Environmental Specialist

Environmental Specialist I

Requisition No: 867479
Agency:
Department of Health

Working Title:

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I –  1
Pay Plan:
Career Service
Position Number:
Salary: $41,000–$46,000
Posting Closing Date: 01/13/2026

Environmental Specialist I works in several Environmental Health programs including onsite sewage treatment systems (septic), well delegation, mobile home and RV parks safety, migrant labor camps, public swimming pools and natural bathing areas, limited use water, well surveillance, sanitary/environmental nuisance complaints. The incumbent is responsible for compliance of assigned facilities with Florida Statutes, Florida Administrative Codes and local requirements in accordance with department policies and Environmental Health Program Manual 150-4.

Works under the supervision of the Environmental Supervisor II.

• Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems – Evaluate sites, review plans, approve permits in a timely manner, provide information to owners and builders on Florida Statutes and FAC permitting.
• Well Delegation Program – Review applications, issue permits, conduct inspections and fieldwork, respond to the public and contractors, initiate and monitor compliance and enforcement actions.
• Mobile Home Parks, Recreational Vehicle Parks, and Migrant Farm Labor Camps – Conduct routine inspections, review plans and applications for operating permits for compliance with FL Statutes and FAC.
• Swimming Pools & Bathing Places – Inspect, review plans and applications for operating permits, collect water samples for bacteriological analysis as needed.
• Limited Use Water – Inspect, review plans and applications for operating permits for public water systems, collect bacteriological and chemical water samples for analysis and notify client of results and corrective actions.
• Well Surveillance Program – Coordinate and collect drinking water samples in cooperation with the Department of Environmental Protection and DOH‑Bureau of Toxicology for groundwater chemical contamination. Assist all agencies and the public in remediation of contaminated wells.
• Nuisance Complaint Investigations – Investigate reports of sanitary nuisance complaints, document findings and assure corrective actions or take enforcement action.
• Emergency Duty – Incumbent may be required to work before, during and/or beyond normal work hours or days in the event of an emergency.

• Knowledge of physical or natural sciences terminology, principles, and analytical techniques.
• Data collection and analysis principles and procedures.
• Technical data collection, evaluation, analysis, and interpretation.
• Preparation of technical reports.
• Computer proficiency.
• Understanding and application of applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to environmental programs.
• Public interaction in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Independent work and task prioritization.
• Effective written and verbal communication.
• Physical ability to lift 50 pounds and work outside in extreme weather conditions.
• Driving a state or county vehicle.

• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 30 days.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in physical or natural sciences, environmental health, public health, or engineering.
• Preferred – Knowledge of Okeechobee County geographic area and local municipalities.

The Florida Department of Health mission is 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:
Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Responsiveness, Excellence.

Florida Department of Health – Okeechobee County
1728 NW 9th Avenue
Okeechobee, FL 34974

• 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 with employer contributions.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Tuition waivers.
• And more!

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Florida statutes. Veterans’ preference and reasonable accommodation statements are included per Florida Statutes.