HD Epidemiologist II

Division: Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance (EDS) 

Working Title: Epidemiologist 

Direct Supervisor: Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance (EDS) Director

This position works under the supervision of the EDS Director to perform intermediate-level public health and epidemiological work. Conducts communicable disease epidemiology, surveillance, and outbreak investigations in compliance with local, state, and federal guidelines and regulations. Manages investigations of notifiable communicable diseases, clusters, and outbreaks. Plans and conducts epidemiological studies. Abstracts epidemiological data from a variety of sources for analysis and summary. Performs quality assurance activities related to disease investigations. Participates in education and outreach activities related to communicable diseases. Serves as a subject matter expert on the prevention and control of HAIs. Works under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position is grant funded through December 17, 2026. Continuation of employment beyond this date is not guaranteed.

Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned. Job descriptions list the specific tasks to be accomplished by the position the employee is filling at WCCHD.  The WCCHD Employee Responsibilities are a set of general expectations for employees about how they should work with each other and the public we serve.  Each employee must sign and acknowledge that they have been informed, understand, and agree to abide by these expectations.  Violation of these responsibilities may lead to implementation of WCCHD’s disciplinary procedures.

Analytical/Assessment (Disease Surveillance, Detection, and Response)

• Applies ethical principles in accessing, collecting, analyzing, using, maintaining, and disseminating data and information 
• Conducts investigations of reported diseases and outbreaks in accordance with WCCHD, DSHS, and CDC guidelines for outbreaks or disasters 
• Supports the Epidemiology Team in the design, management and use of surveillance systems, quality assurance activities and reporting of notifiable conditions
• Assists other staff with complex issues and/or situations related to epidemiological investigations and health care facilities.
• Recommends measures for the prevention of disease (HAIs, etc), control of ongoing transmission and protocols for isolation and quarantine procedures
• Provides surge capacity for other public health agencies in the event of a major statewide incident
• Plans and conducts epidemiological studies, surveillance projects and outbreak investigations to address public health problems
• Generates descriptive analyses of surveillance data for a variety of audiences Provides scientific advice and technical assistance to various local health partners
• Responds to special requests related to communicable disease data, including mortality data and prevention.

Policy Development/Program Planning 

• Contributes to the development and implementation of program policies, goals, and objectives
• Assists in the creation and nurturing of a culture of QI within the program and division 
• Assists in the facilitation of QI activities and supports and guides staff in their work with QI

Communication and Cultural Competency 

• Prepares written and oral reports and presentations that communicate necessary information to professional audiences, policy makers, and the public
• Conveys data and information to professionals and the public in an appropriate manner
• Develops effective relationships and networks of communication within the community to promote collaboration
• Recognizes the contribution of diverse perspectives in developing, implementing, and evaluating policies, programs, and services that affect the health of the community 
• Participates across program areas and in committees and workgroups to promote improvements to WCCHD programs and promote educational activities focused on disease control and prevention

Community Dimensions of Practice 

• Provides education on communicable disease issues to the public and providers 
• Participates in workshops and community outreach events
• Responds to public health emergencies as assigned

Public Health Sciences 

• Develops partnerships that will increase use of evidence in public health practice (e.g., between practice and academic organizations, with health sciences libraries) 
• Contributes to the public health evidence base (e.g., participating in Public Health Practice-Based Research Networks, community-based participatory research, and academic health departments; authoring articles; making data available to researchers) 
• Uses evidence-based information to provide input on health alerts

Financial Planning and Management

• Uses QI to make improvements to processes and programs
• Uses team-building skills to accomplish epidemiologic objectives 
• Assists in preparation of proposals for extramural funding 

Leadership and Systems Thinking 

• Incorporates ethical standards of practice (e.g., Public Health Code of Ethics) into all interactions with individuals, organizations, and communities 
• Maintains thorough working knowledge of policies and procedures (WCCHD and DSHS grant or contract related)
• Participates in professional development opportunities

Other 

• May participate on a WCCHD committee or task force
• Participates in 24/7/365 response plan for disease reporting and emergency response 
• Serves as after-hours Duty Officer
• In the event of a public health emergency, employees may be called upon to support WCCHD’s response in ways that are outside the usual scope of their job responsibilities. This may involve working hours that are outside the employee’s usual work hours. Employees will not be required to perform duties that are outside of their competence or professional licensure

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in epidemiology, public health, nursing, microbiology, biostatistics, or a closely related field, and at least three (3) years of related professional experience required; OR
• Master's degree in epidemiology and at least two (2) years of professional experience in a public health agency; OR
• Doctoral degree in epidemiology or statistics
• CPR certified or willingness to obtain
• Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) or willingness to obtain
• Valid Texas driver's license and access to reliable transportation to all assigned work locations
• Selected candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment skills assessment as part of the hiring process, prior to receiving a contingent offer of employment 
• All selected candidates are required to pass a background check as a condition of employment

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed without posing a direct threat to health or safety of themselves or others. 

• Knowledge of public health essential services 
• Knowledge of infectious diseases, control measures and response activities 
• Knowledge of principles and methods of epidemiology and related biostatistics
• Knowledge of epidemiology principles, including study design
• Knowledge of infection prevention & outbreak management
• Knowledge of the Texas public health laws, especially those that govern the control and reporting of notifiable conditions
• Ability to work in a collaborative manner 
• Ability to establish goals and objectives, policies, and procedures that support a strategic plan 
• Ability to conduct and report on studies and investigations
• Ability to understand and interpret analytic results 
• Ability to design and execute evaluation processes
• Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts and to devise solutions to problems 
• Ability to prepare concise reports and to adapt report to various educational levels 
• Ability to prioritize activities and manage multiple responsibilities 
• Ability to communicate sensitive information to patients discretely and respectfully 
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing 
• Skill in using a computer, including but not limited to Microsoft Office Professional 
• Skill in using mapping software
• Skill in performing statistical analyses

Environmental Factors: Works mostly in a well-lighted, air-conditioned office.  May work in various WCCHD offices around the county and in a variety of community locations.  Occasional work activities may be outdoors and, therefore, employee will be exposed to heat and cold.  May have extensive contact with the public.  May have contact with persons who may be infected with contagious diseases. Certain immunizations and/or TB skin test may be required. Non-tobacco workplace. 

Direct Supervisor of: 0

FLSA: Exempt

Location and Hours: Williamson County and Cities Health District, 355 Texas Avenue, Round Rock, TX 78664 - general hours 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, M-F. Position eligible for flexible schedule and/or telecommuting. While eligible for remote work, may be required to be onsite on planned remote days (i.e., required in-person meetings, on-site trainings, emergency response efforts). This position may be subject to travel. Work may require occasional early morning, evening, weekend, and/or holiday hours.  Extended hours may be required in the event of a public health emergency.   

Job Performance Evaluation: The employee will be evaluated at least annually, but more often if performance warrants it.