Biological Scientist Iii

BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST III - ******** Date:  May 13, 2024
Location:  WEST PALM BEACH, FL, US, 33401

The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our  E-Verify Website .
Requisition No: 824329 
Agency: Department of Health
Working Title: BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST III - ********
Pay Plan: Career Service
Position Number: ********  
Salary:  $40,350.96 - $47,574.02 
Posting Closing Date: 05/20/2024 
Total Compensation Estimator  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 the department.
Specific Responsibilities: This is a Biological Scientist III position in the Environmental Public Health (EPH) Program, serving as quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) focal point for the ambient air program and the water laboratory including oversight and/or review of quality control data. Work is performed under the supervision of the Environmental Administrator-HLTH. This position requires independent judgment, initiative, general knowledge of business practices, and skill in applying instructions to accomplish various job functions.
This position is designated as a sensitive position and is required to maintain confidential information in accordance with the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) Palm Beach County Health Department (CHD) Information Security Policy, Protocols and Procedures. Has access to Health Management System (HMS) for Daily Activity Record (DAR) entries and subordinate staff review. Incumbent enters and updates information in the Environmental Health Database (EHD) including inspections, permits, customer and billing information. May view, update and release information as needed.
Conducts laboratory operations and data reporting using Laboratory Information and Management Software (LIMS).  Reviews data, bench sheets, and communicates with clients as needed.  Performs necessary quality control (QC) checks on laboratory supplies.  Executes calibration checks on applicable laboratory equipment.  Completes capability demonstrations and proficiency testing for which the lab is accredited.  Attends laboratory meetings. Achieves required laboratory trainings.  Maintains accurate records through logbooks and computer files for easy review by internal and external auditors. Develops root cause analysis and corrective actions as needed.  Participates and prepares for annual internal audit, annual management review, and biennial audit.  Update inventory counts and reports discrepancies in inventory.  Receives water samples from clients, manages samples, and analyzes drinking water for Total Coliform and E-coli bacteria, and marine water for Enterococci bacteria. Completes accurate reports and test results and provides report to clients. Performs calibration, maintenance of the laboratory's equipment and operates Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for sample tracking.
Serves as assistant to the lead scientist for the operations and maintenance of countywide ambient air monitoring network; ensures operations are carried out in accordance with standard operating procedures and criteria established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Conducts quality control in the collection of data; develops and maintains spare parts inventory for minor repairs and maintenance; schedules periodic servicing of equipment; maintains computerized data management system; coordinates collection, reduction, and compilation of air monitoring data; ensures data meets the capture efficiency and accuracy/precision requirements of DEP and EPA. 
Performs calibrations and performance checks on air monitoring instruments and support equipment in accordance with the program quality assurance plan to ensure that the data collected is legally defensible.  Conducts routine data collection and handling operations. Completes routine maintenance on air monitoring instruments, and support equipment (calibration and data management system). Makes repairs utilizing manufacturers' trouble shooting manuals and special diagnostic equipment.  Executes quality assurance review of assigned sites/analyzers to ensure compliance with Ambient Air Monitoring Federal and State requirements. Implements periodic internal audits to ensure compliance with the applicable requirements and policies.
Serves as technical advisor to DEP in developing new policies for air monitoring and data management. Participates in technical committees for discussion of problems and issues; attends air monitoring workshops and meetings. Assists in the establishment of new monitoring sites following EPA/DEP sitting criteria.
Participate in standard activities; Outreach, Suggestions, and /or teamwork
Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of scientific instrumentation and ability to operate and maintain water lab instruments and data management systems. Knowledge of terminology, principles and analytical techniques of the physical or natural sciences Ability to operate and maintain scientific instruments utilizes for monitoring environmental parameters Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures related to the quality assurance aspects of the environmental program Knowledge of statistical techniques to determine the accuracy and reliability of data Ability to work independently. Ability to communicate effectively. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques Qualifications: Licensure/registration/certification requirements (If applicable, list the appropriate Florida Statute or federal regulation cite): A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the physical or natural sciences or engineering per Chapter 403 F.S. Other job-related requirements for this position: Incumbent may be required to work before, during and/or beyond normal work hours or days in the event of an emergency.  Emergency duty required of the incumbent includes working in special needs shelters, or performing other emergency duties including, but not limited to, responses to or threats involving any disaster or threat of disaster, man-made or natural. Valid Driver's License. Hard hat and steel toe safety boots is required for this position. Must be able to lift to fifty (50Lb) and carry 15ft or more for transporting equipment and supplies to our sites. Working hours: (A) Daily from 8:00AM to 5:00PM (B) Total hours in workweek 40 (C) Explain any variation in work (split shift, rotation, etc.)      
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: 800 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
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 );
Flexible Spending Accounts; Tuition waivers; And more! For a more complete list of benefits, including monthly costs, visit  .
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:  
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.
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 ). 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. 
Nearest Major Market: Palm Beach
Nearest Secondary Market: Miami