Epidemiologist

Pima County•Tucson, AZ

About The Position

Employees in this position conduct a wide range of investigative and surveillance activities to analyze and describe disease patterns, including determinants, distribution, prevalence, incidence, local conditions, health equity, and other health outcomes that contribute to unusual increases in disease and their impacts. The role focuses on identifying and supporting solutions for disease prevention, control, and health policy. This position collects and analyzes data related to outbreaks in community settings and individual cases involving sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis, vaccine-preventable diseases, vector-borne diseases, and foodborne illnesses. The incumbent collaborates with internal and external partners to coordinate public health response efforts and implement effective mitigation strategies.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in epidemiology, biology, microbiology, public health, biostatistics, biochemistry, medical anthropology, nursing or a related scientific or social science field as determined by the department head at the time of recruitment AND two years of experience in epidemiological investigative activities. (Relevant experience and/or education from an accredited college or university may be substituted.)
OR: Two years with Pima County in a Communicable Disease Investigator II or related position as determined by the department head at the time of recruitment.
Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application.
Valid driver license is required at time of application
Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment.
The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant’s suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures.
Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination.
Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services’ review and approval of the candidate’s driving record.
Employees in this classification must have reliable access to a properly registered and insured vehicle for travel between work sites; employee use of own vehicle will be reimbursed, per County policies.

Nice To Haves

Minimum two (2) years experience in epidemiological investigative activities and data analysis as an epidemiologist or communicable disease investigator.
Minimum two (2) years experience with at least one of the following statistical programs: SAS, R or Stata software.
Master’s degree in epidemiology, public health, biology, microbiology, medical anthropology, or a related scientific or social science field.
Minimum one (1) year experience at the Pima County Health Department.

Responsibilities

Collects, analyzes, and interprets epidemiologic data to assess disease incidence, prevalence, trends, risk factors, and health disparities
Designs, implements, and evaluates disease surveillance systems, outbreak investigations, and epidemiologic studies (e.g., case-control, cohort)
Monitors disease patterns to detect outbreaks, clusters, emerging threats, and potential epidemics, and identify sources and transmission pathways
Applies statistical methods and epidemiologic principles to analyze morbidity, mortality, natality, and environmental health data
Develops, organizes, and implements disease prevention and control interventions, including vaccination campaigns, advisories, and containment measures
Provides epidemiologic expertise to public health emergency preparedness and response activities, including disasters and unusual events
Analyzes geographic, environmental, social, occupational, and economic factors influencing disease and disability patterns, using GIS and data visualization tools
Communicates findings through reports, presentations, training, and consultations with clinicians, public health officials, policymakers, and the public
Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to support disease prevention, health promotion, and healthcare improvement strategies
Develops and maintains epidemiologic databases and supports laboratory specimen handling and data management in accordance with protocols and safety standards.