ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT - 64056462

State of Florida • Bay Harbor Islands, FL

12d

About The Position

This is a highly responsible and independent position functioning in a multi-county geographical area under the general supervision of the Biological Administrator. The incumbent is responsible for technical, surveillance, investigative, analytical and programmatic work involving food and waterborne disease outbreak epidemiology. The incumbent should have a thorough knowledge of the scientific literature pertaining to food and waterborne disease epidemiology and actual experience in outbreak investigations.
Works cooperatively as the food and waterborne outbreak epidemiologist in a multi-county area of the state. Leads and provides technical assistance in the investigation of suspected food and waterborne disease outbreaks in response to a county health department's request, including data collection, sample collection, evaluation, analysis and interpretation of results, and preparation of preliminary and final reports of investigative findings. Reviews existing and devises new active and passive food and waterborne disease surveillance systems and recommends actions to enhance reporting. Develops protocols in cooperation With county health departments and the Bureau of Epidemiology.
Develops, maintains and provides analyses of a computer-based data system in order to track incidence, prevalence, risk factors and trends of food and waterborne diseases. Provides timely statistical reports of cases. surveillance, investigations and other related data.
Serves as the trainer for the multi-county geographical coverage area for food and waterborne disease epidemiology to include investigative methods, protocols, interview techniques, data source and statistical analyses, as well as proper collection and submission of specimens for laboratory analysis. Provides selective training and consultation to county health department staff, various other staff within the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and other appropriate state agencies and community-groups.
Serves as laboratory liaison for Food and Water disease outbreak investigations food, water and biological samples analyses to ensure timely communication of analysis results and identification or food and water borne pathogens to the regional environmental epidemiologists, partner agencies, appropriate medical care providers and county health departments.
Provides training and information to stakeholders on food and waterborne disease.
Serves as surge capacity for other regional environmental epidemiologists.
Serves as regional liaison to other state and federal agencies, professional organizations. and community groups which will involve the use of effective and verbal and written communication skills. Consults with industry, medical professionals, the general public, and the media (following established policy) on food or waterborne diseases.
Ensures that the requirements for interagency agreements pertaining to procedures and reporting requirements for foodborne outbreaks are being followed by county health departments for outbreak occurrences. Participates in corrective action plans to ensure follow-through on identified problems by the food facility or water utility with the agency having enforcement jurisdiction.
Performs other related duties as required which may require weekend or overtime work approved by the supervisor. Complies with Employee Handbook. Participate as required to share on-call duty assignments with other staff, in order lo provide continuous 24 hour telephone coverage for the Bureau of Epidemiology. Weekly assignments will occur approximately every 4 to 6 weeks depending upon the number of staff involved. The incumbent will be expected to be available to accept all incoming after hours (5pm lo 8am) weekday, weekend and holiday calls, assess the urgency of each call and provide an appropriate response. On occasion a call regarding selected "Hot Button" diseases (i.e. exposure to rabies. suspect botulism or bacterial meningitis case) or a community-wide emergency (i.e. food borne outbreak. hurricane, tornado, bioterrorism alert} will require extensive follow-up and coordination with. other agencies etc. that is beyond the scope of the on-call assignment.
Perform other duties assigned.

Requirements

• Knowledge of epidemiology, microbiology. and environmental health.
• Knowledge and understanding of program policies, and administrative guidance related to food and waterborne diseases.
• Skill in collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data using computer software (e.g. Access database, Epi Info, Excel).
• Ability to communicate in writing.
• Ability to communicate orally.
• Ability to analyze, evaluate. research and interpret scientific guidelines/protocols, policies. and regulations.

Nice To Haves

• A master’s degree in public health, or equivalent degree in a health-related field, such as BSN is preferred but not required.
• Two or more years of experience in outbreak investigations.

Responsibilities

• Works cooperatively as the food and waterborne outbreak epidemiologist in a multi-county area of the state.
• Leads and provides technical assistance in the investigation of suspected food and waterborne disease outbreaks in response to a county health department's request, including data collection, sample collection, evaluation, analysis and interpretation of results, and preparation of preliminary and final reports of investigative findings.
• Reviews existing and devises new active and passive food and waterborne disease surveillance systems and recommends actions to enhance reporting.
• Develops protocols in cooperation With county health departments and the Bureau of Epidemiology.
• Develops, maintains and provides analyses of a computer-based data system in order to track incidence, prevalence, risk factors and trends of food and waterborne diseases.
• Provides timely statistical reports of cases. surveillance, investigations and other related data.
• Serves as the trainer for the multi-county geographical coverage area for food and waterborne disease epidemiology to include investigative methods, protocols, interview techniques, data source and statistical analyses, as well as proper collection and submission of specimens for laboratory analysis.
• Provides selective training and consultation to county health department staff, various other staff within the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and other appropriate state agencies and community-groups.
• Serves as laboratory liaison for Food and Water disease outbreak investigations food, water and biological samples analyses to ensure timely communication of analysis results and identification or food and water borne pathogens to the regional environmental epidemiologists, partner agencies, appropriate medical care providers and county health departments.
• Provides training and information to stakeholders on food and waterborne disease.
• Serves as surge capacity for other regional environmental epidemiologists.
• Serves as regional liaison to other state and federal agencies, professional organizations. and community groups which will involve the use of effective and verbal and written communication skills.
• Consults with industry, medical professionals, the general public, and the media (following established policy) on food or waterborne diseases.
• Ensures that the requirements for interagency agreements pertaining to procedures and reporting requirements for foodborne outbreaks are being followed by county health departments for outbreak occurrences.
• Participates in corrective action plans to ensure follow-through on identified problems by the food facility or water utility with the agency having enforcement jurisdiction.
• Performs other related duties as required which may require weekend or overtime work approved by the supervisor.
• Complies with Employee Handbook.
• Participate as required to share on-call duty assignments with other staff, in order lo provide continuous 24 hour telephone coverage for the Bureau of Epidemiology.
• The incumbent will be expected to be available to accept all incoming after hours (5pm lo 8am) weekday, weekend and holiday calls, assess the urgency of each call and provide an appropriate response.
• Perform other duties assigned.

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: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees