OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV - 64952562

Requisition No: 868738 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV - 64952562

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 64952562 

Salary:  $25/hour 

Posting Closing Date: 01/28/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

OPS Biological Scientist IV – Research & Surveillance Program

Your Specific Responsibilities:

Activities include but are not limited to:

Conducts special research projects, surveillance monitoring, and reporting related to data collected by Disease Control Programs. Conducts complex activities involving the surveillance and investigation of disease by utilizing a suite of software tools. Collects, compiles, and analyzes data from Disease Control systems in order to evaluate health data trends, detect public health threats, evaluate program effectiveness, determine progress on agency objectives, and for continuous program improvement. Applies statistical methodology to provide information for scientific research and statistical analysis. Assist in preparing periodic performance and morbidity reports. Assist with logistical and organizational program materials. Collects and verifies data for the Strategic Plan, Community Health Assessment, and Snapshot measures.

Prepares and conducts presentations for staff and partners as needed to share public health data. Surveillance activities may include investigation design, targeted field investigations, and data analysis. Ensures timely follow up of appropriate response measures to public health threats including notifying manager and appropriate stakeholders. Investigates, evaluates, and reports on applicability, efficiency, and accuracy of statistical methods used to obtain and evaluate data. Contributes to Disease Control deliverables as both designer and reviewer, including the Epi Watch monthly newsletter. Responds timely to requests and provides accurate follow-up while ensuring communication with leadership. Attends meetings including monthly Research & Surveillance Program Meetings, Disease Control Division staff meetings, interdepartmental coordination meetings, and others, in order to integrate service planning across the agency.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles of epidemiology and surveillance.
• Intermediate to advanced ability with MS Excel.
• Ability to operate computer and software programs such as MS Word and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of state statutes and laws regarding disease reporting.
• Knowledge of methods of data collection and analysis.
• Clear understanding of statistical terms and concepts and ability to apply them.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to include evenings and weekends.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma

Preferred:

• A Bachelor’s degree and one year’s experience with data driven projects or
• A Master’s degree in public health. 

The incumbent must be able to work flexible hours to include evenings and weekends.

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. 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. 

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.