Epidemiologist Senior

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Prince Edward, Virginia, VA

8d•$59,754 - $92,328•Hybrid

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is dedicated to protecting and promoting the health of Virginians. The VDH is made up of a statewide Central Office in Richmond and 33 local health districts. The Piedmont Health District proudly serves 7 counties and the local health departments within, including Prince Edward, Amelia, Nottoway, Lunenburg, Charlotte, Buckingham and Cumberland. This is a restricted position which is solely funded by the Public Health Emergency Preparedness grant for a 5-year cycle ending June 30, 2029. The availability of funding is scheduled for review annually and periodically thereafter. Continued employment is contingent on the continued availability of grant funds. The position advertised is located at the Piedmont District Office in Prince Edward County. Occasional travel to other health departments in the district may be required. A valid state driver's license is required to operate a state vehicle or a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the agency. Mileage will be reimbursed per the standard mileage rate. The senior-level epidemiologist is responsible for carrying out a broad and moderately complex range of investigative and analytical epidemiologic activities in an assigned district or within a statewide program area. Positions in this role coordinate a specific epidemiology program within an area to include interpreting program policies and procedures, providing training, monitoring and reviewing data collection/analysis for accuracy and consistency, and serving as a program consultant. Positions in this role may lead scientific teams and be responsible for performing a full range of coordinating and supportive duties and responsibilities, including coordinating activities and making disease control recommendations to external partners. Performs work under the limited supervision of a lead epidemiologist, program manager, district health director, nurse manager, or similar position and perform assignments independently, making determinations about scope and direction of program planning, research and investigation, based on agreed upon direction and institutional review board approval, as needed. Typically, the work completed is reviewed to evaluate overall results prior to data dissemination. The district senior-level epidemiologist will have supervisor responsibilities for a deputy epidemiologist and other associated epidemiology staff. Disease surveillance activities will include site visits across the district and pick-up of specimen collection when required for an investigation.

Requirements

Considerable knowledge of the cause, transmission, treatment, and prevention of communicable diseases and other conditions of public health importance.
Considerable knowledge of methods of investigating disease cases, clusters, and outbreaks.
Considerable knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, and policies regarding public health and the reporting and control of disease.
Working knowledge of biostatistics, analysis and interpretation of data, and data management techniques.
Demonstrated ability to develop program goals and objectives and to evaluate program effectiveness.
Demonstrated ability to establish and effective working relationships.
Demonstrated ability to collect, quality assure, analyze, interpret, and present statistical data.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with health care professionals and the general public.
Considerable experience in epidemiology, public health, or a related area.
Basic knowledge and proficiency utilizing statistical software packages.
A valid state driver's license.

Nice To Haves

Training or experience in public health, epidemiology or biostatistics
Experience with database management systems, especially those used to manage population-based disease data or other conditions of public health significance.
Demonstrated ability to lead and direct the work of others in a supervisory or project management capacity.

Responsibilities

Carrying out a broad and moderately complex range of investigative and analytical epidemiologic activities in an assigned district or within a statewide program area.
Coordinating a specific epidemiology program within an area to include interpreting program policies and procedures, providing training, monitoring and reviewing data collection/analysis for accuracy and consistency, and serving as a program consultant.
Leading scientific teams and performing a full range of coordinating and supportive duties and responsibilities, including coordinating activities and making disease control recommendations to external partners.
Performing assignments independently, making determinations about scope and direction of program planning, research and investigation, based on agreed upon direction and institutional review board approval, as needed.
Supervising a deputy epidemiologist and other associated epidemiology staff.
Conducting disease surveillance activities, including site visits across the district and specimen collection when required for an investigation.