OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV - 64964532

Requisition No: 876478 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV - 64964532

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 64964532 

Salary:  $31 to $32/Hours 

Posting Closing Date: 06/02/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Job posting category (Open Competitive)

Your Specific Responsibilities:

This is a highly responsible epidemiology position which will be under the direct supervision of the Health Manager.  The OPS Biological Scientist IV position is an advanced professional position  covering Flagler and Volusia Counties. This position is responsible for healthcare acquired infection control and prevention efforts and supports the guidance and protocols of the Department.   This position consults with, and is a liaison to, high level officials in agencies and political jurisdictions.  Specific duties and responsibilities are performed and accomplished independently with only limited supervision by the immediate supervisor. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Coordinate infection control assessments.

Coordinate laboratory support for testing and typing of HAI-related specimens and isolates.

Provide appropriate containment and transmission guidance for novel or targeted multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs).

Utilize Florida’s surveillance system, Merlin, to track outbreaks and investigations.

Serve as subject matter experts on CDC guidance.

Provide specific data to support and identify trends of targeted organism(s) at a local level.

Work with facilities such as, long term care facilities, dialysis facilities, dental, outpatient care facilities, rehab centers, and additional group settings as needed and identified to improve prevention activities, outbreak detection, and reporting.

Provide quarterly trainings to county health departments on infection prevention and control to increase their capacity to serve as a resource when responding to MDROs and HAI outbreaks.

Participate in MDRO/HAI outbreak investigations as needed.

Analyze Merlin data to identify opportunities for improving emerging threat detection and making recommendations for health care facilities that have the greatest need for improvement based on surveillance data.

Consult Project First Line Educators to provide onsite education and training in response to identified infection control gaps. Minimum 80% facility participation during training/education events.

Submit completed reports into RED Cap as instructed and saved into the appropriate HAI SharePoint folder.

Provide written reports with recommendations within 72 hours of the completed assessment to the facility.

Conduct follow up assessment (onsite or telephone) within four weeks of completed report to evaluate for implementation of recommendations.

Provide additional support for regional trainings in collaboration with Project First Line Educators in each region for LTCF on infection prevention and control. Goal of 60% facility participation in each region.

Using NHSN and Merlin data to assist with response and mitigation efforts.

Work with identified CHD LTCF liaisons to assess areas of concern and priorities for outreach.

Assist with regional outbreak response trainings/drills (e.g., acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, long term acute care hospitals, BPHL, CHDs, coalition groups)

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Other duties as assigned.

Completes timesheet, EARS, and mandatory training in a timely and accurate manner.

Performs other related duties, including Emergency Duty.

***Position is full-time but temporary, currently funded through June 2027***

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to coordinate infection control assessments

Qualifications:

Minimum - 

Must be willing to physically come in the office to perform the duties & responsibilities of the positions

Must have current authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship

Must have a valid, unrestricted Driver’s License

Must have a master's degree or higher in healthcare, public health, nursing, or related fields with a minimum of 4 years of experience, or licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of Florida, with 5 years of experience

Must have previous experience with conducting infection control assessments (ICAR) and an understanding of National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) surveillance module

Preferred -

Experience with DOH Epidemiology computer programs (i.e. – Merlin, Essence, HMS, FLSHOTS, Epigateway, ILInet, STARS, etc.)        

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:

1845 Holsonback Drive, Daytona Beach 32117

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.

All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.  

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

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). 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. 

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.    

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.