EPIDEMIOLOGIST III - 64086163

State of Florida • ORLANDO, FL

2d • $57,117 - $60,449 • Onsite

About The Position

The Florida Department of Health in Orange County is hiring a full-time County Epidemiologist in its Epidemiology Program. The position conducts epidemiologic investigations, surveillance, and interventions related to healthcare-associated infections (HAI) and antimicrobial-resistant (AR) organisms, supporting healthcare facilities and the department. The role serves as a subject matter expert in infection prevention and control practices, HAI organisms, public health surveillance, and epidemiological investigations.

The Epidemiologist provides infection prevention and control consultation to healthcare organizations and congregate settings; interprets scientific guidance, protocols, policies, and regulations; supports HAI/AR investigations and outbreak or case creation in Merlin; and conducts onsite assessments and follow-up visits. The role documents site-visit findings and recommendations, trains and evaluates staff and partners, coordinates laboratory testing with regional epidemiologists and public health laboratories, and works with facilities to improve outbreak detection and reporting.

The position also conducts communicable disease investigations and supports emerging infectious disease preparedness and response in Orange County and, as requested, neighboring counties. It participates in meetings, conferences, training, exercises, quality improvement activities, and rotational on-call duties. The incumbent must be able to work in the office or field daily and may be required to perform emergency duties outside normal work hours or days, including in-state or out-of-state deployment.

Requirements

• Willing and able to work in the office or in the field daily to perform the position's duties.
• Authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.
• Willing to work before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days during an emergency; emergency duties may include in-state or out-of-state deployment.
• Able to apply advanced epidemiological principles and practices.
• Skilled in conducting thorough epidemiological case investigations and timely follow-up.
• Able to complete assessments as part of epidemiological investigations.
• Able to interpret laboratory results and apply appropriate control measures based on state and federal guidance.
• Skilled in data collection and able to ensure high data quality.
• Skilled in data analysis and interpretation.
• Able to use problem-solving techniques and complete reports in a timely manner.
• Able to use basic computer and office equipment and programs, including MS Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher, statistical software such as Epi Info, and syndromic surveillance systems such as ESSENCE and Merlin.
• Able to communicate effectively orally and in writing with coworkers and stakeholders.
• Able to design complex research projects and analytical assessments.
• Able to write effectively in a technical format for journals and peer-reviewed publications.
• Able to learn and communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing.
• Must complete a security background check and/or drug screening and participate in direct deposit.
• Must complete Form I-9; employment eligibility will be verified through E-Verify.

Nice To Haves

• Graduate of an accredited college or university master's degree program in Epidemiology, Public Health, or natural or physical science; four years of infectious disease investigation experience in a public-sector health department may substitute for the master's degree.
• At least three years of professional experience conducting acute infectious disease investigations in a public health department, specifically involving suspect-immediately and immediately reportable diseases under FAC 64D-3.029.

Responsibilities

• Conduct epidemiologic investigations, surveillance, and interventions related to healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial-resistant organisms.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on infection prevention and control practices, HAI organisms, public health surveillance, and epidemiological investigations.
• Provide timely infection prevention and control consultation to healthcare organizations and congregate settings.
• Analyze, evaluate, research, and interpret scientific guidelines, protocols, policies, and regulations.
• Support HAI/AR epidemiological investigations, including outbreak or case creation in Merlin.
• Conduct onsite infection prevention and control assessments, review facility infection prevention plans, observe infection-control practices using standardized tools, and assess surveillance capacity.
• Conduct follow-up site assessments within three weeks of initial visits to assess implementation of mitigation recommendations.
• Document and summarize onsite findings, key observations, and recommendations in reports or tracking systems for participating facilities.
• Train, coordinate, review, and evaluate disease surveillance and investigation activities.
• Educate and train facilities on participation in HAI investigations and response, including assessments, contaminated medical products, and facility outbreaks.
• Coordinate laboratory support for testing and typing specimens and isolates with Regional Epidemiologists and the Bureau of Public Health Laboratories.
• Collaborate with healthcare facilities and congregate settings to improve outbreak detection and reporting.
• Provide technical guidance and conduct required communicable disease investigations for emerging pathogens in Orange County, with assistance to neighboring counties as requested.
• Coordinate, investigate, analyze, and control suspected community disease outbreaks involving emerging or novel infectious diseases.
• Attend or facilitate meetings and conferences, represent the department, speak at public meetings, and lecture to groups as requested.
• Participate in local, regional, or statewide training and exercises for county health department staff and public health partners, including quality improvement activities.
• Participate in rotational on-call activities using radio or telephone contact systems and respond within 15 minutes of call initiation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Annual and sick leave
• Nine paid holidays and one personal holiday each year
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

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