State of Florida · 1 week ago
BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV - 64086021
Fort Walton Beach, FL
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
$51K/yr - $52K/yr
2+ years expThe State of Florida's Department of Health is seeking a highly responsible Biological Scientist IV for the Epidemiology Section in Okaloosa County. The role involves conducting epidemiological investigations and disease surveillance, as well as coordinating bioterrorism surveillance and response activities.
Government Administration
Responsibilities
Responsible for conducting and participating in epidemiological investigations and disease surveillance activities in the Epidemiology Section
Identifies and evaluates a wide range of health conditions within an assigned program area to recognize public health problems pertinent to the population and to determine feasibility and approach to epidemiologic investigation
Tracks, monitors, and uses databases, such as Merlin and ESSENCE-FL for analysis of health problems to assess the potential public health impact
Performs onsite review of facilities and procedures, provides guidance, and interviews patients, health care providers, and others involved during disease investigations and outbreaks
Responsible for reporting findings in the disease surveillance computer system, Merlin
Leads and serves as resource for 7-day a week enhanced disease surveillance and outbreak response team unit responsible for responding to military, public safety, correctional, shelter operations, and other facilities as necessary
Serves as contact for community partners associated with team unit facilities
Works with Section Chief to evaluate quality improvement and assurance of unit team performance
Collaborates with scientists in the survey or investigation process, including conducting a search or review of existing literature and data in a scientific area, determining methodological techniques and processes, preparing written technical reports, and designing questionnaires and other data-collection instruments
Works with the local medical community to collect data, provide surveillance results (Sentry Flu Reporting Program/Weekly Flu Report), distribute communicable disease updates (Weekly Disease Surveillance Report), and encourage and increase reporting of communicable disease by private providers
Prepares and presents health promotion and disease prevention materials and/or presentations to internal and external clients
Serves as a leader and trainer for the Local Epidemiology Response Team (LERT) under the direction of the Epidemiology Section Chief
Responsible for the public health surveillance of disease outbreaks and other field epidemiological investigations of public health importance, such as disasters
Attends and completes trainings to maintain competencies
Prepares written reports for posting to EPICOM
Conducts research projects that involve data collection and analysis for studies related to programmatic evaluation and impact
Contributes to the development of the Community Health Assessment (CHA) through data analysis and interpretation of chronic disease, maternal and infant health, communicable diseases, injury patterns, etc., for Okaloosa County
Responsible for coordination with the Public Health Preparedness Section for planning and response activities related to surveillance and response to biological, chemical, and nuclear threats or any other weapons of mass destruction
Works with Public Health Preparedness planners to develop plans for disease surveillance; isolation, quarantine and social distancing; and/or mass prophylaxis and immunization related to bioterrorist events
Works closely with the Environmental Health Section on disease investigations regarding outbreaks with primarily environmental or food and water borne origin
Responsible for the preparation, coordination, and meetings for LERT
Uses ESSENCE-FL, EPICOM, and Alert Okaloosa Emergency Alerting system to monitor for unlikely syndromic conditions that may indicate bioterrorism activity
Provides support to the Tuberculosis and Fatality Review programs and staff and serves as backup to District 1 Medical Examiner’s Office Epidemiologist position, as needed
Assists in writing a quarterly newsletter for medical providers regarding communicable disease surveillance, reporting, and results of surveillance
Maintains records and reports as required
Performs administrative functions and works on assigned asks as needed
Participates in in-service education programs, conferences, and staff meetings
Conducts and attends training related to bioterrorism and serves as a resource to staff and the community
Provides enhanced surveillance and monitoring following natural or manmade disasters
May provide technical leadership and guidance and coordinate work of lower-level Epidemiologists, other professional staff, or technical and administrative staff, as assigned
Completes timesheet, EARS, and mandatory DOH training in a timely and accurate manner
Performs all other duties as assigned in support of the agency’s mission and vision
Qualification
Required
Newly graduated master's degree with minimal experience but from a master's program with a focus in epidemiology and/or analysis and assessment; or bachelor's degree in Health Sciences, Biological Sciences, Epidemiology, Public Health, or Nursing with at least 2 years of experience performing epidemiology work required
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
Compile, organize, and analyze data for the purpose of monitoring and evaluating
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
Develop and deliver presentations
Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the organization and with community partners
Utilize problem-solving techniques
Ability to multitask
Effectively determine work priorities and ensure timely completion of work assignments
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
And more!
Company
State of Florida
The State of Florida is an online telephone and email directory for state government agencies and employees in Florida.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Richard Herstein, MD, MHA, MBA
Chief Hospital Administrator (CEO) and Chief Medical Officer (CMO)
Jimmy Patronis
Chief Financial Officer
Recent News
St Pete Catalyst
2026-01-25
St Pete Catalyst
2026-01-14
2026-01-14
Company data provided by crunchbase