OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV - 64853273

Requisition No: 814446 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV - 64853273

Position Number: 64853273 

Salary:  30/hr. 

Posting Closing Date: 05/14/2024 

Open Competitive

Your Specific Responsibilities:

This is a highly responsible, professional position that serves as an epidemiologist for the Florida Department of Health in Gadsden County (FDOH). The incumbent is responsible for supporting epidemiological capacity within the purview of the Department and as requested for consultation from partner entities. The position provides overall planning, guidance, direction, management, and analysis of data to support administrative, emergency preparedness, health promotion and prevention program planning and operations. The incumbent may have the option of working in a hybrid capacity under certain circumstances.   

Manages the design, development, research, and publication of selected epidemiological studies related to disease/conditions of public health significance, and for other departmental entities as assigned by senior leadership.

Oversees the development, review, and completion of Department related grant and accreditation applications and deliverables.

Provides scientific guidance to FDOH Staff and community partners.

Directs and/or coordinates special epidemiological surveys and studies as required.

Serves as epi lead for emerging threats and/or county specific infectious disease outbreak.

Consults with public and private medical and laboratory providers, academia, community partners and other professionals regarding disease control activities such as surveillance, diagnoses, case confirmation, isolation, and quarantine.

Authors and co-authors articles/presentations for epidemiological studies, and other appropriate subjects for professional journals and publications.

Participates as requested in on-call duty assignments with other staff. On occasion, “Hot Button” diseases (i.e. exposure to rabies, suspect botulism or bacterial meningitis case) or a community-wide emergency (i.e. food borne outbreak, hurricane, tornado, bioterrorism alert) will require extensive follow-up and coordination with other agencies etc. that is beyond the scope of the normal duty.

This position may require occasional in-state and out-of-state travel.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

•   Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.

•   Ability to communicate effectively.

•   Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

•   Ability to work independently.

•   Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques.

•   Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to the biological sciences.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree or higher in public health, statistics, or other related field

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:

Florida Department of Health – Gadsden County Health Department

278 LaSalle Leffall Dr., Quincy, FL 32351

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. As an OPS employee, the benefits below are available:

• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (mandatory)
• Participation in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements.  Consult with People First and/or the serving HR office)
• Workers’ Compensation (mandatory, if needed)
• Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) (mandatory, if needed)
• Deferred Compensation (voluntary)
• Employee Assistance Program (voluntary)
• 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.   

Incumbents may be required to perform emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days.

Florida has the third largest population of veterans in the nation with more than 1.5 million service men and women.  The Florida Department of Health (department) is committed to serving members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans and their families by encouraging them to apply for vacancies that fit their area of knowledge and/or expertise.  Through the Department's VALOR program, which expedites licensing for military veterans, the Department also waives initial licensing and application fees for military veterans who apply for a health care professional license within 60 months of an honorable discharge. These initiatives help ensure that the transition from military service into the workforce is as smooth as possible and reflects our appreciation for the dedication devoted to protecting our country.    

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.