Public Health Epidemiologist

Under direction, plans, initiates and conducts epidemiological investigations; organizes and conducts field studies and disease surveillance to determine the patterns of disease in the community; investigates to determine the probable cause of disease outbreaks to prevent avoidable morbidity and mortality; monitors the effectiveness of public health activities in addressing community health indicators; participates in epidemiological planning, preparation and response to emergencies and disasters, and performs related duties as required.

Licensing and Certifications:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver’s License.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, or a related field from an accredited four-year college or university and  three (3) years of progressively responsible related experience involving the development of disease surveillance or health program analysis; 

OR

A master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Biostatics or a related field and one (1) year of progressively responsible related experience involving the development of disease surveillance or health program analysis. 

Any combination of education, training, and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

This is not exhaustive of all job responsibilities. For more details, please refer to the link provided below.

To view the complete job description, you have two options: Either visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lakecountyca/classspecs or simply click on this link.

The information presented in job postings, job descriptions, or recruitment materials does not form a legally binding contract, either explicit or implicit. Benefits may differ among different employee groups. The details provided in these materials are subject to change or cancellation without prior notification. Prospective employees of the County of Lake must undergo the County's pre-employment medical review program upon receiving a conditional job offer before assuming their position with the County.

Applicants may substitute relevant experience and/or education at a 2 to 1 ratio to fulfill minimum qualifications. For further details, individuals should reach out to the Human Resources department.

ADA Accommodations

Individuals in need of accommodation during the application and/or selection process under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should reach out to County of Lake Human Resources at (707) 263-2213.

PUBLIC HEALTH EPIDEMIOLOGIST

DEFINITION

Under direction, plans, initiates and conducts epidemiological investigations; organizes and conducts field studies and disease surveillance to determine the patterns of disease in the community; investigates to determine the probable cause of disease outbreaks to prevent avoidable morbidity and mortality; monitors the effectiveness of public health activities in addressing community health indicators; participates in epidemiological planning, preparation and response to emergencies and disasters, and performs related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This classification in the Public Health Division is characterized by professional responsibility for providing a departmental-wide framework for appraising the health status of the community, including determining local morbidity levels and patterns of disease and assisting in monitoring the effectiveness of public health activities in addressing community health indicators.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direct supervision from assigned supervisory staff.  Provides direct supervision to technical and administrative support staff, as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES 

• Apply sound health equity principles to data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• Establish and/or maintain surveillance systems to identify and monitor communicable and chronic disease (including injury) and health risk behavior trends among various population groups (methods include but are not limited to: reviewing and monitoring case histories, health statistics, surveys, demographic data and laboratory results to identify epidemiologic trends).
• Investigate epidemics or outbreaks of diseases, either by field participation or by analysis of pertinent data to determine the cause and probable source of disease.
• Provide quantitative and qualitative data (including collection and analysis) and recommendations regarding design and implementation of including (but not limited to): Public Health Accreditation, community health assessment; equity assessments, program assessments, and division assessments.
• Make informational presentations to professionals, policy makers, media, and the public.
• Write a variety of reports for the Public Health Division and others as directed, to explain findings including prepare readily understood tables and graphs.
• Complete secondary data gathering and analysis, gap analysis, and asset mapping.
• Instruct department staff in gathering data, entering information into data systems, and performing less difficult statistical analyses to extract useful health information.

• Responsible for full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and provides guidance and direction to ensure completion of assigned goals and objectives are met.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and procedures of epidemiology, including design and evaluation of surveillance systems.
• Thorough knowledge of biostatistics and techniques of epidemiologic and community health research.
• Thorough knowledge of methods of collecting and analyzing data, including computer processing methods used to generate, organize and display date.
• Knowledge of commonly used databases and data systems in Public Health. Knowledge of the social determinants of health and health inequities.
• Knowledge of communicable disease investigation techniques, interventions, and regulations governing the reporting and control of communicable diseases.

• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including motivating, coordinating and leading staff, work planning, assignment review and evaluation and counseling.

Ability to:

• Plan, implement, coordinate research projects and analyze data from a variety of statistical sources.
• Apply mathematical and bio-statistical techniques to analyze data.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with colleagues, community partners and the general public.
• Prepare scientific technical reports and project proposals. Speak effectively before groups.
• Design, direct, and conduct epidemiological studies and research projects, evaluating results and making appropriate conclusions.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret health, demographic and statistical data. Prepare statistical and narrative reports and other written materials.
• Establish and maintain effective working and community partner relationships.
• Making sound independent judgment within established guidelines.

Licensing and Certifications:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver’s License.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, or a related field from an accredited four-year college or university and  three (3) years of progressively responsible related experience involving the development of disease surveillance or health program analysis; 

OR

A master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Biostatics or a related field and one (1) year of progressively responsible related experience involving the development of disease surveillance or health program analysis. 

Any combination of education, training, and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

The County of Lake is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with its obligations under the law to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. 

Incumbents generally work partially in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions and partially in the field.  As such, incumbents may have occasional exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, and direct exposure to hazardous physical conditions.  Incumbents may also be subject to clients or members of the public afflicted with behavioral disorders or who are under emotionally stressful conditions.  

Positions in this class typically require: sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.  Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.  Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.  If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.  

A successful candidate will be required to submit to and pass a background check prior to the appointment.  Depending upon the position and/or assigned department, the background check may include but is not limited to civil and criminal history check, reference check, Live Scan, and/or credit check (as allowed under state law).

Disaster Service Workers: As members of the County of Lake Emergency Services Organization, all Lake County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to perform certain emergency services at the direction of the department and / or County.

The contents of this class specification shall not be construed to constitute any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee, nor shall it constitute a contract of employment.  The County of Lake assumes no responsibility beyond the general accuracy of the document, nor does it assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained herein.  The contents of this specification may be modified or revoked without notice.  Terms and conditions of employment are determined through a “meet and confer” process and are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding currently in effect.