ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT - 42003001

Environmental Consultant This position is responsible for planning, organizing, directing and coordinating the statewide "for cause" food product sampling and environmental sampling, and field enforcement actions for violative food samples, Food Borne Illness (FBI) complaint triage and investigation, in active communication and coordination with DOH and recall or Reportable Food Registry (RFR) events prompted and/or involved within the State of Florida. The incumbent must have in-depth knowledge of the food industry and food safety to provide assessment and background information to management and support for technical positions of the Division of Food Safety. Coordinates follow-up sampling of products after reviewing and interpreting lab testing results from the Bureau of Laboratories and tracks and identifies trends by product type and/or manufacturer. Makes determinations for follow-up and enforcement action after review of laboratory results, applying knowledge, judgment, experience and as otherwise required by state or federal laws and regulations including good manufacturing practices. Plans and coordinates investigations of food product with recall in conjunction with field operations, and the FDA and the United States Department of Agriculture. Initiates, builds, fosters and maintains working relationships with Department partners and other State and Federal agencies and helps foster mutual reliance work with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).Performs administrative duties including data collection, participation in training activities and consumer complaint investigations. Coordinates with other bureau administrators and managers for effective use of resources to accomplish federal contract requirements for tasks such as environmental sampling and for cause prompted events that necessitate further Division action. Serves as the division liaison at the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on the Emergency Support Function (ESF) 17. Sends updates to the ESF 17 desk during an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activation and assists as an ESF 17 Coordinator during a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) activation. Assists in planning and organizing emergency response operations and activities for the division. Works with other state and federal agencies responsible for the safety of our food supply during declared states of emergency as well as preparation and exercising in times other than a declared state of emergency. Responsible for maintaining the operational procedures and processes associated with Standard 5 of the Manufactured Regulatory Program Standards and Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards. Develops program improvement and sustainability plans for the division. Develops Memoranda of Understanding (MOU's) with other state and federal agencies when necessary. Assesses, develops and implements training plans and performance coaching for division members. Coordinates training for trace backs on food products to ensure that contaminated product is withheld from the market and that effective communication is made with state, federal and industry partners. Implements effective use of information and communication systems with other state and federal agencies, relevant Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) divisions, and division management relevant to food safety response capabilities. Improves and facilitates collaboration and information sharing with state, federal and local agencies to ensure coverage of public health. Completes After Action Reports (AAR) for division management after each exercise and emergency response event and ensures follow-up and actions for items in the AAR. Serves as a division liaison with the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) and State Agriculture Response Team (SART). Plans, organizes and participates in emergency exercises with EOC and other emergency response organizations as required. Attends meetings, workshops, conferences, trainings and exercises as required. Serves as the main point of contact and coordinator for the Division of Food Safety Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP). Responsible for maintaining the COOP documents; ensures all relevant division staff are assigned proper functions in CAPAS; ensures the COOP resources and alternate sites are current, available and up to date; ensures proper drills and training functions are executed and documented accordingly and properly; ensures any COOP updates are made in a timely manner; and ensures the division is ready to execute the COOP plan at any time. Works with the assistant director and director to notify of and address any concerns or potential issues with the division's emergency response obligations and needs. Maintains working knowledge of the state and federal laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to the processing, labeling, transporting, storing, distribution and selling of food products. Prepares and maintains records and reports relative to program directives and inspection findings. Performs other related duties as assigned. 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 visit www.myfrs.com); Flexible Spending Accounts; Tuition waivers; And more! For a complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com. For an estimate of the total compensation package for this position, please visit the "Total Compensation Estimator Tool" located above under the "Posting Closing Date."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.