Epidemiologist

• Plans, conducts, and evaluates epidemiologic studies to determine patterns of disease in the community; conducts and coordinates field investigations of outbreaks of disease and/or environmental hazards; conducts surveillance activities to identify and monitor disease trends within assigned geographical areas and/or targeted populations.
• Provides lead direction, training, counsel, and work review to assigned staff; organizes and assigns work, sets priorities, and evaluates performance; serves as a resource to staff.
• Monitors activities of the work unit; identifies opportunities for improving service delivery and procedures; provides recommendations concerning process changes; reviews with appropriate management staff; implements improvements.
• Coordinates assigned services and operations with those of other divisions and outside agencies.
• Participates in the development of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for assigned services and programs; recommends and implements policies and procedures including standard operating procedures for assigned operations.
• Participates in annual budget preparation; identifies resource needs; prepares detailed cost estimates with appropriate justifications; monitors expenditures.
• Provides staff assistance to management; prepares and presents staff reports and other written materials; directs the establishment and maintenance of reports, records, databases, and files; ensures the proper documentation of operations and activities.
• Answers questions and provides information to the public; investigates and responds to complaints and inquiries from citizens, other departments, and agencies; recommends corrective actions to resolve issues.
• Develops procedures, protocols, data collection instruments, and data management tools to conduct epidemiological or chronic disease research and surveillance activities.
• Assesses risks of communicable disease outbreaks and/or environmental hazards.
• Serves as a subject matter and technical expert on epidemiology; provides complex staff support to management staff on epidemiological studies, trends, and patterns; makes recommendations for disease controls procedures and prevention strategies.
• Prepares and maintains reports and statistical information to present to the state department of public health and other outside local, state, and federal agencies; serves as the departmental and County liaison with outside public health agencies on disease prevention, detection, and control.
• Oversees and directs the development of educational material for community outreach and education related to communicable diseases and environmental health risks.
• Represents the County in meetings with members of other public and private organizations, community groups, contractors, developers, and the public.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in biology, nursing, public health, business administration, or a closely related field.

• Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in communicable disease control; planning, conducting, and evaluating epidemiologic studies; or analyzing public health statistics. (Substitution: Equivalent to a master's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in epidemiology, biostatistics, or a closely related field may be substituted for required experience.)

• Possession of a valid California driver's license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles at the time of appointment.

• Principles and practices of leadership.
• Principles of providing functional direction and training.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Basic principles and practices of budget administration and monitoring.
• Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of researching analyzing public health data and epidemiological trends.
• Principles and practices of epidemiology including the development, protocols, and parameters of epidemiological studies.
• Techniques of developing scientific reports and presenting technical data to a variety of audiences.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• County and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• Techniques of effective oral and written communication; proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Current equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

• Plan, organize, and coordinate the work of assigned staff.
• Effectively provide staff leadership and work direction.
• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Identify problems, research, and analyze relevant information, and develop and present recommendations and justification for solutions.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Design and conduct complex public health studies.
• Identify trends and patterns in communicable diseases and develop sound evidence-based recommendations.
• Respond to complaints or inquiries from citizens, staff, and outside organizations.
• Prepare clear, effective, and accurate reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and written records of work performed.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Veteran's Preference Application
Must submit the request form and certified DD-214 prior to the closing date.