Epidemiologist - Austin Public Health

City of Austin • Austin, TX

3d • $68,780 - $85,980 • Hybrid

About The Position

Under general direction, the Epidemiologist investigates, interprets, and reports information about diseases and other public health issues in the community. The position supports Austin Public Health’s mission by conducting public health investigations and surveillance, including arboviral, other vectorborne, and other infectious conditions as assigned. The Epidemiologist analyzes and interprets epidemiologic data, prepares reports of investigations and findings, and assists with developing, maintaining, or enhancing disease surveillance systems for rapid detection of unusual outbreaks and other health threats or emergencies, including foodborne and waterborne disease investigations.

The role also provides technical assistance and training to other divisions, health professionals, and the public on infectious diseases, disease surveillance, emergency response, and preparedness. The employee participates in public health response activities, meetings, exercises, and drills as requested. The position is based at 5202 E Ben White Blvd #600, Austin, Texas, and may allow up to 60% remote work after a probationary period, depending on business needs. The stated work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Requirements

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public Health (MPH) or a closely related field, with emphasis on epidemiology and/or biostatistics.
• One year of experience in epidemiology, data management, infectious diseases, occupational diseases, environmental health, cancer, chronic diseases, reproductive health, or another related field.
• Knowledge of current epidemiological and biostatistical principles and practices.
• Knowledge of computerized databases and statistical software.
• Knowledge of the organization and administration of public health programs.
• Knowledge of public health laws, ordinances, policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and basic medical terminology.
• Knowledge of current cultural, social, economic, and public health issues and community demographics.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships.
• Skill in interviewing and assessment techniques for case investigations, including with culturally and socioeconomically diverse populations.
• Skill in data analysis, problem solving, handling multiple tasks, and prioritizing.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and interact professionally with people from diverse backgrounds, managers, coworkers, the public, and professional groups.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality as required by HIPAA and other Texas privacy laws.
• Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License; external new hires must meet the City of Austin Driver Record Evaluation requirements.
• Must comply with Austin Public Health’s immunization policy when applicable to the employee’s work environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience performing public health investigations and surveillance related to infectious disease, chronic disease, drug use or misuse, injury prevention, or environmental exposures.
• Experience communicating with healthcare personnel.
• Experience performing analysis using statistical software such as SAS, R, or Power BI.
• Experience writing SQL queries.
• Experience creating and managing spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel.
• Bilingual ability, with Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with data collection, assessment, and evaluation for community health planning.
• Establish, maintain, and improve databases on adverse health conditions.
• Develop, analyze, and report strategic health indicators for the community.
• Plan, develop, direct, and coordinate epidemiologic studies and investigations.
• Analyze and interpret data and prepare reports on epidemiologic investigations.
• Explore relationships among diseases, conditions, and risk factors in the community.
• Create summaries, briefs, and comprehensive reports examining recent disease burden, risk factors, and health inequities.
• Participate in community assessment to identify key health indicators and develop ongoing assessment activities.
• Respond to public inquiries about adverse health conditions.
• Perform public health investigations and surveillance, including arboviral, other vectorborne, and other infectious conditions as assigned.
• Assist in developing, maintaining, or enhancing disease surveillance systems for rapid detection of outbreaks and other health threats or emergencies, including foodborne and waterborne disease investigations.
• Provide technical assistance and training to other divisions, health professionals, and the public on infectious diseases, surveillance, emergency response, and preparedness.
• Participate in public health response activities, meetings, exercises, and drills as requested.

Benefits

• Tuition reimbursement and other financial or professional development support for continuing education, licenses, and certifications may be available.
• Low-cost medical, dental, and vision coverage for covered employees.
• Paid leave time.
• Competitive retirement plan through the City of Austin Employees’ Retirement System.
• Training opportunities.
• Wellness programs and mental health support.
• On-site fitness centers.
• Generous leave and work-life balance programs.
• Access to public transit and bike-friendly transportation infrastructure.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level