BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST III - 64067542

Requisition No: 837791 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST III - 64067542

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 64067542 

Salary:  $1,758.37 biweekly 

Posting Closing Date: 11/03/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Thank you for your interest in career opportunities with the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas county.  If you're looking to build a great career in public health - you've come to the right place.  Many of our innovative and successful health programs are recognized throughout Florida. We hope you decide to join this team and make the Florida Department of Health your employer of choice.

The incumbent is part of a global public health organization and is expected to support the Pinellas County Health Department in its mission to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts and its vision to be the Healthiest State in the Nation.  Furthermore, the incumbent is expected to incorporate the agency values of Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Responsiveness and Excellence in all aspects of their work.

Biological Scientist III

Lead Poisoning Surveillance and Outreach Epidemiologist

The Lead Poisoning Surveillance and Outreach Epidemiologist will provide communicable disease and environmental health services, applying the principles of epidemiology and biostatistics in case-finding, assessment, epidemiological determination, planning, and intervention to mitigate and prevent poor outcomes related to lead poisoning. This position will work alongside other Disease Control and Health Protection Programs and community partners regarding data collection, analysis, outreach, and the communication of findings.  

Responsibilities include:

Performs investigation, data entry, and follow-up for the prevention and control of lead poisoning and other environmental health concerns including, but not limited to: reportable diseases, foodborne and waterborne illnesses, and general infectious diseases. The incumbent performs daily surveillance, data analysis, and management using ESSENCE, Merlin data systems, and other databases as needed.

Specific tasks include:

Follow up on all Electronic Laboratory Reports (ELR) and Faxed reports within assigned zip code to include but not limited to: collecting basic demographics and clinical information on suspected cases, confirming diagnosis, determining probable source of infection, determining mode of transmission, determining extent of spread, and recommending appropriate control measures.

• Coordinate therapeutic or prophylactic treatment as needed.
• Performs or ensures environmental health inspections.
• Collect and transmits appropriate laboratory specimens for diagnostic study.
• Monitor clients and susceptible clients for proper follow-up on control measures.
• Maintains adequate records of essential information.
• Provides public health alerts as necessary.
• Collaborates with community, State, and federal partners. 
• Prepares surveillance reports, data summaries, and other written documentation for publication, presentation, or dissemination. Creates graphs and charts to illustrate data.
• Conduct studies and investigations related to outbreaks of public health significance.

Conducts community outreach to provide targeted education and interventions to reduce exposure to lead and other environmental toxins in the home and group settings. Attends healthcare provider and community meetings to share and yield vital information. Provides information on the prevention, surveillance, and control of environmental health concerns to community, clients, or health care professional groups. Participate in training programs, educational conferences. Duties include strategic plan writing, facilitation of a large community group and research into solution areas.

Works with Disease Control and Health Protection Programs in 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 Public Health Preparedness and other programs at an operations level. Attends program and Division meetings as indicated. Provides back up to other members of the Division of Disease Control and Health Protection as assigned to an operations level. This may include but is not limited to: Direct Observed Therapy (DOT), outreach efforts, immunization clinics, disease investigations and traveler monitoring.

Acquires 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. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma.
• Valid driver’s license.

Desirable Qualifications:

• At least two (2) years of experience working in environmental health or applied epidemiology field, specifically environmental monitoring and information distribution.
• Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field.
• Master’s degree in public health or related field.
• Certification in public health (CPH)

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:

Department of Health in Pinellas County

St. Petersburg location

205 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr St N,

St. Petersburg, FL 33701

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, 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.

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.