OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST III - 64853307

Requisition No: 858230 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST III - 64853307

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 64853307 

Salary:  $22.26 

Posting Closing Date: 08/20/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Job posting category (Open)

Your Specific Responsibilities:

Under the direction of the Environmental Administrator SES performs case /contact investigation, partner notification, and follow-up of investigations for all reported animal bite cases. Investigates possible exposure cases, coordinates specimens for laboratory examination and performs follow-up of quarantine for Rabies Surveillance Program.

 Provide health education to general public about infectious disease signs, symptoms, and prevention. Completes related work as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Responsible for Rabies Surveillance Program. Conducts initial and follow-up investigations for all reported animal bite cases. Investigates possible exposure cases, prepares specimens for laboratory examination and performs follow-up of quarantine.  Completes all required paperwork.

• Establishes quarantine requirements for bite animals in compliance with the current Rabies Prevention and Control in Florida Guidebook.  Conducts necessary site investigations to ensure compliance.  Completes quarantine agreement documents with animal’s owner and conducts site visit to evaluate animal’s health at the time of release from quarantine.

• Follows Surveillance and Investigation Guidance for Rabies exposures.

•  Duties include responsibility for assessing all exposures for possible post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and coordinating follow up treatment with the Leon Health Department Clinic or other medical providers.

• Coordinates with appropriate Animal Control agency to locate, capture and confine bite animals as necessary. 
• Maintains animal bite record in the EHD/Merlin. Ensures patient confidentiality in compliance with HIPPA standards.
• Provide health educational resources for schools, community groups, and public and other organizations on communicable diseases. Design and participate in outreach activities in settings of epidemiological significance, such as health fairs, community events, schools, or other identified events as needed.
• Work closely with other agencies, health care providers and hospitals to assist with assurance of appropriate care and management of patients affected by potential foodborne illnesses.
• Participate in local, regional or state public health meetings or with other local partners meetings as required
• Prepares reports and/or provides data regarding program services and activities as needed. 
• Maintain confidentiality of medical information, records, and data pursuant to County policies and procedures and the State of Florida and Federal HIPAA regulations.
• Will take inbound calls and customer inquiries as needed.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Desired experience and qualifications for the position are listed below.

Knowledge of public health principles and practices related to communicable disease programs including prevention, investigation, treatment, education, and community awareness. Knowledge of local, state and federal rules and regulations concerning public health. 

Skill in the operation of various software applications programs, including word processing, spreadsheets and electronic mail. Skills in problem solving techniques.

Ability to express ideas effectively, verbally and in writing. Ability to meet deadlines and work independently in cooperation with agency, community and industry representatives. Ability to develop and maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, County officials and the general public. Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.

• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to the biological sciences.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences and two years of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program; or

• A master's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences and one year of professional experience as described above; or
• A doctorate from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences.

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:

Tallahassee

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.