Requisition No: 869215
Agency: Department of Health
Working Title: Environmental Specialist I - 64054827
Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 64054827
Salary: $35899.44 to $44000.00
Posting Closing Date: 02/11/2026
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Job Posting Category (Open Competitive)
Your Specific Responsibilities:
The incumbent, an employee of the Florida Department of Health in Putnam County, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated State, County, and community efforts. The incumbent is expected to promote innovation by searching for creative solutions and managing resources wisely. They are expected to collaborate through teamwork to achieve common goals and solve problems. The incumbent is expected to be accountable and perform with integrity and respect. They are expected to be responsive by serving our customers and engaging our partners. Finally, the incumbent is expected to perform with excellence by promoting quality outcomes through learning and continuous performance.
This position involves performing technical work in a comprehensive domestic waste program (OSTDS). This Environmental Specialist I is responsible for performing a variety of professional, educational, and investigational tasks in the promotion and enforcement of all above functions.
Duties include the enforcement of Florida Statutes and Regulations prescribed in F.S. 381, 386, 403, and Florida Administrative Code Chapters 62-302, 62-520, 62-550, 62-555, or 62-560, 62-600, 62-701, respectively. This position also is responsible for the determination of wet season water tables based on soil genesis and redoximorphic features such as gley colors and mottles. Incumbent will identify possible environmental impacts of proposed construction sites.
Some of the work assigned will be located in a BMAP area. These spring sheds have a special designation by DEP and are required to install nitrogen reducing septic systems. This position is responsible for inspecting assigned facilities in the food service program, limited use water program, group care facilities, migrant labor, swimming pool program, mobile home/RV parks, and tanning facilities.
The incumbent must be certified in food hygiene by the Florida Department of Health. In addition, must have a good working knowledgebase of interagency agreements between DBPR, DACS, DEP, as well as a good working relationship with DOH field inspectors, state, county, and city regulatory agencies.
Incumbent is responsible for timely upload of inspection reports, and/or entry of data sets into the currently adopted database per state, county, or department, for each assigned program. In addition, accurate and timely entry of coding for daily work activity in the HMS database.
Appropriate dress and reliable transportation shall be provided by the incumbent. General guidance is provided by an Environmental Administrator and Environmental Supervisor who assign work and evaluate performance with departmental policies.
A reliable vehicle and valid driver's license are required for this position.
This position requires in office and field work.
Job Summary
This position is an Environmental Specialist I for the FDPH-Putnam Environmental Public health Program. This position is responsible for all aspects of OSTDS construction permitting. This entails the locating of specific parcels with or without addresses. Classification of soils to determine wet season water table and texture. This soils information is used to write construction permits and directs installers on the elevation and square footage of drainfield.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Perform technical work in a comprehensive domestic waste program (OSTDS) • Enforce Florida Statutes and Regulations • Determine wet season water tables based on soil genesis and redoximorphic features • Identify possible environmental impacts of proposed construction sites • Inspect assigned facilities in the food service program, limited use water program, group care facilities, migrant labor, swimming pool program, mobile home/RV parks, and tanning facilities • Certify in food hygiene by the Florida Department of Health • Have a good working knowledgebase of interagency agreements between DBPR, DACS, DEP, as well as a good working relationship with DOH field inspectors, state, county, and city regulatory agencies • Timely upload of inspection reports and entry of data sets into the currently adopted database • Accurate and timely entry of coding for daily work activity in the HMS database • Provide appropriate dress and reliable transportation • General guidance provided by an Environmental Administrator and Environmental Supervisor
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Incumbent must be able to:
• Lift 60 pounds (concrete septic tank manhole covers) • Force a 30 inch probe through the ground surface to locate and measure existing drain fields • Utilize a laser level to determine reference points and drain field fall • Properly classify soils utilizing Munssel color chart and determine soil texture in the field using only tactile perception • Estimate wet season water tables via USDA accepted redoximorphic features such as gley colors and/or mottles • Work with contractors and the public to educate and enforce environmental regulations • Utilize a Windows based computer to perform data entry of inspections and complaints into the EHD/EPHD system • Drive a pickup truck responsibly while following written directions to unfamiliar locations • Work in the Florida weather, frequently very hot and humid but, also rain and cold • Perform basic arithmetic functions needed to determine area of polygons, required drain field, and septic tank volumes • Work in a team to accomplish established goals or assigned duties • Understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to environmental health programs • Troubleshoot and/or work with IT to resolve technical issues with computer and state issued smartphone • Speak with people with various educational backgrounds • Write clearly and explain various codes in easily understandable terms • Take water samples and use chlorine water test kit • Twist, bend, reach above head
Qualifications
Minimum:
• Bachelor's degree with at least 30 hours of course work in a natural science (biology, chemistry, geology, etc.) from an accredited college or university • Basic computer Skills including Microsoft Office • Valid Drivers License • Must be willing to physically come in the office daily and perform field work
Preferred:
• DOH certification in OSTDS program • DOH certification in Food Hygiene program • Certified Pool Operator • Experience taking water samples • Experience inspecting facilities based on rules and regulations • Florida Department of Health Mission, Vision, and Values
Where You Will Work
Florida Department of Health in Putnam County 2801 Kennedy St. Palatka, FL 32177
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 • Flexible Spending Accounts • Tuition waivers • And more!
For a more complete list of benefits, including monthly costs, visit www.myfrs.com.
Security and Background Check
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.
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.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer
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.
Drug-Free Workplace
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.