BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV - 64086021

Requisition No: 867438 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV - 64086021

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 64086021 

Salary:  $50,584.56-$52,000.00 ANNUALLY 

Posting Closing Date: 01/25/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

INTERNAL AGENCY JOB POSTING

Your Specific Responsibilities:

This is a highly responsible position in the Epidemiology Section of the Okaloosa County Health Department under the direct supervision of the Epidemiology Section Chief. The position works in the Epidemiology Section conducting communicable disease and bioterrorism surveillance. The position must exercise considerable independent judgment and prudent decision making with limited supervision. 

Epidemiologic Investigations - Responsible for conducting and participating in epidemiological investigations and disease surveillance activities in the Epidemiology Section. Identifies and evaluates a wide range of health conditions within an assigned program area to recognize public health problems pertinent to the population and to determine feasibility and approach to epidemiologic investigation. Tracks, monitors, and uses databases, such as Merlin and ESSENCE-FL for analysis of health problems to assess the potential public health impact. Performs onsite review of facilities and procedures, provides guidance, and interviews patients, health care providers, and others involved during disease investigations and outbreaks. Responsible for reporting findings in the disease surveillance computer system, Merlin. Leads and serves as resource for 7-day a week enhanced disease surveillance and outbreak response team unit responsible for responding to military, public safety, correctional, shelter operations, and other facilities as necessary. Serves as contact for community partners associated with team unit facilities. Works with Section Chief to evaluate quality improvement and assurance of unit team performance.

Dissemination of Program Data, Information and Findings - Collaborates with scientists in the survey or investigation process, including conducting a search or review of existing literature and data in a scientific area, determining methodological techniques and processes, preparing written technical reports, and designing questionnaires and other data-collection instruments. Works with the local medical community to collect data, provide surveillance results (Sentry Flu Reporting Program/Weekly Flu Report), distribute communicable disease updates (Weekly Disease Surveillance Report), and encourage and increase reporting of communicable disease by private providers. Prepares and presents health promotion and disease prevention materials and/or presentations to internal and external clients. Serves as a leader and trainer for the Local Epidemiology Response Team (LERT) under the direction of the Epidemiology Section Chief. Responsible for the public health surveillance of disease outbreaks and other field epidemiological investigations of public health importance, such as disasters. Attends and completes trainings to maintain competencies. Prepares written reports for posting to EPICOM. Conducts research projects that involve data collection and analysis for studies related to programmatic evaluation and impact. Contributes to the development of the Community Health Assessment (CHA) through data analysis and interpretation of chronic disease, maternal and infant health, communicable diseases, injury patterns, etc., for Okaloosa County.

Bioterrorism Surveillance - Responsible for coordination with the Public Health Preparedness Section for planning and response activities related to surveillance and response to biological, chemical, and nuclear threats or any other weapons of mass destruction. Works with Public Health Preparedness planners to develop plans for disease surveillance; isolation, quarantine and social distancing; and/or mass prophylaxis and immunization related to bioterrorist events.  Works closely with the Environmental Health Section on disease investigations regarding outbreaks with primarily environmental or food and water borne origin. Responsible for the preparation, coordination, and meetings for LERT. Uses ESSENCE-FL, EPICOM, and Alert Okaloosa Emergency Alerting system to monitor for unlikely syndromic conditions that may indicate bioterrorism activity.

Program Administration and Support - Provides support to the Tuberculosis and Fatality Review programs and staff and serves as backup to District 1 Medical Examiner’s Office Epidemiologist position, as needed. Assists in writing a quarterly newsletter for medical providers regarding communicable disease surveillance, reporting, and results of surveillance. Maintains records and reports as required. Performs administrative functions and works on assigned asks as needed. Participates in in-service education programs, conferences, and staff meetings. Conducts and attends training related to bioterrorism and serves as a resource to staff and the community. Provides enhanced surveillance and monitoring following natural or manmade disasters. May provide technical leadership and guidance and coordinate work of lower-level Epidemiologists, other professional staff, or technical and administrative staff, as assigned. Completes timesheet, EARS, and mandatory DOH training in a timely and accurate manner.

Performs all other duties as assigned in support of the agency’s mission and vision.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Apply surveillance protocols and data collection techniques for disease monitoring and investigations.
• Utilize terminology, principles, and techniques used in epidemiological research, analysis, data collection, and data management.
• Compile, organize, and analyze data for the purpose of monitoring and evaluating.
• Apply principles of good ethical/legal practice as they relate to study design and data collection, dissemination, and use.
• Apply knowledge of privacy laws to protect confidentiality, including Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and applicable state and local privacy laws.
• Communicate effectively in written, oral, and electronic formats using language tailored to a variety of lay and scientific audiences, in a culturally competent manner.
• Develop and deliver presentations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the organization and with community partners.
• Utilize problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to multitask.
• Effectively determine work priorities and ensure timely completion of work assignments.

Qualifications:

• Newly graduated master’s degree with minimal experience but from a master’s program with a focus in epidemiology and/or analysis and assessment; or bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences, Biological Sciences, Epidemiology, Public Health, or Nursing with at least 2 years of experience performing epidemiology work required.

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 in Okaloosa County

221 Hospital Drive NE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

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.   

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.    

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.