BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST III - 64029115

State of Florida • Tampa, FL

1d • $46,000 - $50,000

About The Position

The Biological Scientist III position performs investigation of cases of reportable illnesses and outbreaks, collects and evaluates data, provides direct client and community education based on data analysis and disease intervention strategies.  This Biological Scientist functions as an upper level position and requires the ability to work independently and as a team member with minimal supervision.

Requirements

• Knowledge regarding communicable disease reporting, control measures, and disease prevention/transmission.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to prepare reports for diverse audiences.
• Ability to work with community partners, healthcare providers, and internal staff.
• Critical thinking to analyze complex health issues and develop evidence-based interventions.
• Organizational skills to handle multiple projects and prioritize workloads.
• Two years of epidemiology experience conducting disease and outbreak investigations, surveillance, and analyzing data of communicable diseases
• Experience in utilizing Merlin or other disease reporting database

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Natural Science or Public Health related and one year of relevant work experience
• Three years of epidemiology experience conducting disease and outbreak investigations

Responsibilities

• Conducts investigations and outbreaks of assigned cases of reportable diseases or conditions according to DOH-Hillsborough Epidemiology Program guidelines and the Florida Department of Health Bureau of Epidemiology Guide to Disease Surveillance and Investigations (GSI)
• Contacts physician offices, laboratories, hospitals and clients for information to complete an epidemiology report.  Performs reviews of  medical records and hospital records when needed.  Provides disease information and statistics to community partners, physician offices or clinics when appropriate.
• Conducts investigations of reportable diseases to determine the source of infection, gather and evaluate data and provide information necessary to prevent the spread of disease.  Data is usually collected by phone interviews, but occasionally field visits or face-to-face interviews are needed.
• Performs pick ups of human specimens or collection of environmental specimens for laboratory analysis to determine source and cause of disease outbreaks.
• Advises Epidemiology staff of outbreak situations through briefings, database management and written reports.  Conducts surveillance for disease trends for reporting to the state health office or internal research projects.
• Attends meetings, committees, seminars, workshops and training as required. Conducts presentations on communicable diseases. Participates in Health Fairs.

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;

What This Job Offers

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