What are the responsibilities and job description for the Environmental Specialist II position at Orange County Government?
Overview
At Orange County Government, we are proud to serve the public with integrity, honesty, fairness, and professionalism. We develop innovative policies and services that impact Central Florida and shape the future of our community. We believe in hiring the very best. Our workplace experience sets us apart and makes us a great place to work. Our goal is to create an environment of exceptional organizational values, customer service standards, and employee satisfaction. Orange County Government is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment and services to all individuals.
The Orange County Utilities Solid Waste Management Division is responsible for the management of the solid waste services and operation of the transfer stations and disposal facilities within the county.
The Solid Waste Management Division is looking for an organized, self-motivated team player to fill the position of Environmental Specialist II in the Environmental/Engineering Section. This position is responsible for coordinating health and safety activities, collecting field data, maintenance, and calibration of field equipment, and performing inspections at solid waste facilities. Characteristics of an ideal candidate would include strong written and communication skills, positive attitude, self-motivation, and health and safety knowledge. This position will also require familiarity with environmental regulations including but not limited to Florida Administrative Code Rules 62-701 through 62-722.
Job Description
General Functions
This is a responsible technical and scientific position conducting environmental fieldwork to maintain regulatory compliance standards, investigate complaints, and environmental monitoring in addition, any applicant may review solid waste environmental permit applications. Work is performed with considerable independence under the general supervision of the designated supervisor.
Representative Duties/ Assignments
The examples of work listed are not necessarily descriptive of any one position. Depending on the team that this position is assigned, work may be performed in one or more specialized areas in support of the enforcement of environmental regulations and environmental programs.
Specific duties will vary based on area of assignment.
Storage Tank Compliance Conducts inspections of facilities with petroleum storage tanks, including a physical inspection, examining required records, and determining facility compliance with Chapter 62-761 and 62-762 Florida Administrative Code. Must be able to obtain certification as a tank inspector within one year of hire.
Petroleum Clean-up Performs inspections of remedial systems and projects.
Air Quality Conducts inspections of industrial and other air-related sources to determine regulatory compliance. Performs visible emissions observations and monitors stack tests. Performs ambient air sampling. Performs scheduled maintenance, calibrations, verifications and audits of ambient samplers and ancillary equipment.
Compliance & Waste Management Performs a variety of environmental related inspections including landfill, wastewater, hazardous waste, and others related to environmental impacts. Responds to complaints. Required to participate in periodic “on-call" emergency response duty.
Lake Management Gathers limnological and water quality data and prepares related reports. Manages water quality improvement projects and contracts and reviews technical reports related to lake management. Conduct aquatic vegetation surveys.
Environmental Permitting and Compliance Reviews environmental permit applications to ensure compliance with County rules and regulations. Negotiates with consultants and applicants to minimize environmental impacts. Identify, delineate, and permit impacts to wetlands.
NPDES Conducts field inspections & responds to complaints regarding industrial facility and construction site stormwater discharges. Investigates discharges to surface waters. Reviews discharge monitoring reports and pollution prevention plans.
Ecological Assessment Team Performs environmental sampling and/or analysis of surface water and soil. Sampling occasionally performed in difficult conditions including inclement weather and habitat. Operates boats, trucks, and/or laboratory equipment. Ensures sampling methodologies comply with SOPs. Maintains and orders sampling and/or laboratory equipment as necessary.
Environmentally Sensitive Land Evaluates the biological components of potential acquisition parcels. Develops passive recreational opportunities on Environmentally Sensitive Land (ESL) properties. Develops and implements land management plans for ESL parcels.
Ombudsman & Outreach Researches, develops, and prepares presentations for public outreach. Performs a variety of public relations speaking events/presentations to disseminate information on Division programs and services, and for the benefit of environmental education. Conducts research projects for the Division on varied topics as needed.
Wastewater Environmental Compliance Performs a variety of environmental related inspections and sampling related to wastewater discharges and compliance with Chapter 37 Article XX. Responds to complaints. Required to participate in periodic on-call emergency response duty. Sampling occasionally performed in difficult conditions including inclement weather and habitat. Reviews facility discharge surveys and permit applications for consistency with environmental regulations.
Environmental Engineering Section Solid Waste Management Division - Utilities Department Collects groundwater, surface water, and wastewater samples. Sets-up automatic samplers, monitoring stations, and probes and performs equipment calibration/maintenance as required. Conducts random load inspections, internal facilities inspections, and landfill liner integrity inspections and other inspections and tasks related to permit compliance. Provides guidance to homeowners and businesses in the handling and disposal of household hazardous waste and other special wastes.
Water Division - Field and Compliance Activities Prepares sampling plans in compliance with State and Federal drinking water regulations. Reviews data for compliance with regulations and compiles reports of analytical and field results for submission to Florida Department of Environmental regulation. Prepares reports for compliance with water use permits and consumptive use permits. Educates customers about water quality and source water protection. Educates consumers on conservation watering restrictions, landscaping techniques and various other conservation activities.
Performs instrument calibration. Maintains and orders sampling and laboratory equipment and supplies as needed. Trains other divisional personnel in proper sampling techniques. Prepares sampling documentation, chain of custody and other related reports on field activities.
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in environmental or civil engineering, the natural sciences, or a related field and one year environmental experience.
Must be able to perform job related tasks, which would include but not be limited to: climbing, walking over uneven ground, exposure to dust and fumes, and occasional exposure to adverse weather.
Based on area of assignment, may be required to possess and maintain a valid Florida Operator license.
Preferences
Open Date: 04/09/2025
Close Date: 04/22/2025
This posting is subject to close without prior notice.
Salary Information
Pay Grade: 015 - From $24.27 to $31.55
FLSA Status: Exempt
Placement based on Education and Experience
Benefits
For more information on Benefits visit - https://www.ocfl.net/EmploymentVolunteerism/EmployeeBenefits.aspx
Veterans Preference
If you are claiming Veterans' Preference, you are responsible for providing the required eligibility documentation by the closing date of the posting. Please scan and upload a copy of your cover letter and supporting documents, to Orange County Human Resources Division via the secure Box.com folder.
Your cover letter should include the Job ID number you are applying for, the title of the position, your full name and the last 4 digits of your social security number. *If you are a current employee returning from active military service, you may be eligible for promotion preference if the active military service qualifies for Veterans' Preference. Please note that Veterans' Preference applies only to a Veterans' first promotion after reinstatement or reemployment, without exception.
Educational Requirements
If your education was obtained in the United States, the County recognizes degrees or diplomas which are accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). If you have obtained education from a country other than the United States, your degree or diploma must be evaluated to determine the United States equivalency by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Service (NACES) or the Association of International Credentials Evaluations (AICE) at your expense.
Address
Orange County Utilities
Solid Waste Division
5901 Young Pine Road
Orlando, FL 32829
Notes
Hours: 40
Five (5) days per week, eight (8) hours per day
At Orange County Government, we are proud to serve the public with integrity, honesty, fairness, and professionalism. We develop innovative policies and services that impact Central Florida and shape the future of our community. We believe in hiring the very best. Our workplace experience sets us apart and makes us a great place to work. Our goal is to create an environment of exceptional organizational values, customer service standards, and employee satisfaction. Orange County Government is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment and services to all individuals.
The Orange County Utilities Solid Waste Management Division is responsible for the management of the solid waste services and operation of the transfer stations and disposal facilities within the county.
The Solid Waste Management Division is looking for an organized, self-motivated team player to fill the position of Environmental Specialist II in the Environmental/Engineering Section. This position is responsible for coordinating health and safety activities, collecting field data, maintenance, and calibration of field equipment, and performing inspections at solid waste facilities. Characteristics of an ideal candidate would include strong written and communication skills, positive attitude, self-motivation, and health and safety knowledge. This position will also require familiarity with environmental regulations including but not limited to Florida Administrative Code Rules 62-701 through 62-722.
Job Description
General Functions
This is a responsible technical and scientific position conducting environmental fieldwork to maintain regulatory compliance standards, investigate complaints, and environmental monitoring in addition, any applicant may review solid waste environmental permit applications. Work is performed with considerable independence under the general supervision of the designated supervisor.
Representative Duties/ Assignments
The examples of work listed are not necessarily descriptive of any one position. Depending on the team that this position is assigned, work may be performed in one or more specialized areas in support of the enforcement of environmental regulations and environmental programs.
Specific duties will vary based on area of assignment.
- Coordinate and manage health and safety activities with operations personnel.
- Perform environmental fieldwork such as wastewater and surface water sample collection, environmental monitoring, data downloads, spill response, and various inspections.
- Review field and analytical data for compliance with regulatory requirements and prepare reports with the data for submission to regulatory agencies, when required.
- Perform compliance inspections of the landfill and transfer station facilities and of random loads of waste received at the facilities. Initiate investigations for non-compliant loads and keep operations and management informed. Interact with local authorities as well as County, State, and Federal agencies when needed.
- Provide guidance to homeowners in the handling and proper disposal of household hazardous waste and businesses on other special wastes disposal needs.
- Participate in and help coordinate public outreach events, such as Household Hazardous Waste Community Collection Events.
- Perform sampling for all phases of environmental monitoring, i.e., water, wastewater, soil, or air.
- Conducts chemical inventories and maintain SDS binders.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Storage Tank Compliance Conducts inspections of facilities with petroleum storage tanks, including a physical inspection, examining required records, and determining facility compliance with Chapter 62-761 and 62-762 Florida Administrative Code. Must be able to obtain certification as a tank inspector within one year of hire.
Petroleum Clean-up Performs inspections of remedial systems and projects.
Air Quality Conducts inspections of industrial and other air-related sources to determine regulatory compliance. Performs visible emissions observations and monitors stack tests. Performs ambient air sampling. Performs scheduled maintenance, calibrations, verifications and audits of ambient samplers and ancillary equipment.
Compliance & Waste Management Performs a variety of environmental related inspections including landfill, wastewater, hazardous waste, and others related to environmental impacts. Responds to complaints. Required to participate in periodic “on-call" emergency response duty.
Lake Management Gathers limnological and water quality data and prepares related reports. Manages water quality improvement projects and contracts and reviews technical reports related to lake management. Conduct aquatic vegetation surveys.
Environmental Permitting and Compliance Reviews environmental permit applications to ensure compliance with County rules and regulations. Negotiates with consultants and applicants to minimize environmental impacts. Identify, delineate, and permit impacts to wetlands.
NPDES Conducts field inspections & responds to complaints regarding industrial facility and construction site stormwater discharges. Investigates discharges to surface waters. Reviews discharge monitoring reports and pollution prevention plans.
Ecological Assessment Team Performs environmental sampling and/or analysis of surface water and soil. Sampling occasionally performed in difficult conditions including inclement weather and habitat. Operates boats, trucks, and/or laboratory equipment. Ensures sampling methodologies comply with SOPs. Maintains and orders sampling and/or laboratory equipment as necessary.
Environmentally Sensitive Land Evaluates the biological components of potential acquisition parcels. Develops passive recreational opportunities on Environmentally Sensitive Land (ESL) properties. Develops and implements land management plans for ESL parcels.
Ombudsman & Outreach Researches, develops, and prepares presentations for public outreach. Performs a variety of public relations speaking events/presentations to disseminate information on Division programs and services, and for the benefit of environmental education. Conducts research projects for the Division on varied topics as needed.
Wastewater Environmental Compliance Performs a variety of environmental related inspections and sampling related to wastewater discharges and compliance with Chapter 37 Article XX. Responds to complaints. Required to participate in periodic on-call emergency response duty. Sampling occasionally performed in difficult conditions including inclement weather and habitat. Reviews facility discharge surveys and permit applications for consistency with environmental regulations.
Environmental Engineering Section Solid Waste Management Division - Utilities Department Collects groundwater, surface water, and wastewater samples. Sets-up automatic samplers, monitoring stations, and probes and performs equipment calibration/maintenance as required. Conducts random load inspections, internal facilities inspections, and landfill liner integrity inspections and other inspections and tasks related to permit compliance. Provides guidance to homeowners and businesses in the handling and disposal of household hazardous waste and other special wastes.
Water Division - Field and Compliance Activities Prepares sampling plans in compliance with State and Federal drinking water regulations. Reviews data for compliance with regulations and compiles reports of analytical and field results for submission to Florida Department of Environmental regulation. Prepares reports for compliance with water use permits and consumptive use permits. Educates customers about water quality and source water protection. Educates consumers on conservation watering restrictions, landscaping techniques and various other conservation activities.
Performs instrument calibration. Maintains and orders sampling and laboratory equipment and supplies as needed. Trains other divisional personnel in proper sampling techniques. Prepares sampling documentation, chain of custody and other related reports on field activities.
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in environmental or civil engineering, the natural sciences, or a related field and one year environmental experience.
Must be able to perform job related tasks, which would include but not be limited to: climbing, walking over uneven ground, exposure to dust and fumes, and occasional exposure to adverse weather.
Based on area of assignment, may be required to possess and maintain a valid Florida Operator license.
Preferences
- Landfill and Transfer Station Operator’s license
- 40 hours OSHA certificate
- Experience working outdoors in inclement weather conducting field work
- Computer skills: MS Office, Adobe, on -line databases
Open Date: 04/09/2025
Close Date: 04/22/2025
This posting is subject to close without prior notice.
Salary Information
Pay Grade: 015 - From $24.27 to $31.55
FLSA Status: Exempt
Placement based on Education and Experience
Benefits
- 10 paid holidays and 2 floating holidays annually.
- 18 days paid time off per year.
- Longevity bonus based on years of service.
- 6 days of paid TERM (sick) time annually.
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, additional life insurance.
- Free basic life, long term disability, and employee assistance for all the family members effective on day one.
- Participation in the Florida Retirement System.
- Employee assistance program includes multiple free one on one sessions with licensed counselors and online tools for legal advice, financial planning, personal life balance, etc.
- Free access to Wellworks gyms and Orange County Recreation Centers.
- Free onsite wellness coaching, including dietician and nurse.
- Tuition reimbursement program.
- Earn service time to forgive student loans.
For more information on Benefits visit - https://www.ocfl.net/EmploymentVolunteerism/EmployeeBenefits.aspx
Veterans Preference
If you are claiming Veterans' Preference, you are responsible for providing the required eligibility documentation by the closing date of the posting. Please scan and upload a copy of your cover letter and supporting documents, to Orange County Human Resources Division via the secure Box.com folder.
Your cover letter should include the Job ID number you are applying for, the title of the position, your full name and the last 4 digits of your social security number. *If you are a current employee returning from active military service, you may be eligible for promotion preference if the active military service qualifies for Veterans' Preference. Please note that Veterans' Preference applies only to a Veterans' first promotion after reinstatement or reemployment, without exception.
Educational Requirements
If your education was obtained in the United States, the County recognizes degrees or diplomas which are accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). If you have obtained education from a country other than the United States, your degree or diploma must be evaluated to determine the United States equivalency by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Service (NACES) or the Association of International Credentials Evaluations (AICE) at your expense.
Address
Orange County Utilities
Solid Waste Division
5901 Young Pine Road
Orlando, FL 32829
Notes
Hours: 40
Five (5) days per week, eight (8) hours per day
- Occasional weekends as needed*
Salary : $24 - $32
