CHEMIST III - 64085986

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Internal Agency Opportunity

Applicants accepted only from Department of Health employees, (includes OPS, Career Service, SES or SMS employees). Applicants will not be accepted from outside of the department. 

Florida Department of Health

Bureau of Public Health Laboratories

Jacksonville Laboratory

Your Specific Responsibilities:

This is a highly professional position responsible for developing and enhancing the Bureau of Public Health Laboratories capacity to conduct rapid and accurate analyses of chemical agents suspected in use for chemical terrorism events. The data will be provided to various authorities for the purpose of tracking, controlling, and preventing terrorism acts.  The incumbent will work independently to develop methods and procedures applicable to a variety of human and environmental sample matrices in consultation with the different units of the Department of Health Program Office

Plans, organizes, coordinates, develops, and performs complex methods for rapid and accurate analyses of chemical agents as needed to support both the Bureau of Laboratories and the Department of Health Program Offices.   Applicable techniques include qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses to determine the type of suspected chemicals involved in the incident. This may exceed 14 proficiency testing events annually.

Develops or adapts and institutes new techniques for the analyses of chemical agents using modern instrumentation such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, gas chromatography, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, tandem mass spectrometry, high pressure liquid chromatography, etc. this may exceed 12 characterization extractions annually.

Provides consultation to Environmental Health Program Office, County Health Departments and other agencies concerning the capability and capacity of the Bureau of Laboratories in the area of chemical testing to assist with the field investigation of suspected chemical terrorism events.

Reviews technical literature.  Represents the Bureau of Laboratories at meetings, conferences and lectures pertaining to chemical analyses of suspected terrorism agents.

Prepares necessary reports on current program activities for the Bureau of Laboratories as required or directed by the Chemist Administrator in Chemical Terrorism or the Chief of the Bureau of Laboratories.

Organizes material production for calibration materials as needed.

Coordinates with other agencies such as Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Law Enforcement and Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in methods development and technical exchange of information.

Performs related duties as needed or assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of terminology, principles and techniques used in analysis and testing.                                 

Knowledge of procedures, techniques and equipment used in lab testing and analysis. 

Knowledge of the method of data collection. 

Ability to communicate effectively.     

Ability to work independently.                                                                              

Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.                   

Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Qualifications:

Minimum:  Must have or be eligible for Florida Public Health Technician Clinical Laboratory License.

Preferred: Bachelor of Science (BS)

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:

Jacksonville, FL

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

• 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

(For more information, please click www.myfrs.com);

• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;
• 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.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.