Requisition No: 797829

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST III - 64031558

Position Number: 64031558

Salary: $42,000 - $47,000 annually

Posting Closing Date: 04/03/2023

This is an open competitive opportunity.

Title: Biological Scientist III

Location: Florida Department of Health in Collier County, Naples, Florida

The Biological Scientist III is a professional level position in the Epidemiology Department with DOH-Collier County. The position requires knowledge of epidemiological methods used for the prevention and control of communicable diseases. This position will be under the direct supervision of the Health Services Manager-SES in the Epidemiology and Health Assessment Program. The employee is responsible for independently implementing and conducting the general communicable disease surveillance, investigations and the investigation of unusual conditions or occurrences. This position also involves data management, processing and analysis of epidemiological information. These activities will be coordinated with Environmental Health, Adult Health Clinic, Medical Records and other program areas as needed. This position is at risk for exposure to Respiratory pathogens (Low Risk Level) under OSHA guidelines and requires annual TB Assessment which may include an Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) test; and is required to have up-to-date vaccinations for some vaccine-preventable diseases.

REQUIREMENTS:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. A valid Florida driver’s license and reliable transportation are required and willingness to use personal vehicle for business related travel. Employee is subject to call on a rotational basis, and as needed during a communicable disease outbreak or other public health emergency. Incumbent may be required to work before, during and/or beyond normal work hours in the event of a disaster or as needed. Required Disaster Training to be completed within 90 days of hire.

EMERGENCY DUTY: Emergency duty required of the incumbent includes working in special needs or Red Cross shelters, or perform other emergency duties including, but not limited to responses to or threats involving any disaster or threat thereof, man-made or natural. Emergency duties may also include in-state and/or out-of-state deployment.

Preferred:

A Master's Degree in Public Health.

Fluency in English/Spanish or English/Creole.

A minimum of 2 years experience working in epidemiology or a disease control program.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducts epidemiological investigations of reportable diseases and unusual health occurrences and identifies all contacts
• Provides intervention and preventive strategies
• Educates clients and their contacts, and recommends prophylactic medications as appropriate according to investigation guidelines
• Ensures that all reportable conditions are investigated according to local and State protocols
• Participates in outbreak investigations and coordinates with Environmental Health, Adult Health Clinic, Immunizations, School Health and other program areas as needed
• Responds to special data requests as needed
• Responds to inquiries from individuals, health care personnel, and hospitals regarding information on diseases and epidemiology
• Presents and speaks to groups, upon request, on communicable disease surveillance/investigation related topics
• Collects and analyzes data, and composes narrative summaries to update the Community Health Assessment
• Coordinates preparation of the quarterly epidemiology newsletter
• Performs other duties as required

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES DEEMED ESSENTIAL TO THIS POSITION:

• Knowledge of epidemiological principles, practices, and techniques.
• Knowledge of communicable disease control activities and protocols.
• Ability to perform epidemiological literature searches/reviews on the Internet.
• Knowledge of basic statistical principles and techniques.
• Knowledge of community resources to coordinate effectively in relation to the securing of medical care, follow-up laboratory and pharmaceutical services.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of the following computer systems: Microsoft Office, Epi-Info.
• Ability to provide written and oral case presentations to Epidemiology and other staff.
• Ability to write scientific reports.
• Ability and willingness to wear an N-95 respirator.
• Ability and willingness to perform On-Call duties as needed during a communicable disease outbreak or other public health emergency.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.

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:

Work Location: Naples

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.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

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.