Epidemiologist

Consolidated Municipality of Carson City•Carson City, NV

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a full-time, FLSA-exempt position with Health & Human Services, located in Carson City, NV. Responsible for conducting disease surveillance and recommending disease control measures; evaluates public health data including unusual occurrences of health conditions; functions as a member of a multidisciplinary outbreak investigation and response team; provides epidemiologic information to the medical community and general public. This is a grant-funded position and, as such, employees are responsible for knowing abiding by the rules of the grant. This position will continue to be funded as long as the grant is renewed.

Requirements

A master's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in public health with specialization in epidemiology, bio-statistics, or a related field; OR, A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in epidemiology, bio-statistics, public health, life science or related field, AND, two (2) years of experience in a public health, medical or community services agency, which must have included responsibility for designing instruments for collecting and analyzing epidemiological or demographic data, and interpreting findings pertaining to such data and disease investigation or interviewing clients and or patients.
Valid Driver’s License.
Knowledge of literature sources pertaining to epidemiology and communicable disease control.
Knowledge of epidemiological trends and disease patterns, their characteristics, and possible causation.
Knowledge of statistical theory, concepts, techniques and analyses used in epidemiological, demographic, health and bio-medical research.
Knowledge of disease or injury surveillance methods.
Knowledge of review and evaluation techniques and methods.
Knowledge of methods of collecting, compiling and analyzing statistical and other research data.
Knowledge of interviewing techniques.
Knowledge of computer programming and processing methods to generate, organize, and display a wide variety of complex statistical and other research data.
Knowledge of accepted techniques of disease or injury control.
Knowledge of ethical and legal practices related to public health.
Knowledge of Health Department customer service objectives and strategies.
Knowledge of telephone, office, and online etiquette.
Knowledge of current technology and trends in the profession.
Knowledge of principles and practices of epidemiology and biostatistics.
Knowledge of principles of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Knowledge of principles and practices of disease investigation, surveillance and response.
Knowledge of analysis of primary and secondary public health and clinical data.
Knowledge of database development, maintenance and utilization.
Knowledge of principles and practices of preparing and presenting educational materials and programs.
Knowledge of computer applications related to the work.
Knowledge of correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Knowledge of principles and practices for serving as an effective project team member.
Knowledge of techniques for working with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Ability to organize and design an efficient plan for collecting and summarizing varied and complex field data.
Ability to apply mathematical formulas and make calculations necessary to select and apply appropriate statistical methods for collecting and summarizing varied and complex field data.
Ability to use tact and persuasion in eliciting information, explaining and advocating research objectives and methods.
Ability to plan, initiate and complete work assignments with minimal supervision.
Ability to explain technical information to staff and the public.
Ability to interpret and recommend enforcement of laws and regulations relating to disease and injury control.
Ability to prepare clear and concise technical reports for lay and professional readers.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with management, employees, employee representatives and the public representing diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of individuals representing diverse cultures and backgrounds and function calmly in situations which require a high degree of sensitivity, tact and diplomacy.
Ability to provide responsive, high-quality service to employees, representatives of outside agencies and members of the public by providing accurate, complete and up-to-date information, in a courteous, efficient and timely manner.
Ability to perform and document epidemiological investigative work.
Ability to develop disease control, intervention, and prevention plans.
Ability to interpret and report statistical data.
Ability to prepare educational and informational materials.
Ability to work without close supervision in standard work situations.
Ability to use initiative and independent judgment within general policy guidelines.
Ability to contribute effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities.

Responsibilities

Interviews cases, contacts, and suspected disease carriers.
Evaluates and investigates reports of unusual disease occurrence from laboratories, physicians and others.
Participates in field investigations at hospitals, physician offices, laboratories, clinics, food establishments, childcare facilities, correctional facilities or other locations as necessary to complete epidemiologic investigations.
Designs instruments for the collection and analysis of disease-related data.
Collaborates with inter-disciplinary personnel from other departments and public and private agencies to coordinate and augment case findings and surveillance and risk reduction activities based on analysis using established parameters.
Using data from surveillance, investigations or other sources, defines and maintains databases and organizes data for analysis and interpretation.
Generates reports including progress reports of fieldwork.
May provide training to staff, students and volunteers.
May conduct informational programs to assist health care professionals, educators, social workers, and members of other groups in understanding the problems of target groups.
Applies principles of good ethical/legal practice as they relate to study design and data collection, dissemination, and use, including laws regarding confidentiality, privacy, and human subjects research, Institutional Review Board processes and Public Records Act/Freedom of Information Act procedures.
Conducts community health assessments to investigate specific agents that may impact health; and designs data collection forms and enters data into computer.
Conducts special projects as required.
Responds to inquiries regarding state laws, regulations, policies and procedures governing the investigation and reporting of acute and chronic diseases.
Promotes and supports the overall mission of CCHHS by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with customers and staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.
Performs duties as assigned in the event of a public health emergency.