BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST III

BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST III - 64067542

Your specific responsibilities: Perform investigation, data entry, and follow-up for the prevention and control of lead poisoning and other environmental health concerns including, but not limited to reportable diseases, foodborne and waterborne illnesses, and general infectious diseases. The incumbent will perform daily surveillance, data analysis, and management using ESSENCE, Merlin data systems, and other databases as needed. Follow up on all Electronic Laboratory Reports (ELR) and faxed reports within assigned zip code to include but not limited to collecting basic demographics and clinical information on suspected cases, confirming diagnosis, determining probable sources of infection, determining mode of transmission, determining extent of spread, and recommending appropriate control measures. Conduct community outreach to provide targeted education and interventions to reduce exposure to lead and other environmental toxins in the home and group settings. Attend healthcare providers and community meetings to share and yield vital information. Provide information on the prevention, surveillance, and control of environmental health concerns to community, clients, or health care professional groups. Participate in training programs, educational conferences. Duties include strategic plan writing, facilitation of a large community group and research into solution areas. Work with Disease Control and Health Protection Programs in training, education, and preparation for outbreaks, possible bioterrorism incidents and special events that require enhanced epidemiological and/or surveillance systems. Provide back up to other members of Public Health Preparedness and other programs at an operations level. Attends program and Division meetings as indicated. Provide back up to other members of the Division of Disease Control and Health Protection as assigned to an operations level. This may include but is not limited to: Direct Observed Therapy (DOT), outreach efforts, immunization clinics, disease investigations and traveler monitoring. Acquire training hours in accordance with the FDOH-Pinellas Training Policy (these trainings may include, but are not limited to, the approved CEU courses. Accurately tracks, records, and reports time and attendance in accordance with FDOH-Pinellas / Division policies and procedures. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required knowledge, skills and abilities: Knowledge of public health principles related to environmental health inspections, disease surveillance and outbreak investigations Knowledge of therapeutic or prophylactic treatment protocols Skilled in performing capillary blood lead level testing on children <6 years Skilled in collecting and transmitting appropriate laboratory specimens for diagnostic study. Skilled in preparing surveillance reports, data summaries, and other written documentation for publication, presentation, or dissemination Skilled in creating graphs and charts to illustrate data and surveillance findings Ability to monitor clients and susceptible clients for proper follow-up on control measures Ability to maintain adequate records of essential information Ability to perform and ensure environmental health inspections Ability to provide timely public health alerts as necessary Ability to coordinate therapeutic or prophylactic treatment as needed Ability to collaborate effectively with community, State, and federal partners Ability to conduct studies and investigations related to outbreaks of public health significance

Minimum qualifications: Valid driver's license. Preferred qualifications: At least two (2) years of experience working in environmental health or applied epidemiology field, specifically environmental monitoring and information distribution. Bachelor's degree in biology or related field. Master's degree in public health or related field. Certification in public health (CPH)