03/29/2010 34490

EPIDEMIOLOGIST

DEFINITION: This is professional scientific work in public health epidemiology within the Department of Health.

An employee in this job directs epidemiological investigations for public health programs on a statewide basis in the Bureau of Epidemiology. Work involves providing consultative scientific and technical expertise in the analysis and interpretation of epidemiological data and in the control of infectious, chronic, environmental and other types of community health threats. Work also includes developing statewide plans, policies and procedures for epidemiology, disease control and related issues. Work may include managing and advising on the collection and analysis of statewide epidemiologic data. Work may also include coordinating and advising on the direction of statewide programs for preventive medicine, public health education, or other assigned public health services related to epidemiology. Work may include responsibility for supervising Epidemiology Research Associates and Epidemiology Program Specialists engaged in epidemiological investigation and reporting activities. Work is performed with independence under the general direction of an Epidemiologist Supervisor or higher-level administrator, and reviewed for achievement of established objectives.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Oversees the conduct of statewide epidemiological investigations.

Designs and conducts epidemiological studies in response to a disease or other outbreak.

Assists in the development of statewide epidemiological plans.

Advises public and private health professionals on epidemiologic investigation and control.

Directs and advises on the collection, quality, reporting and analysis of statewide epidemiological data.

Provides consultative services to Department staff, other state agencies, municipal, county and local health departments, public and private health organizations, the medical community, and the public on epidemiology and disease control issues.

Plans and directs evaluations to determine the level of compliance with epidemiology and disease control program standards for the Department of Health and municipal, county and local health departments.

Responsible for monitoring the performance of work associated with specific grants.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

An employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of epidemiological disease disciplines and methodological approaches.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of epidemic or endemic disease control.

Knowledge of the general principles of population studies.

Knowledge of public health laws and regulations.

Knowledge of epidemiological research methodology.

Knowledge of laboratory diagnostic and survey techniques.

Ability to analyze and interpret scientific data.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Possession of either a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in epidemiology, Doctoral degree in Medicine (MD), Osteopathy (DO), Dental Surgery/Medicine (DDS/DDM/DMD), or Veterinary Medicine (DVM); AND two years of professional experience investigating disease outbreaks, designing and conducting epidemiologic studies, or designing and maintaining a disease surveillance system;

or

Possession of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in a biological science such as biology, genetics, nursing or virology; AND either a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree or Master of Science (MS) degree in epidemiology; AND two years of professional experience investigating disease outbreaks, designing and conducting epidemiologic studies, or designing and maintaining a disease surveillance system.