Epidemiological Investigator

Performs routine and complex research work in the fields of epidemiology and public health emergency preparedness programs. Collects epidemiological data for the surveillance of specific diseases and conditions. Conducts disease investigations. Delivers data and reports. Works under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment in the performance of the duties. Performs all work as a contributing member of the public health emergency planning, preparedness and response team (PHEP).

Expected to respond as directed with the team to any threats to public health, whether natural or man-made.

This is an essential duty position in relation to a designated Public Health Emergency
and local disasters.
During public health emergencies and local disasters this position will be required to take on additional tasks and work additional hours to meet the needs of the community as it relates to the Health Department. In the event of a public health emergency, you shall report to work if ordered to do so by either of the following officials or positions: (1) District Attorney’s Office (Civil Division), (2) County Judge/Emergency Management Coordinator, (3) Commissioners’ Court liaison or a member of Commissioners’ Court, (4) Director of Public Health Services, or (5) PHEP Program Manager.

This is not a remote work position.
Daily in-office attendance is required 8 am – 5 pm, Monday – Friday. Some week-end and evening work is required. The salary range for this position is from $45,000 to $50,000, depending on experience. Exceptions:
The work performed outside normal business hours (evenings and/or weekends) can or may be remote work; and during a public health emergency or local disaster, remote work could be required.

This position is a grant-funded position and the position and salary is directly dependent upon grant funds received.

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer.

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Serves as key member of the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Team (PHEP), and is prepared to respond to any threats to public health/hazards—whether natural or man-made—during an emergency declaration as part of the Brazoria County Emergency Operations team.
• Collects epidemiological data for the surveillance of specific diseases and conditions, including waterborne and foodborne diseases, vaccine preventable diseases, zoonotic diseases, healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and epidemiological duties for pandemic response.
• Conducts disease investigations to determine cause; identifies trends within the reporting area for the potential impact on the public’s health, and potential for an epidemic.
• Develops and maintains positive working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, and other county employees.
• Develops and maintains positive working relationships with local, regional, state and national partners.
• Coordinates with others, as needed, to assist in the collection of epidemiological data.
• Analyzes, plans, develops, coordinates and conducts specific epidemiological investigations or studies including the use of situational mapping.

• Analyzes epidemiological data using of statistical measures.

• Prepares and maintains lab and patient records in a confidential manner and maintains HIPPA compliance.
• Responsible for data entry into reporting programs. (i.e. NEDSS, Salesforce, etc.)
• Responsible for responding to health alerts from all health partners.
• Responsible for monitoring regional, state, and national reports.
• As one member of the PHEP…