03/29/2010 34500

EPIDEMIOLOGIST MANAGER

DEFINITION: This is responsible managerial, scientific and administrative work in epidemiology within the Department of Health.

An employee in this job, through subordinate Epidemiologist Supervisors, directs and advises on statewide public health epidemiology investigations and programs in the Bureau of Epidemiology. Work involves managing scientific and technical consultation in the expert analysis and interpretation of epidemiological data and in the control of infectious, chronic, environmental and other types of community health threats. Work also includes directing the development of statewide plans, policies and procedures for epidemiology, disease control and related issues. An employee in this job plans, develops and manages disease surveillance systems. Work may also include coordinating statewide programs for public health services between bureaus, organizations or other state agencies, public health associations and private health organizations. Supervision is exercised over Epidemiologist Supervisors. Work is performed under general direction from the Director, Bureau of Epidemiology and reviewed for results obtained.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Supervises Epidemiologist Supervisors in the Bureau of Epidemiology.

Manages the design and conduct of epidemiological investigations.

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

Advises public health professionals and executives, the medical community, the news media, and the public on complex or sensitive issues of epidemiologic investigation and control.

Directs the research and advisement of grant applications.

Serves as Principal Investigator in the application or development of grants for new or existing public health and epidemiology programs.

Supervises program administration for assigned epidemiology or public health programs.

Directs the development and advises on plans, policies and procedures for assigned programs in epidemiology, disease control and related issues.

Directs the development and implementation of public health program standards for the Department of Health and municipal, county and local health departments.

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 epidemiological research methodology.

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 the analysis, interpretation and presentation of epidemiological data.

Knowledge of laboratory diagnostic and survey techniques.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision.

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: One year as an Epidemiologist Supervisor (Commonwealth of PA job title);

or

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 four 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 four years of professional experience investigating disease outbreaks, designing and conducting epidemiologic studies, or designing and maintaining a disease surveillance system.