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Supervising Epidemiologist (#RB6905)
$44.45-$54.03 Hourly / $7,705.38-$9,365.94 Monthly / $92,464.67-$112,391.38 Yearly




DEFINITION

Under direction, supervises epidemiology staff and provides technical oversight of epidemiology-related programs and operations; performs responsible investigative and analytical work including the development and maintenance of data systems for surveillance, identification and control of public health issues identified by various programs in San Joaquin County Public Health Services; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

An incumbent in this class supervises epidemiology work for epidemiologic surveillance and research activities of subordinate professional staff and performs more complex work; develops, conducts, and analyzes surveillance data, epidemic surveys and epidemic case histories through epidemiological research methodology to detect patterns and/or trends of disease in San Joaquin County. Based on analysis of data, an incumbent also provides technical advice to public health services officials and professional staff on strategies to control contagious and other diseases and issues of public health concern.

TYPICAL DUTIES

  • Plans, directs, and evaluates surveillance and epidemiology activities for the County, including the implementation of surveillance systems, data analyses, and epidemiology research studies.
  • Assigns, supervises, reviews, evaluates and participates in the work of epidemiology staff; reviews work of staff for accuracy and completeness.
  • Utilizes epidemiologic, statistical and research methodologies and techniques to accomplish epidemiological research and surveillance objectives; plans and designs epidemiological studies; develops and conducts case control studies.
  • Analyzes and interprets data, including reviewing, assessing, and monitoring case reports, health statistics, demographic information and the results of laboratory tests, to identify possible epidemic trends; makes recommendations for strategies and intervention to control contagious and other diseases; advises public health officials regarding potential or active epidemic trends and disease patterns, their characteristics, possible causation and potential remedial actions; may assess the impact of disease control interventions on the status of target populations.
  • Prepares and presents oral and written reports describing surveillance data and the outcomes of epidemiological investigations to local, state, and federal public health officials and to the community.
  • Serves as a resource and technical consultant on epidemiology to the department, public health officials, and other local and state community providers.
  • Coordinates and maintains epidemiological data using information technology including but not limited to epidemiological software applications and comprehensive statistical software.
  • May write research related or grant funding proposals and collateral reports and/or correspondence based on epidemiological hypotheses and findings.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EITHER PATTERN I

Education: Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, or a related public health field with coursework in both epidemiology and biostatistics. 

Experience: Three years of experience in designing and conducting epidemiological investigations or studies and interpreting epidemiological or demographic data. 

OR PATTERN II

Education: Possession of a master's degree from an accredited college or university in epidemiology, biostatistics or a related public health field (with a minimum of one year of course work in epidemiology and one year in biostatistics) and one year experience in designing and conducting epidemiological investigations or studies and interpreting epidemiological or demographic data. 

AND

License: Possession of a valid California driver’s license.

KNOWLEDGE

Modes of disease transmission and epidemic patterns of disease in the community; epidemiological features of infections significant to public health; epidemiological trends and disease patterns, their characteristics, and possible causation; design methodology and statistical methods used in epidemiological studies; use and availability of demographic data; word processing; principles of supervision; computer programming and processing methods to generate, organize, and display complex statistical and other research data; current epidemiological and related literature; basic computer and modern office automation technology relevant to department operations computer-based comprehensive statistics, graphics and database software.

ABILITY

Lead and direct staff; design epidemiological surveillance and investigative programs; define problem areas; perform and assist in the collection, analysis, interpretation and evaluation of data; read, interpret and analyze technical, medical, demographic and statistical data and laboratory reports; prepare clear and concise reports and recommendations, and present orally and in writing in clear and logical form; operate computers and related software; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, private practice physicians, representatives of other agencies, and the general public; operate basic computer and modern office automation technology, including pertinent software.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Mobility-Operate a data entry device; frequent sitting for long periods walking; occasional standing for long periods, pushing/pulling, bending/squatting, driving, climbing stairs; Lifting-Frequently 5 pounds or less; occasionally 5 to 30 pounds; Visual-Frequent overall vision, eye/hand coordination, reading/close-up work; occasional color perception, depth perception, field of vision/peripheral; Dexterity-Frequent holding, reaching, grasping, writing; occasional repetitive motion; Hearing/Talking-Frequent hearing normal speech, hearing on the telephone, talking in person and on the telephone; Emotional/Psychological-Frequent concentration, working alone; occasional emergency situations, exposure to trauma, grief, death; Special Requirements–Decision making, may require working weekends, nights, overtime; occasional travel; Environmental Conditions-Occasional exposure to noise, dirt, dust smoke, fumes, poor ventilation, cold/heat; occasional exposure to varied weather conditions.

San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.


CLASS: RB6905; EST: 9/12/2007;