Veterinary Epidemiologist
State of OhioThe State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.
Minimum Qualifications
- Active license to practice veterinary medicine issued by the Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board.
- Accreditation under CFR, Title 9, Part 161 issued by the United States Department of Agriculture.
- Experience:
- 12 months working in a diagnostic service laboratory identifying livestock diseases, or pathology training, or practicing veterinary medicine, or working in livestock disease control & eradication, or as a veterinarian in a state or federal food inspection program, or as a manager in meat & poultry inspection.
Training/Experience:
- 6 months training or experience in state & federal laws regulating veterinary medicine, and implementation of programs to inspect & control infectious & contagious diseases in livestock & poultry or meat & poultry inspection.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master of Science in Public Health or epidemiological discipline
- Board certification in Preventative Medicine
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT REQUIRED TO REMAIN IN THE CLASSIFICATION AFTER EMPLOYMENT
- Biannual renewal of license to practice veterinary medicine issued by the Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board
- Retention of USDA veterinary accreditation
- Completion of:
- Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostician training
- Tuberculosis training
- Obtain FDA credentials (requires background check and fingerprinting)
- Maintain federal veterinary accreditation status under CFR, Title 9, Part 161 issued by USDA
UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS
- Travel required, including some overnight stays
- Exposure to diseased animals and carcasses
- Non-standard work weeks, which may include evenings and weekends
For Questions Regarding This Posting Please Contact:
Paul Hengstenberg
Paul Hengstenberg@agri.ohio.gov
The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.
Who We Are
The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) plays a vital role in supporting Ohio’s agriculture, protecting consumers, safeguarding plants and animals, and conserving natural resources. As a cabinet-level agency, we answer to the Governor and deliver results that matter! Ohio’s food and agriculture industry contributes over $124 billion to the economy and employs one in eight Ohioans. This success starts on the farm—but today’s farms are modern, technology-driven operations that feed a growing population.
ODA’s headquarters is located in Reynoldsburg on a beautiful 158-acre campus. Parking is free, and so are the opportunities to connect with professionals recognized as leaders in their fields.
What We Do
At ODA, our work impacts every Ohioan. We ensure the meat, milk, and food you consume are safe. We protect farmland and conserve soil and water resources. We keep Ohio’s plants, crops, and livestock free of pests and disease. We operate the state’s top food safety lab and serve as a hub for a statewide lab safety system. We ensure accurate weights and measures, oversee Ohio’s fairs, and make sure amusement rides are safe.
As part of ODA’s Division of Animal Health, you’ll join a team dedicated to safeguarding animal health and public safety. In this role, you’ll help prevent and control livestock diseases, respond to outbreaks, and provide expert guidance that protects Ohio’s agricultural industry and the people who depend on it.
Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:
- Medical Coverage
- Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
- Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
- Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
- Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
- Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)
*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.
Position Overview
The Veterinary Epidemiologist will play a critical role in safeguarding Ohio’s livestock, animal industries, and public health. This position involves designing and implementing epidemiological practices, conducting disease surveillance, and leading outbreak investigations. The role requires collaboration with state and federal agencies, veterinarians, and industry stakeholders to develop evidence-based policies and strategies for disease prevention and control.
Key Responsibilities
- Disease Surveillance & Analysis:
- Design, implement, and analyze epidemiological practices for livestock and zoonotic diseases.
- Monitor disease trends through data collection from veterinarians, farms, and diagnostic labs.
- Prepare reports on endemic, foreign, and emerging animal diseases for state and federal agencies.
- Outbreak Investigation & Response:
- Lead rapid response efforts during animal disease outbreaks.
- Conduct on-site investigations to identify sources and transmission pathways.
- Collaborate with USDA and NVSL on epidemiological reports and containment strategies.
- Policy Development & Communication:
- Advise leadership on animal health policies, biosecurity, and disease control regulations.
- Communicate complex scientific findings to policymakers, producers, and the public.
- Contribute to educational initiatives and public outreach programs.
- Data Management & Visualization:
- Utilize data analysis tools and geospatial mapping to visualize disease patterns.
- Maintain division epidemiology data platforms and public-facing disease metrics.
- Collaboration & Training:
- Serve as liaison to state and federal agencies and private partners.
- Provide training to field personnel on epidemiological methods and data systems.
- Develop and deliver educational materials on reportable diseases.