BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - 64006443

Requisition No: 850466 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - 64006443

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 64006443 

Salary:  $38,848.94 Annually 

Posting Closing Date: 04/09/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Biological Scientist II: Immunization and Hepatitis Outreach - DOH-Pinellas

This is a highly responsible, professional position that serves as a hepatitis educator and investigator, while also supporting outreach in the community. The position will work independently under the supervision of the Immunization and Hepatitis Outreach Program Manager. This position requires a high degree of initiative and ensures program operations are consistent with grant mandates. This position requires local travel and some weekend and evening hours. 

Responsibilities include:

Provides public health education, awareness, and intervention activities for individuals exposed to or at risk of Hepatitis infection. Participates in clinical, community, and impromptu screening activities by providing pre-test counseling for Hepatitis C and conducting Hepatitis screening tests to identified high risk clients. Locates and provides follow up counseling, and/or referrals to individuals infected with Hepatitis. Provides information on the prevention, transmission, surveillance and control of infectious diseases to community, clients, or health care professional groups. Provides resources for hepatitis vaccines and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Receives and appropriately answers phone calls related to Hepatitis questions from the community. Participates in training programs and educational conferences to keep informed of public health issues.

Conducts investigation for hepatitis and other reportable diseases and ensures timely follow-up with healthcare providers. Performs case management activities as directed in the process of discovering and/or identifying individuals infected with hepatitis. Performs investigation, data entry, and follow-up for the prevention and control of hepatitis and other communicable diseases. Provides resources in accordance with current policies to a wide variety of individuals infected with or at risk for hepatitis to elicit partner and suspect information. The incumbent performs daily surveillance, data analysis, and management using Merlin, FL Shots and other communicable disease databases as needed.

Attends Hepatitis team meetings and Division meetings as indicated. Completes training hours in accordance with the FDOH-Pinellas Training Policy (these trainings may include, but are not limited to, the approved CEU courses. Accurately tracks, records, and reports time and attendance in accordance with FDOH-Pinellas / Division policies and procedures. Works with Disease Control and Health Protection Programs in community outreach, training, education, and preparation for outbreaks, possible bioterrorism incidents and special events that require enhanced epidemiological and/or surveillance systems. Provides back up to other members of Division at an operations level, including Direct Observe Therapy (DOT).

Perform other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of the principles of epidemiology and surveillance, and the skills and abilities to put them into practice

Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook to analyze and manage epidemiological data

Strong communication skills in English, both written and oral; Advanced presentation and public-speaking skills including the ability to explain and teach complex epidemiologic concepts to diverse audiences

Ability to perform clinical testing in both the lab and field setting while maintaining aseptic technique

Strong laboratory skills and knowledge to ensure specimens are handled properly

Excellent organizational skills with the ability to adapt and adjust to changing priorities

Strong time management skills and the ability to anticipate, prioritize and organize work to meet deadlines while multi- tasking

Must demonstrate good interpersonal skills, as a member of a team, in addition to the ability to work autonomously

Positive attitude and the ability to work well with others in a multi-disciplinary setting

Minimum Qualifications:

High School Diploma

Florida Drivers’ License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment

Preferred :

At least one year of experience working in community outreach

Trained in Phlebotomy

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:

St. Petersburg Health Department

205 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N, St. Petersburg, Florida

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.