OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV - 64856434

State of Florida • Fort Walton Beach, FL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This highly responsible position is assigned to the Epidemiology Section of the Okaloosa County Health Department (OCHD) and works with the District 1 Medical Examiner’s Office providing epidemiological expertise to the department while exercising independent judgement and decision-making skills. This position will conduct data collection and analysis related to death investigations, summarizing the data on a daily/weekly basis. This information analysis related to death investigations will examine patterns, trends, and factors leading to certain types of deaths with the aim of identifying needed changes in services and interventions in the district.

Requirements

• Apply surveillance protocols and data collection techniques for disease monitoring and investigations.
• Utilize terminology, principles, and techniques used in epidemiological research, analysis, data collection, and data management.
• Apply bio statistical methods used for the analysis of public health problems, including descriptive and inferential techniques.
• Identify key sources of data, calculating basic epidemiology measures and describe the burden of public health problems on specific populations.
• Design epidemiological studies, compile and analyze data, and draw appropriate inferences from epidemiologic data for the purpose of monitoring and evaluating.
• Evaluate the strengths and limitations of epidemiologic reports.
• Apply principles of good ethical/legal practice as they relate to study design and data collection, dissemination, and use.
• Apply knowledge of privacy laws to protect confidentiality, including Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and applicable state and local privacy laws.
• Communicate effectively in written, oral, and electronic formats using language tailored to a variety of lay and scientific audiences, in a culturally competent manner.
• Utilize strong communication skills and comfort engaging with diverse community partners.
• Work independently or as well as participate in or lead a team.
• Develop and deliver presentations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the organization and with community partners.
• Utilize problem-solving techniques.
• Effectively determine work priorities and ensure timely completion of work assignments.
• Skilled in data storytelling.
• Utilize intermediate Excel skills (ability to enter data, use formulas, navigate spreadsheets and develop tables and charts).
• Prioritize work and use time wisely.
• Maintain confidentiality of all information.
• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Health Sciences, Biology, Social Sciences, or an equivalent health‑related field.
• Valid U.S. Drivers’ License.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with any data tools such as Power BI, Tableau, R, Python, or ArcGIS

Responsibilities

• Responsible for collecting, organizing, and performing descriptive and analytic epidemiological investigations and analysis of communicable disease, chronic disease, maternal and child health, injury, substance use and other issues of public health significance for utilization in community health assessment, planning, and improvement. Collects, enters, cleans, and organizes program data from multiple sources.
• Serves as a liaison to hospitals, laboratories, private provider offices, law enforcement, and emergency medical services to share information between agencies, provide surveillance results, and encourage reporting issues of public health significance related to death investigations. Collaborates with team members, local organizations, and community partners to strengthen overdose prevention efforts. Participates in community events related to overdose awareness, prevention, and response.
• Responsible for performing public health surveillance and reporting findings, as appropriate. Develops and distributes information for the health community and for publication. Provides timely statistical reports on cases, surveillance, investigations, and other related data. Assists with preparing basic data summaries or visuals for internal discussions and community outreach.
• Supports general program operations, including scheduling, documentation, and communication tasks. Maintains records and reports as required. Provides support during multidisciplinary fatality review meetings, including note‑taking, preparing materials, and helping coordinate follow‑up tasks. Performs administrative functions and works on assigned tasks as needed, including data entry into national and state reporting databases. Participates in local, regional, or statewide training and exercises, including in-service education programs, conferences, and staff meetings. Conducts and attends training and serves as a resource for staff and the community.
• Performs all other duties as assigned in support of the Agency’s mission and vision. Prioritizes work and uses time wisely. Maintains confidentiality of all information within the health department. Position requires flexibility to work before, during and/or beyond normal work hours or days in the event of an emergency.

Benefits

• 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)

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level