Epidemiologist, (B256042-1), 210, IDCU COVID

This position is grant funded. Therefore, it is solely dependent of availability of grant funds. 

Performs highly complex (senior-level) epidemiological work (surveillance, statistical analysis, and reporting). In particular, monitors, responds, contains, and prevents highly communicable infectious diseases.  Work involves serving on teams of subject matter experts, and investigating public health problems; planning, developing, coordinating, and conducting epidemiological investigations; designing and implementing unit data collection systems; analyzing data; and disseminating investigation results. Participates and team leads public health preparedness emergency response and training. Works under limited supervision, with considerable autonomy for the use of initiative and independent judgement. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Coordinates epidemiological data collection operations, defines database requirements, and provides quality control for data management of epidemiological investigations. 
• Conducts, analyzes and enters notifiable condition investigations in a timely manner on the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS).
• Designs, implements, and evaluates surveillance processes for adverse health conditions.
• Determines the appropriate formats for epidemiological reports and coordinates the technical preparation, graphics designs, and compilation of finished reports.
• Develops and implements ongoing training programs related to epidemiology.
• Initiates, reviews, and provides consultation on epidemiological investigations.
• Proposes and initiates epidemiological projects, including design specifications and analysis and presents project results.
• Reports the results of epidemiological investigations to various professional, state, and national organizations such as the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
• Serves as a consultant in the control of public health problems and recommends interventions and control measures in response to epidemiologic findings.
• Serves as a leader or member of epidemiological investigatory and study teams. 
• Assists in the planning and execution of local epidemiological programs. 
• May coordinate with others in the collection of epidemiological data and serve as project leader or surveillance coordinator.
• Conducts and leads public health emergency preparedness exercises and drills 
• Responds to public health emergencies on a 24/7/365 basis. 
• Will be required to drive City vehicle for City business use.
• Performs related work as assigned. 

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of the principles and methods of epidemiology and related biostatistics; infectious diseases, adverse reproductive outcomes, cancer, or other chronic diseases; occupational and environmental diseases or injuries; and how causes of disease affect epidemiologic practices.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis software (SAS, SPSS, R, STATA)
• Knowledge of electronic health record (EHR) systems
• Knowledge of the advanced principles of public health surveillance (active, passive, syndromic, wastewater)
• Knowledge of population-based surveillance methods 
• Knowledge of principles of epidemiology and public health emergency response
• Knowledge of statistical analysis techniques
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Powerpoint), Canva, and Tableau 
• Knowledge of managing large datasets
• Knowledge of health informatics and data systems used in public health surveillance 

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to plan, conduct, and report on epidemiological investigations; to communicate effectively; and to supervise the work of others
• Ability to calculate incidence, prevalence rates, and other frequency counts
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations 
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups or managers, focus group members, parents, and the general public 
• Ability to write and participate in grant procurement
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 
• Familiarity with all types of media and ability to perform basic editorial functions including layout, proofreading, editing, and copywriting
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with persons from a variety of backgrounds
• Familiarity with basic medical technology and other infectious diseases
• Familiarity with public health data analysis and epidemiological methods 
• Ability to maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with other employees and respond to general public complaints
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record
• Required to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of the position 
• Ability to meet schedules and deadlines of the work
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing 
• Ability to perform other duties as assigned

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Effort Requirements 
Position will have the following exposures

• Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards.        Occasional outside work.
• Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Work Environment Locations
Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments
 
 Never

• Construction site
• Confined space 
• Warehouse environment

 Seldom

• Street environment (near moving traffic)

 Sometimes

• Outdoor environment

 Frequently

• Vehicles

 Often

• Office or similar indoor environment

Exposures
 Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements
 
Never

• Individuals with known violent backgrounds
• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Moving mechanical parts
• Loud noises (85 decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Seldom

• Individuals who are hostile or irate
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances

Sometimes

• Fumes or airborne particles

Frequently

• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)

Often

• Communicable diseases

Travel 
Position will require the employee to travel
 
Never

• International travel

Seldom

• National travel

Sometimes

• Regional travel

Frequently

• Local travel

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited * college or university in Public Health, Biology, Epidemiology, or a related field
• At least one (1) year of experience in epidemiology surveillance, infection control, public health emergency preparedness, or related experience

        *Council of Higher Education Accreditation (C.H.E.A.)

Proof of TB Test/Screening will be required to be presented prior to employment.

Valid Licenses or Certifications

• Valid Texas Driver License.  If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.

Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.

Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480, two days prior to the scheduled test or interview.

 

City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer.  We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.

Salary : $60,840 - $76,066