Environmental Specialist

Requisition No: 867265

Agency:
Department of Health

Working Title:

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I -  1

Position Number:

Salary: $36,317.260 - $38,000 annually

Posting Closing Date: 02/01/2026

Location:

Bartow, FL

The incumbent is part of a global public health organization and is expected to support the Florida Department of Health in Polk 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 vision to be the Healthiest State in the Nation. The incumbent must incorporate the agency values:
Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Responsiveness and Excellence in all aspects of their work.

This position conducts site inspections to monitor and regulate proposed and existing facilities that affect health and environment, including inspections of food hygiene, group care, indoor air, and tanning facilities. At least ninety (90%) of this position is field work.

The Environmental Specialist I must be well-organized, possess strong interpersonal skills, work independently, and exercise good judgment. The position requires the Certified Environmental Health Professional (CEHP) certification in Food Protection to be obtained within six months of hiring.

Inspects assigned food hygiene, group care, and tanning facilities for compliance with all applicable state codes, statutes, and regulations. Performs scheduled re-inspections to confirm corrective actions and verify compliance.

Tracks inspection progress for assigned facilities, pulls quota reports and other reports from the Environmental Health Database (EHD) to ensure inspections are on track throughout the permit year.

Maintains current, complete, and accurate records of assigned facilities and all inspection activities. Ensures that all licenses and EHD entries are current and accurate.

Investigates reported complaints involving these facilities and prepares reports, legal notices, and other supportive documents, initiating enforcement action where necessary to achieve compliance.

Duties may sometimes include similar inspection work as needed in mobile home parks, biomedical waste, tattooing, migrant labor camps, and water programs, and in the investigation of foodborne illness and sanitary nuisance complaints.

Performs other duties as required and as needed, including interpreter duties depending on skill level.

The inspection component requires performing field duties in all conditions including high summer temperatures. Duties involve frequent walking and standing, and may require walking over uneven terrain for significant distances.

• Knowledge of environmental field work and the practical application of scientific principles and techniques.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to environmental programs.
• Skill in data collection, review of documents, and organizing files and records.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with regulated parties and the general public.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to prioritize, organize and schedule work assignments.
• Skill in the operation of a personal computer and the use of common software applications.

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the physical or natural sciences, environmental health, environmental science, or public health is preferred. Four years of related professional experience can substitute for college education.

Incumbent may be required to work before, during and/or beyond normal work hours in the event of an emergency, including working in special needs or Red Cross 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.

Mission:
To protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Vision:
To be the Healthiest State in the Nation.

Values:

• Innovation:
  We search for creative solutions and manage resources wisely.
• Collaboration:
  
  We use teamwork to achieve common goals and solve problems.
• Accountability:
  We perform with integrity and respect.
• Responsiveness:
  We achieve our mission by serving our customers and engaging our partners.
• Excellence:
  We promote quality outcomes through learning and continuous performance improvement.

• 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.