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OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV - 64852381

Date: Oct 17, 2025

The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website (http://www.dms.myflorida.com/workforce\_operations/human\_resource\_management/for\_job\_applicants/e\_verify) .

Requisition No: 862900

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV - 64852381

Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 64852381

Salary: $30 - $35/HR

Posting Closing Date: 11/03/2025

Total Compensation Estimator Tool (https://compcalculator.myflorida.com/)

Open Competitive Job Opportunity

Florida Department of Health

Division of Disease Control and Health Protection

Bureau of Epidemiology

Your Specific Responsibilities:

The Regional HAI Epidemiologists have extensive knowledge of the principles of HAI/AR, public health surveillance and the application of epidemiological methods to HAI/AR organisms. This position conducts epidemiologic investigations, surveillance, and interventions related to HAI/AR organisms to support health care facilities and county health departments. They will provide overall HAI/AR assistance within their region.

+ Serve as subject matter expert on IPC practices, HAI organisms, public health surveillance and epidemiological investigations.

+ Provide timely infection prevention and control consultation to county health departments, health care organizations, and congregate settings.

+ Analyze, evaluate, research, and interpret scientific guidelines/protocols, policies, and regulations.

+ Utilize and review Florida’s surveillance system, Merlin, to track outbreaks and investigate AR, MDRO, and non-AR cases. Review NHSN reports to identify opportunities for improving emerging threat detection and making recommendations for health care facilities that have the greatest need for improvement based on surveillance data.

+ Support HAI/AR epidemiological investigations including outbreak or case creation in Merlin

+ Prepare and send CRO alerts and C. auris rule out notifications to CHDs and facilities.

+ Support onsite prevention and response infection prevention and control assessments as needed, including a review of health care facilities infection prevention plans, direct observation of infection control practices using a standardized tool (e.g., ICAR), and surveillance capacity. Conduct follow-up site assessments within 3 weeks of initial visit to ensure that the healthcare facility has implemented mitigation recommendations based on report findings.

+ Ensure findings from on-site visits and summarize them in a report and/or tracking system, with key findings and recommendations provided to the participating healthcare facility. Submit completed reports into the appropriate HAI SharePoint folder and REDCap, if applicable.

+ Train, coordinate, review, and evaluate the activities of disease surveillance and investigations. Provide education and training to county health departments on conducting HAI investigations and response (e.g. ICARs, contaminated medical products, routine facility outbreaks, etc…).

+ Coordinate laboratory support for testing and typing of specimens and isolates in collaboration with Bureau of Public Health Laboratories (BPHL)

+ Collaborate with county health departments and health care facilities for improving outbreak detection and reporting.

+ Host regional meetings with county health department staff within their region.

+ Provide updates on investigations during Bureau of Epidemiology meetings.

+ Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of epidemiology, including an understanding of the effects of the interaction between populations, causative factors, and environment. Knowledge and understanding of program policies and administrative guidance related to surveillance and investigation of infectious and non-infectious disease conditions. Knowledge of health care associated infections and infection control protocols. Ability to communicate in writing. Ability to communicate orally. Ability to analyze, evaluate, research and interpret scientific guidelines/protocols, policies, and regulations. Ability to coordinate meetings and trainings.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications-

+ High school diploma

Preferred Qualifications –

+ A master’s degree or higher in healthcare, public health, or related fields.

+ 3 years of experience conducting on-site and/or remote health care facility infection control assessments.

+ Certification in infection control preferred but not required.

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:

Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington, Bay, Jackson, Calhoun, Gulf, Liberty, Gadsden, Franklin, Leon, Wakulla, Jefferson, Madison, Taylor

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.

Location:

TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32399 SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL, US, 32459 PANAMA CITY, FL, US, 32405 GULF BREEZE, FL, US, 32563 PENSACOLA, FL, US, 32507 DESTIN, FL, US, 32541 MARIANNA, FL, US, 32446 MILTON, FL, US, 32583 PORT ST JOE, FL, US, 32456 APALACHICOLA, FL, US, 32320 PANAMA CITY, FL, US, 32401 PENSACOLA, FL, US, 32506 CHATTAHOOCHEE, FL, US, 32324 COTTONDALE, FL, US, 32431 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32312 QUINCY, FL, US, 32353 QUINCY, FL, US, 32351 BONIFAY, FL, US, 32425 PACE, FL, US, 32571 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32303 BLOUNTSTOWN, FL, US, 32424 CRESTVIEW, FL, US, 32539 PENSACOLA, FL, US, 32502 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32309 PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL, US, 32413 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32311 EBRO, FL, US, 32437 FL, US, 32591 DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, FL, US, 32435 PERRY, FL, US, 32348 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32301 ALACHUA, FL, US, 32315 DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, FL, US, 32433 PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL, US, 32408 SOUTHPORT, FL, US, 32409 PENSACOLA, FL, US, 32526 CRESTVIEW, FL, US, 32536 CALLAWAY, FL, US, 32404 PENSACOLA, FL, US, 32503 VERNON, FL, US, 32462 CRESTVIEW, FL, US, 32583 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32317 CHIPLEY, FL, US, 32428 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32302 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32308 LEE, FL, US, 32059 ST GEORGE ISL, FL, US, 32328 PENSACOLA, FL, US, 32505 MARIANNA, FL, US, 32448 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32304 SHALIMAR, FL, US, 32579 PENSACOLA, FL, US, 32504 GRETNA, FL, US, 32332 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32316 HAVANA, FL, US, 32333 GULF BREEZE, FL, US, 32561 CARRABELLE, FL, US, 32322 GRACEVILLE, FL, US, 32440 AUCILLA, FL, US, 32344 CLARKSVILLE, FL, US, 32430 PANAMA CITY, FL, US, 32402 PENSACOLA, FL, US, 32512 MILTON, FL, US, 32570 BAKER, FL, US, 32531 BRISTOL, FL, US, 32321 PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL, US, 32407 EASTPOINT, FL, US, 32328 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32305 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32310 MONTICELLO, FL, US, 32344 PENSACOLA, FL, US, 32514 WEWAHITCHKA, FL, US, 32465 MIDWAY, FL, US, 32343 CRAWFORDVILLE, FL, US, 32327 SNEADS, FL, US, 32460 FORT WALTON BEACH, FL, US, 32547 ALTHA, FL, US, 32421 PACE, FL, US, 32574 SOPCHOPPY, FL, US, 32358 PENSACOLA, FL, US, 32534 LAUREL HILL, FL, US, 32567 YOUNGSTOWN, FL, US, 32466 FORT WALTON BEACH, FL, US, 32110 NICEVILLE, FL, US, 32578 PANAMA CITY, FL, US, 32404 PONCE DE LEON, FL, US, 32455 PERRY, FL, US, 32347 PENSACOLA, FL, US, 32501 CENTURY, FL, US, 32535 MADISON, FL, US, 32340 NAVARRE, FL, US, 32566 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32307 CHATTAHOOCHEE, FL, US, 32351 NICEVILLE, FL, US, 32588 MARIANNA, FL, US, 32447 MILTON, FL, US, 32572 PENSACOLA, FL, US, 32508

Nearest Major Market:Tallahassee