ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT - 64056462

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Open Competitive Opportunity

Florida Department of Health

Division of Disease Control and Health Protection

Bureau of Epidemiology 

Your Specific Responsibilities:

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. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

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.

Qualifications:

Preferred - 

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.

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:

Miami-Dade/Monroe

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.