BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST III - 64067542

State of Florida • Saint Petersburg, FL

9d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for the investigation, data entry, and follow-up for the prevention and control of lead poisoning and other environmental health concerns. This includes reportable diseases, foodborne and waterborne illnesses, and general infectious diseases. The incumbent will perform daily surveillance, data analysis, and management using ESSENCE, Merlin data systems, and other databases. Responsibilities include following up on Electronic Laboratory Reports (ELR) and faxed reports to collect demographics and clinical information, confirm diagnoses, determine sources of infection, transmission, extent of spread, and recommend control measures. The role also involves community outreach for education and interventions to reduce exposure to lead and other environmental toxins, attending meetings to share information, and providing information on prevention, surveillance, and control of environmental health concerns. The position requires participation in training programs, educational conferences, strategic plan writing, facilitation of community groups, and research. It also involves working with Disease Control and Health Protection Programs for training, education, and preparation for outbreaks, bioterrorism incidents, and special events. The role provides back-up to other members of Public Health Preparedness and other programs, as well as the Division of Disease Control and Health Protection, which may include Direct Observed Therapy (DOT), outreach, immunization clinics, disease investigations, and traveler monitoring. The incumbent must acquire training hours in accordance with FDOH-Pinellas Training Policy and accurately track, record, and report time and attendance. Other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Valid driver’s license.
• Knowledge of public health principles related to environmental health inspections, disease surveillance and outbreak investigations
• Knowledge of therapeutic or prophylactic treatment protocols
• Skilled in performing capillary blood lead level testing on children <6 years
• Skilled in collecting and transmitting appropriate laboratory specimens for diagnostic study.
• Skilled in preparing surveillance reports, data summaries, and other written documentation for publication, presentation, or dissemination
• Skilled in creating graphs and charts to illustrate data and surveillance findings
• Ability to monitor clients and susceptible clients for proper follow-up on control measures
• Ability to maintain adequate records of essential information
• Ability to perform and ensure environmental health inspections
• Ability to provide timely public health alerts as necessary
• Ability to coordinate therapeutic or prophylactic treatment as needed
• Ability to collaborate effectively with community, State, and federal partners
• Ability to conduct studies and investigations related to outbreaks of public health significance
• Ability to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English.

Nice To Haves

• 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)

Responsibilities

• Perform investigation, data entry, and follow-up for the prevention and control of lead poisoning and other environmental health concerns.
• Perform daily surveillance, data analysis, and management using ESSENCE, Merlin data systems, and other databases.
• Follow up on all Electronic Laboratory Reports (ELR) and faxed reports to collect basic demographics and clinical information, confirm diagnosis, determine probable sources of infection, mode of transmission, extent of spread, and recommend appropriate control measures.
• Conduct community outreach to provide targeted education and interventions to reduce exposure to lead and other environmental toxins.
• Attend healthcare providers and community meetings to share and yield vital information.
• Provide 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, strategic plan writing, facilitation of a large community group and research into solution areas.
• Work with Disease Control and Health Protection Programs in training, education, and preparation for outbreaks, possible bioterrorism incidents and special events.
• Provide back up to other members of Public Health Preparedness and other programs at an operations level.
• Provide back up to other members of the Division of Disease Control and Health Protection as assigned to an operations level.
• Acquire training hours in accordance with the FDOH-Pinellas Training Policy.
• Accurately track, record, and report time and attendance.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 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
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level