4527 - Epidemiologist (Public Health Data Services)

Overall Job Objective

Position Description

There are three (3) positions (one (1) grant-funded) located in Epidemiology Division within the Health Department. OPEN UNTIL FILLED.

Salary Grade: 54

Performs investigative work to describe the determinants and distribution of disease patterns, prevalence, incidence, local circumstances and other health outcomes contributing to unusual increases of disease; and develops the means for prevention and control.

Duties/Responsibilities

(Work assignments may vary depending on the department's needs and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.)

Coordinates, participates, or oversees public health activities, including statistical analysis, communicable disease investigations and interventions, and related surveillance systems;
Researches and investigates morbidity, mortality and natality data to discover, document and report distribution and changes in disease and disability patterns;
Analyzes geographic, physiologic, sociologic, economic, occupational and other environmental factors pertinent to existing disease and disability patterns;
Develops research models and associated implementation procedures;
Designs, implements, conducts and evaluates surveillance programs and case control studies;
Monitors disease patterns to detect increases or potential epidemics;
Interprets statistical analysis of diseases and disability patterns;
Organizes and implements disease control intervention and prevention strategies for mitigating the spread of disease;
Consults with and advises clinicians, government health officials and others regarding various disease detection, treatment and containment measures;
Investigates potential environmental factors relating to suspected disease or other health problems and provides assessments and recommends intervention controls to management;
Researches material and develops and presents public health training and information programs in environmental issues, wellness, disease prevention and health promotion to the public and healthcare providers;
Develops and maintains databases to facilitate departmental work;
Collects, documents, packages and transports laboratory specimens, e.g., blood, throat swabs, fecal matter, etc., for analysis per protocols and Universal Precautions;
May lead and participate with other departmental staff in providing on-call and emergency support for public health aspects of unusual or disaster events.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Knowledge of:

• principles, practices and techniques of epidemiologic investigation;
• principles, practices and techniques of research, analysis, and reporting;
• principles, practices and techniques of biostatistics;
• principles, practices and techniques of disease control, prevention, and intervention;
• principles, practices and techniques of public health;
• principles of served population group behavior and dynamics in a public health setting;
• principles and techniques for providing responsive client service to a diverse population;
• database development, maintenance and utilization;
• demographics of the community;
• principles, practices, techniques and protocols for collection of bio-samples;
• principles and techniques of developing and presenting training on public health issues;
• Departmental/County emergency plans and procedures for response to significant events having public health implications or impact;
• National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Base Incident Command System.

Skill in:

• performing epidemiological investigative work;
• planning, researching, analyzing, and reporting;
• communicating effectively, both orally and in writing;
• developing and implementing research models;
• performing phlebotomy and other bio-sampling techniques per protocols;
• interpreting statistics;
• developing and delivering educational materials and training programs on selected public health topics to a wide audience;
• developing planning for disease control, intervention, and prevention plans;
• use of computer-based resources for the preparation of reports and correspondence, developing and maintaining databases and performing statistical and like analyses of data.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in biology, microbiology, public health, medical anthropology, nursing or a related scientific or social science field identified by the appointing authority at the time of recruitment and three years of experience in epidemiological investigative activities. (Relevant experience and/or education from an accredited college or university may be substituted.)

Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.

Preferred Qualifications: (Be specific in describing your experience in your application. Ensure the descriptions provided illustrate your competencies, specifically addressing the required and preferred qualifications.):

1. Masters degree in epidemiology, public health or closely related field.
2. Minimum of (2) years experience in local health epidemiology.
3. Minimum of (2) years experience working with social, environmental, and/or economic determinants of health.

Selection Procedure:
Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum/desired qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum/desired qualifications may be further evaluated/score against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidates from a referral list provided by Human Resources. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process. Supplemental Information

Licenses and Certificates: Certification in Phlebotomy and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) must be obtained within the first six months of employment. Successful completion of Epidemiological training at the Centers for Disease Control or equivalent program is required within the first six months of employment after completion of Pima County probationary status. Valid driver license is required at time of application. Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicants suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services review and approval of the candidates driving record.

Special Notice Items: Department of Labor regulation CFR Part 1910.1030 requires notification that this category may have a high risk of exposure to blood borne pathogens. Hepatitis B vaccine will be provided. Employees in this classification must have reliable access to a properly registered and insured vehicle for travel between work-sites; employee use of own vehicle will be reimbursed, per County policies. The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County.

Physical/Sensory Requirements: Positions within this category may be required to move and manipulate objects and equipment of various weights and sizes and stand or sit for extended periods of time.