Requisition No: 858230
Agency: Department of Health
Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST III - 64853307
Pay Plan: Temp
Position Number: 64853307
Salary: $22.26
Posting Closing Date: 08/20/2025
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Job posting category (Open)

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Responsible for Rabies Surveillance Program. Conducts initial and follow-up investigations for all reported animal bite cases. Investigates possible exposure cases, prepares specimens for laboratory examination and performs follow-up of quarantine. Completes all required paperwork.
• Establishes quarantine requirements for bite animals in compliance with the current Rabies Prevention and Control in Florida Guidebook. Conducts necessary site investigations to ensure compliance. Completes quarantine agreement documents with animal’s owner and conducts site visit to evaluate animal’s health at the time of release from quarantine.
• Follows Surveillance and Investigation Guidance for Rabies exposures.
• Duties include responsibility for assessing all exposures for possible post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and coordinating follow up treatment with the Leon Health Department Clinic or other medical providers.
• Coordinates with appropriate Animal Control agency to locate, capture and confine bite animals as necessary.
• Maintains animal bite record in the EHD/Merlin. Ensures patient confidentiality in compliance with HIPPA standards.
• Provide health educational resources for schools, community groups, and public and other organizations on communicable diseases. Design and participate in outreach activities in settings of epidemiological significance, such as health fairs, community events, schools, or other identified events as needed.
• Work closely with other agencies, health care providers and hospitals to assist with assurance of appropriate care and management of patients affected by potential foodborne illnesses.
• Participate in local, regional or state public health meetings or with other local partners meetings as required
• Prepares reports and/or provides data regarding program services and activities as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality of medical information, records, and data pursuant to County policies and procedures and the State of Florida and Federal HIPAA regulations.
• Will take inbound calls and customer inquiries as needed.
• Other duties may be assigned.
  Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Desired experience and qualifications for the position are listed below.
  Knowledge of public health principles and practices related to communicable disease programs including prevention, investigation, treatment, education, and community awareness. Knowledge of local, state and federal rules and regulations concerning public health.
  Skill in the operation of various software applications programs, including word processing, spreadsheets and electronic mail. Skills in problem solving techniques.

Ability to express ideas effectively, verbally and in writing. Ability to meet deadlines and work independently in cooperation with agency, community and industry representatives. Ability to develop and maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, County officials and the general public. Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to the biological sciences.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences and two years of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program; or
• A master’s degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences and one year of professional experience as described above; or
• A doctorate from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences.

Under the direction of the Environmental Administrator SES performs case /contact investigation, partner notification, and follow-up of investigations for all reported animal bite cases. Investigates possible exposure cases, coordinates specimens for laboratory examination and performs follow-up of quarantine for Rabies Surveillance Program.
Provide health education to general public about infectious disease signs, symptoms, and prevention. Completes related work as required.