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OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV - 64852302

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: 862899

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV - 64852302

Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 64852302

Salary: $30 - $35/HR

Posting Closing Date: 11/10/2025

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:

Hamilton, Suwannee, Lafayette, Dixie, Columbia, Nassau, Baker, Duval, Union, Bradford, Clay, St. Johns, Gilchrist, Alachua, Putnam, Flagler, Levy, Marion

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:

JACKSONVILLE, FL, US, 32202 FERNANDINA BEACH, FL, US, 32034 GREEN COVE SPRINGS, FL, US, 32043 GAINESVILLE, FL, US, 32609 OCALA, FL, US, 34473 JACKSONVILLE, FL, US, 32226 RAIFORD, FL, US, 32083 JACKSONVILLE, FL, US, 32244 WELLBORN, FL, US, 32094 JACKSONVILLE, FL, US, 32222 JACKSONVILLE, FL, US, 33207 SUMMERFIELD, FL, US, 34491 GAINESVILLE, FL, US, 32653 JACKSONVILLE, FL, US, 32210 JACKSONVILLE, FL, US, 32225 JACKSONVILLE, FL, US, 32246 TRENTON, FL, US, 32693 PALM COAST, FL, US, 32164 JACKSONVILLE, FL, US, 32205 OCALA, FL, US, 34482 JACKSONVILLE, FL, US, 32209 CHIEFLAND, FL, US, 32326 WELLBORN, FL, US, 32055 GAINESVILLE, FL, US, 32608 OCALA, FL, US, 34470 BELLEVIEW, FL, US, 34420 PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL, US, 32082 ALACHUA, FL, US, 32315 WELAKA, FL, US, 32193 WILLISTON, FL, US, 32696 JASPER, FL, US, 32052 JACKSONVILLE, FL, US, 32216 HILLIARD, FL, US, 32046 ST AUGUSTINE, FL, US, 32095 JACKSONVILLE, FL, US, 32219 ST AUGUSTINE, FL, US, 32084 BELL, FL, US, 32619 YULEE, FL, US, 32041 SILVER SPRINGS, FL, US, 34488 OCALA, FL, US, 33474 OCALA, FL, US, 34479 CROSS CITY, FL, US, 32628 LAKE CITY, FL, US, 32025 YANKEETOWN, FL, US, 34498 OCALA, FL, US, 34472 GAINESVILLE, FL, US, 32605 JACKSONVILLE, FL, US, 32221 GAINESVILLE, FL, US, 32641 CITRA, FL, US, 32113 ST AUGUSTINE, FL, US, 32086 PONTE VEDRA, FL, US, 32081 GAINESVILLE, FL, US, 32601 JACKSONVILLE, FL, US, 32204 CHIEFLAND, FL, US, 32626 MAYO, FL, US, 32066 MACCLENNY, FL, US, 32063 JACKSONVILLE, FL, US, 32208 OCALA, FL, US, 34475 JACKSONVILLE, FL, US, 32212 STARKE, FL, US, 32608 ST AUGUSTINE, FL, US, 32092 WHITE SPRINGS, FL, US, 32096 CALLAHAN, FL, US, 32011 GAINESVILLE, FL, US, 32606 FORT WHITE, FL, US, 32038 CHIEFLAND, FL, US, 32644 FLAGLER BEACH, FL, US, 32136 GAINESVILLE, FL, US, 32611 JACKSONVILLE, FL, US, 32250 LIVE OAK, FL, US, 32060 LIVE OAK, FL, US, 32064 OCALA, FL, US, 34471 GAINESVILLE, FL, US, 32607 BUNNELL, FL, US, 32110 JACKSONVILLE, FL, US, 32231 FANNING SPRINGS, FL, US, 32693 SAINT AUGUSTINE, FL, US, 32085 OCALA, FL, US, 34478 NEWBERRY, FL, US, 32669 EAST PALATKA, FL, US, 32131 OCALA, FL, US, 32674 OLD TOWN, FL, US, 32680 HIGH SPRINGS, FL, US, 32643 LAWTEY, FL, US, 32058 FERNANDINA BEACH, FL, US, 32035 REDDICK, FL, US, 32686 YULEE, FL, US, 32097 PALM COAST, FL, US, 32137 HAWTHORNE, FL, US, 32640 LAKE BUTLER, FL, US, 32054 PALATKA, FL, US, 32177 LAKE CITY, FL, US, 32055 EAST PALATKA, FL, US, 32177 DUNNELLON, FL, US, 34431 ALACHUA, FL, US, 32615 RAIFORD, FL, US, 32026 DUNNELLON, FL, US, 34432 FL, US, 32178 JACKSONVILLE, FL, US, 32254 JACKSONVILLE, FL, US, 32224 JACKSONVILLE, FL, US, 32259 LAKE CITY, FL, US, 32024 JENNINGS, FL, US, 32053 BRONSON, FL, US, 32621 STARKE, FL, US, 32091 HASTINGS, FL, US, 32145 GLEN ST MARY, FL, US, 32040 MIDDLEBURG, FL, US, 32068 BRANFORD, FL, US, 32008 WALDO, FL, US, 32694 JACKSONVILLE, FL, US, 32207 AMELIA ISLAND, FL, US, 32034 JACKSONVILLE, FL, US, 32218 PALATKA, FL, US, 32007 JACKSONVILLE, FL, US, 32206 MICANOPY, FL, US, 32667 CEDAR KEY, FL, US, 32625 ST AUGUSTINE, FL, US, 32080 ARCHER, FL, US, 32618 JACKSONVILLE, FL, US, 32211 LAKE CITY, FL, US, 32056 OCALA, FL, US, 34474

Nearest Major Market:Jacksonville