Public Health Specialist 1/2 (PCN 062011)

State of Alaska•Anchorage, AK

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is open to Alaskan Residents only. This position will be filled at either the 1 or 2 level, depending on the applicant's qualifications and job experience. If you’re driven to protect community health and ready to make a real impact, join the Environmental Public Health Program as the primary epidemiologist for Alaska’s Lead Surveillance Program. This is a comprehensive statewide blood lead surveillance program and targeted screening program to identify and control sources of lead exposure and assist in the medical management of patients with elevated blood lead levels (BLLs). As a Public Health Specialist 1, you’ll be on the front lines—collecting and managing lead exposure data, spotting trends, and supporting outreach that helps families understand and reduce lead risks. As a Public Health Specialist 2, you’ll take the lead by directing surveillance activities, analyzing data to pinpoint priority areas, and shaping public health responses when elevated lead levels are detected. In every role, you’ll collaborate with partners across Alaska, engage directly with families and communities, and drive prevention strategies that protect Alaskans. This is your opportunity to help safeguard health, reduce environmental risks, and make a meaningful difference statewide. As a member of the Environmental Public Health Program, you will contribute every day to improving the health of Alaskans and their families. The Division of Public Health exemplifies these values: Accountability- We are committed to responsible use of human, financial, and environmental resources. Respect- We provide services without discrimination or judgment. Human potential- We are committed to developing each Alaskan’s potential as a healthy individual and fostering strong, healthy communities. Integrity- We are honest and ethical in all we do. Scientific Excellence- We are committed to advancing the body of scientific knowledge and to using the best available knowledge and data to inform public health policy.

Requirements

Competencies in Oral and Written Communication: Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral and written presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
Competencies in Project Management: Knowledge of the principles, methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and managing projects and resources, including monitoring and inspecting costs, work, and contractor performance.
Competencies in Public Health: Applies knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, methods, and tools associated with protecting and improving the health of people and their communities, including, promoting healthy lifestyles, researching disease and/or injury prevention, and/or detecting, preventing, and responding to infectious diseases.
Competencies in Research: Knowledge of the scientific principles, methods, and processes used to conduct a systematic and objective inquiry; including study design, collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; and the reporting of results.
Competencies in Technical Competence (Public Health Specialist 2): Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.
Any combination of education and/or experience that provides the applicant with the required competencies.
Equivalent to those typically gained by: Any combination of preparatory post-secondary education and/or professional level experience in public health, health administration, nursing, epidemiology, health sciences, health education, community health, emergency medical services, psychology, the social sciences, the biological sciences, social work, biostatistics/statistics, education, or a closely related field.
Must provide a writing sample authored by the applicant that demonstrates the ability to communicate complex public health (or similar) information to a non-scientific or scientific audience (no more than two pages).
Three (3) professional references, whom we may contact by phone, are required. One (1) of these references must be your current or most recent supervisor, if not already provided in the application.
A copy of academic transcripts (unofficial is okay; please ensure that the institution name/URL is listed on the transcripts) is used to support that you meet the minimum qualifications competencies.
A copy of your current driver’s license will be required before employment if chosen for the position.

Nice To Haves

Computer Skills: Uses computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work.
Stakeholder Management: Knowledge of the concepts, practices, and techniques used to identify, engage, influence, and monitor relationships with individuals and groups connected to a work effort; including those actively involved, those who exert influence over the process and its results, and those who have a vested interest in the outcome (positive or negative).
Analytical Thinking/Problem Solving: Uses a logical, systematic, sequential approach to address problems or opportunities or manage a situation by drawing on one’s knowledge and experience base and calling on other references and resources as necessary.

Responsibilities

Collecting and managing lead exposure data
Spotting trends in lead exposure data
Supporting outreach to help families understand and reduce lead risks
Directing surveillance activities (Public Health Specialist 2)
Analyzing data to pinpoint priority areas (Public Health Specialist 2)
Shaping public health responses when elevated lead levels are detected (Public Health Specialist 2)
Collaborating with partners across Alaska
Engaging directly with families and communities
Driving prevention strategies that protect Alaskans