Job Description

Requisition No: 872095

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 64006560

Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 64006560

Salary: $36,317.26 - $39,000.00

Posting Closing Date: 03/20/2026

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Job posting category: Open Competitive

Your Specific Responsibilities:

Performs work in the OSTDS Program relating to commercial and residential installations and repairs including onsite soil evaluations and site delineations to determine hydrological absorption rate, interpret data and recommend necessary engineering required to install or repair onsite sewage disposal system; also, onsite surveys of general and specific topographical features, elevations, proximity to public and private water supplies. The incumbent will ensure compliance with regulations and to make recommendations for the issuance or denial of permits. This position also assists Environmental Health Staff in difficult problems to achieve compliance with applicable statues and codes pertaining to public health. This position it to fulfill the OSTDS program needs. Physical inspection of septic installs, repairs, nuisances, etc. are required. Ability to comfortably conduct a professional inspection is required.

Reviews applications for individual OSTDS to determine soil characteristics and water table elevations. Determines topographical conditions by establishing benchmarks using calibrated instrumentation. Interprets technically complex soil morphology, establishes wet season water table elevations, and makes final decision on the possibility of using an individual OSTDS. Reviews wetland survey and issues specific recommendations for the proper location, construction, and maintenance of individual sewage disposal systems. Meets with the property owners, engineer, contractors, and developers to recommend design changes and to discuss possible protection of environmentally sensitive areas. Reviews and approves the design OSTDS for residential and commercial facilities based on gallons per day of sewage flow. Performs construction and final inspections of OSTDS to determine level of compliance with permit conditions. Reviews applications and project plans submitted by developers, engineers, and governmental entities as they relate to sewage disposal systems. Initiates necessary enforcement action, prepare variances, and works with the Environmental Manager on projects as directed.

Advises owners an/operator on corrective procedures for violations that jeopardize the health/safety of clients, residents, or tenants.

Investigates citizen complaint on water, sewage, food, or other environmental issues affecting community health/safety. Prepares preliminary enforcement actions for non-compliance by issuance of notice of violation (NOV)

Other duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Intermediate level skill in the operation of a personal computer and the use of common software applications. Appropriate physical conditioning to effectively perform the required functions of a field position when needed. Work safely in inclement weather conditions, i.e. temperatures exceeding 95 degrees f, rain, etc. Able to lift 50 pounds and distinguish soil colors

Qualifications:

Minimum –

• Willing to work before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days in the event of an emergency. This may include working in a special needs or Red Cross shelter, 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
• This position requires current authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship. The Department of Health is unable to provide employment visa sponsorship.
• This position requires daily in-office or field work. Willing to physically come in the office daily and perform field work
• Able to work in inclement weather (heat, cold, rain, etc.)
• Able to lift 50 pounds
• Have a current valid driver’s license. If out of state, a Florida driver's license will be required within 30 days of hire
• Have a bachelor’s degree in science or 30 hours of Biological Sciences. An official transcript is needed to confirm your qualifications for this position
• This position requires certification in the OTSDS program. Willing to meet this requirement within six months of employment

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:

Tavares, 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, including monthly costs, 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. 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.

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.