfillment of the FDEP’s Chapter 62-761 / 62-762, FAC, contract terms. Provides guidance to facility owner-operators, and other interested parties in the interpretation and adherence to Chapter 62-761 / 62-762, FAC closure requirements.

Participates in a continuing education program relative to the advancement of both PST Compliance Program and Environmental Health skills. Maintain OSHA HAZWOPER certification by completion of annual training. Creatively participates in Quality Control training, and in the learning process to hone individual observation and interpretation skills. Coordinates attendance / completion of the following items: FDEP teleconferences, training seminars, industry conventions, equipment shows, computer training, professional society meetings, FDOH-Pinellas mandatory trainings with PST program manager, while maintaining routine program assignments. Accurately tracks, records, and reports time and attendance in accordance with FDOH-Pinellas / Division policies and procedures.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to analyze, evaluate, and interpret scientific and technical data.
• Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of the physical or natural sciences.
• Ability to understand and apply rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to environmental programs.
• Ability to prepare technical correspondence.
• Skill in computer applications and databases.
• Knowledge and use of personal protection equipment (PPE).
• Recognition of field hazards at construction sites.
• Ability to travel and conduct field inspections. including overnight stay for state training and meetings.
• Ability to manage workload in order to meet contractual timeframes.
• Ability to interact with coworkers and the public in a tactful and professional manner. Effectively communicate verbally and in writing.

Qualifications:

Minimum

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the physical or natural sciences. Degree in environmental science, biology, or related natural sciences. Or 3 years of relevant work experience in the petroleum industry or a field related to regulated storage tank systems.
• Must have a valid Class E Florida driver’s license.
• At least one year of professional experience in a regulatory inspection field.

Preferred

• Experience in pollutant storage tank system operations and compliance procedures.
• Current certification for OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER.

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:

Largo, FL

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, 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. Note: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to conduct this background check.

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.

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.