Principal Public Health Epidemiologist

Principal Public Health Epidemiologist

To perform the most advanced and complex professional analytical work in surveillance, detection, and prevention of public health problems, such as diseases and injuries; to oversee and conduct the most advanced and complex professional epidemiologic work by managing methods of collecting, analyzing, and disseminating data related to leading causes of morbidity, mortality and health services data; to oversee and/or perform advanced or specialized professional work which includes expert knowledge and management in a specific field such as chronic disease, infectious disease, maternal and child health, environmental health, injury clusters, trend analysis, geographic distribution of disease, or other specific epidemiology program area;

to use data to identify distribution, risk factors, environmental determinants and disparities in order to develop effective health promotion and disease prevention/control strategies; to design and/or implement health promotion and disease prevention/control interventions; to evaluate health promotion and disease prevention/programs; and to do related work as required.

Works under the limited direction of a superior with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent judgment in applying appropriate methods and techniques.

As assigned, may plan, organize, direct, coordinate, and evaluate work of other staff.

To provide scientific, administrative, program direction and leadership for assigned program sections within the epidemiology unit.

To plan, assign, schedule, prioritize, direct and coordinate the work of assigned epidemiologists, research analysts, and other staff.

To participate in the selection, scheduling and assignment of epidemiology and other professional and administrative staff.

To participate in financial and operational planning and management.

To conduct and oversee literature reviews for the design of programs, preparation of publications, and planning and evaluation.

To direct state program planning efforts with respect to surveillance and other epidemiologic data and evaluation.

Advanced knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of epidemiology and disease control, descriptive and analytical epidemiologic techniques, research and evaluation methodologies sufficient to conduct special studies and to assess the validity and reliability of statewide and community health data, and biostatistical techniques sufficient to describe and analyze health related data as collected in the state as described in national standards such as the Council for State and Territorial Epidemiologists' Applied Epidemiology Competencies;

the ability to advise staff and other individuals or agencies on correct application of epidemiologic principles in the conduct of program planning and evaluation; the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department officials, professionals, voluntary health and welfare agencies, community representatives, other state and local agencies and the public; strong interpersonal and cultural competency as well as strong verbal and written communication skills;

the ability to develop and effectively deliver presentations, and represent the department at state, local, and national meetings; and related capacities and abilities.

Education:

Possession of a Master of Public Health, a Master of Science in Epidemiology, or a master's degree in a related health field with specialization in the area of epidemiology, and/or Doctoral-level degree in epidemiology and/or other non-epidemiology professional degree (e.g., RN, MD/DO, DDS/DMD, DVM, PhD, REHS/RS) with specific epidemiology training (including but not limited to CDC Epidemic Intelligence Service program); and

Experience:

A minimum of five (5) years of employment in a position in a public or private agency engaged in the practice of public health epidemiology, or five (5) years relevant research in epidemiology.

Or, any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.