Requisition No: 248421
Agency: Department of Health
Working Title: BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - 64026352
Position Number: 64026352
Salary:  $1,074.08 - $1,463.78 Biweekly
Posting Closing Date: 10/21/2020
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - OPEN COMPETITIVE
Bureau of Public Health Laboratories
Tampa Laboratory
$1,074.08 - $1,463.78 Biweekly
Job Title: BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I 186362)
Requisition ID: 248421
Position Number: 64026352
Closing Date: 10/21/2020
DESCRIPTION
This is a responsible technical position assigned to both the Serology and Microbiology Sections of a Public Health Laboratory. Work is performed under very general supervision.
Assists the supervisor in planning and managing the daily workflow.  Pre-analytical accessioning and processing of samples for testing Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and Syphilis.  Maintains good rapport with clients by presenting the department in a positive and courteous manner when calling for information or informing clients of a problem.  Accepts responsibility, as needed, for providing assistance to other section employees, preparation of departmental monthly report, preparation of proficiency samples for assay, and demographics entry.  Troubleshoots instrumentation and procedural problems.
Prepares special glassware and equipment necessary for performance of testing.  Performs basic calibrations and preventive maintenance for equipment used in the Serology Section.  Makes any necessary corrections and records the information.
Handles the following tasks:
• telephone inquiries regarding testing and related results
• maintenance of laboratory test records
• preparation of the monthly supply order for the Serology Section
• compilation of the monthly statistical report for completed testing
• performance of complex quality control testing, including participation in proficiency testing programs
• refers specimens to other laboratories
• coordinates and assists other technical personnel in the performance of their duties
• keeps supervisor apprised of any departmental or client related problems
Perform related work as required to include committee appointed duties, provide some assistance in the training of new employees
and extern students in sample preparation procedures.
Plans and coordinates shipping of foodborne pathogens and other isolates as needed to Bureau of Public Health Laboratories (BPHL) -Jacksonville for molecular analysis to support both the BPHL and Bureau of Epidemiology.  Follows protocols for nucleic acid isolation and purification for shipping to BPHL-Jacksonville for whole genome sequencing analysis.  Performs specimen processing to include sorting and selection of isolates submitted from regional commercial labs.  Communicates directly with regional commercial labs to improve isolate submission. Isolation, confirmation, and serogrouping of salmonella isolates. Submitting serotype and serogroup results into LabWare.
Helps in the accessioning of private well water samples submitted to the environmental laboratory for coliform testing.
Performs related duties as needed and assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES
Knowledge of the basic concepts and principles of the sciences.
Knowledge of the procedures, equipment and materials used in laboratory testing and analysis.
Knowledge of basic math.
Skill in the use of laboratory equipment and materials.
Ability to understand and follow technical instructions.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to communicate effectively.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
1 - 3 years experience minimum.
PREFERRED EDUCATION
Associates Degree
LIECENSURE, CERTIFICATION, REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
N/A
NOTE
Thank you for your interest in career opportunities with the Florida Department of Health.  If you are looking to establish a successful career in the Health Care Field, you have come to the right place.  Many of our innovative and successful health programs are recognized throughout the State of Florida.  We hope you decide to join our team!
We request that all applications be completed with People First - no faxed or mailed applications to the agency. Experience, education, and/or training used to meet the minimum qualifications and in response to the qualifying questions must be verifiable through information contained in your application.
When completing the online application, all gaps of employment or education greater than 90 days starting from high school must be explained (approximate date, month, and year) identifying company name or if unemployed. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
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. Note: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to conduct this background check.
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.”
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.
VETERANS’ PREFERENCE DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS HAVE RECENTLY CHANGED.
To obtain revised and updated information on Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements, click here .   Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, applicants eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  However, applicants claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each application 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.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.  Applicants may also fax their supporting documentation to People First at 1-888-403-2110.
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 Departments 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.  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.