Epidemiologist

The list developed from this recruitment will be used for a limited period to fill open and promotional, regular full-time, and part-time positions, should they occur.

Under the direction of the Director of Public Health, plans, designs, conducts, and evaluates epidemiological activities to determine patterns of diseases and conditions that affect the health of populations in the County.  Collects and analyzes a variety of bio-statistical and epidemiological health data; analyzes risk factors which can be modified in the population to prevent or delay disease, injury, or death; and evaluates effectiveness of health programs and services.

Supervisor Academy is mandatory for all supervisors and consists of nine courses that must be completed within two years. Participation is required and completed during work hours.

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Plans, conducts and evaluates epidemiological studies including the determination of methods, target populations and data collection techniques required for the evaluation of disease patterns and health conditions in the community. 
• Designs and implements survey instruments and procedures for quantitative and qualitative data collections and analysis.
• Review findings of epidemiological investigations, interpret results, and assess risks of epidemics, communicable diseases or environmental hazards; advise the Public Health Department of potential or active epidemic trends, characteristics, possible causation and control procedures.
• Analyzes technical epidemiological data and makes recommendations for prevention and/or interventions, using computerized data management tools to analyze standard data sets.
• Develops and implements statistical analysis methodologies to evaluate effectiveness of prevention strategies and/or interventions for improving population health.
• Provides informative presentations to public health staff, other departments’ staff, the Board of Supervisors, the business community, and the public, on policies and protocols for effective disease prevention, surveillance and control.
• Lead public health evaluations and investigations, such as outbreaks, clusters, and contact investigations and conducting outreach initiatives among high-risk populations.
• Reviews medical and scientific journals and other sources for information pertaining to health issues.
• Attends and participates in State, national and regional epidemiology groups, bringing evidenced-based best-practices to the attention of the County Health Officer and Public Health Director.
• Evaluates effectiveness of public health programs and participates in formulating recommendations for population health improvement strategies.
• Conducts collaborative community health needs assessments and develops collaborative community health improvement plans.
• Provides recommendations for exclusions and closures during major outbreaks; acts as a liaison between healthcare facilities, public health department, and County Offices of Emergency Services (OES) and Disaster Healthcare Coalition (DHCC) partners.
• Assists in grant proposal preparation processes, including conducting special studies and data reports as needed; reviews grant applications for scientific integrity and accuracy.
• Performs other related duties as assigned

In a Supervisory Capacity:

• Carry out supervisory responsibility in accordance with policies, procedures and applicable laws including interviewing, hiring and training, planning, assigning and directing work, appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints and resolving problems; controls work production and activities, to include procedures, allocation of resources and ensuring deadlines are met.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education and Experience:

A master's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Health, Health Sciences or a closely related field is required with an emphasis in epidemiology (preferred) and two (2) years of working experience conducting, analyzing, interpreting and evaluating epidemiological studies. 

Licenses and Certifications:

Valid Driver’s License

Knowledge of:

• Basic principles and methods of epidemiology.
• Institutional Review Boards and Records Act and Freedom of Information Act
• Modeling techniques to predict trends or assess the impact of t public health efforts in chronic and infectious disease prevention and control
• Biostatistics as applied to epidemiology, health sciences, and public health programs as well as advanced statistics (e.g., Poisson, generalized linear, logistic, logic, negative binomial, hierarchical, and Bayesian regression).
• Factors associated with disease, modes of transmission and epidemiological patterns of disease and other health issues.
• Current epidemiological and related literature.
• Federal State, and local and regulations pertaining to public health practice and administration.
• Large Public Datasets [e.g., US Census, NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) and NHIS (National Health Interview Survey)].
• Methods to prevent and control communicable and chronic health conditions.

Skill in:

• Proficiency using a statistical analysis software (SAS) , such as SPSS, SAS, R, Stata, etc.
• Organizing raw data in forms suitable for epidemiological analysis.
• Planning and conducting reliable and valid research projects.
• Preparing peer-reviewed manuscripts, health briefs, or health impact assessments.
• Collecting, evaluating, interpreting, and reporting on varied information and data, both in statistical or narrative form.
• Using tact, discretion, initiative, and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Using a computer to enter and retrieve data and information accurately and rapidly.
• Communicating orally with internal staff, citizens, and other departmental staff in order to give and receive information in a courteous manner. 

Mental and Physical Abilities:

• Analyze statistical information and risk factors, evaluate alternatives, and reach sound conclusions.
• Interpret and apply applicable policies, codes, and regulations.
• Develop prevention and intervention strategies and work closely with health care partners in implementing such strategies.
• While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; speak and hear; and push, pull, move, or lift below the neck.

Important Application Information:

• It is your responsibility to demonstrate through your application materials how you meet the minimum qualifications of the position/s for which you apply. 
• You must complete all sections of the application.  A résumé or other information you feel will help us evaluate your qualifications may be attached to your completed application, but will not be accepted in lieu of completing any part of the application.  Blank applications that contain only a résumé or those that reference “see résumé” will be rejected as incomplete.
• Check your application before submitting to ensure it is complete and correct; no new or additional information will be accepted after the closing date.
• Inquiry will be made of your former and current employers; please provide the names and telephone numbers of supervisors on your application. 
• You must provide the names and contact information of at least three (3) references (not relatives) that have knowledge of your job skills, experience, ability and/or character. 
• Application materials are the property of Mendocino County and will not be returned.
• It is your responsibility to keep your NEOGOV profile updated, including any changes to your telephone number or address. Failure to do so may result in missed notification of exams or interviews.
• The exam process listed on this flyer is tentative. Mendocino County reserves the right to make necessary modifications to the examination plan. Such revisions will be in accordance with approved personnel standards.  Should a change be made, applicants will be notified.
• The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

Examination Process: All complete applications will be reviewed; incomplete applications will not be considered. Based on the number of qualified candidates, applicants meeting the job requirements and qualifications will be invited to participate in an oral examination (weight 100) or an unassembled exam, consisting of an evaluation of education and experience as stated on the application form. The examination process will test the knowledge and abilities described above. A minimum score of 70 must be attained for placement on the employment list. 

Special Testing: The County of Mendocino is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.  In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), if special accommodations for a disability or religious conviction are necessary at any stage of the application and/or testing process, please notify the Human Resources Department in advance at (707) 234-6600.  Reasonable notice is required to allow adequate time for review and evaluation of your request.

Special Requirements: Employment in some County departments or positions may require the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background, which may include fingerprinting, and/or a medical examination, which may include drug screening.

This announcement is a synopsis of duties and requirements of this job. To review the complete classification specification and benefits, please see the HR website. Applications must be submitted to the Human Resources Department by the final filing date.   

The County of Mendocino is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Salary : $82,285 - $100,027