Epidemiologist - Austin Public Health

About This Position

Job Description:

Purpose:

Under general direction, investigate, interpret, and report information about diseases and other public health issues in the community.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Assists in data collection, assessment, and evaluation process in community health planning for the department.
• Establishes, maintains, and improves databases on adverse health conditions.
• Develops, analyzes, and reports strategic health indicators for the community. Plans, develops, directs, and coordinates epidemiologic studies and investigations.
• Analyzes and interprets data.
• Prepares reports on epidemiologic investigations.
• Explores linkages between diseases, conditions, and risk factors in the community.
• Creates summaries/briefs and comprehensive reports for periodic release, focused on examining recent data on disease burden in the community, risk factors, and health inequities.
• Participates in the community assessment process to identify key health indicators and develop on-going assessment activities.
• Responds to inquiries from the public on information related to adverse health conditions.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

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.

• Knowledge of current epidemiological, biostatistics principles, and practices.
• Knowledge of computerized database and statistical software.
• Knowledge of organization and administration of public health programs.
• Knowledge of public health laws, ordinances, policies, procedures, rules and regulations and basic medical terminology.
• Knowledge of current cultural, social, economic, and public health issues and community demographics.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships.
• Skill in applying interviewing and assessment technique for case investigations including culturally and socio-economically diverse populations.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Ability to interact effectively and professionally with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, education, racial, ethnic, and professional backgrounds, managers, co-workers, and members of the public and professional groups.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality as required by HIPAA and other Texas privacy laws.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public Health (MPH) or closely related field with emphasis on epidemiology and/or biostatistics.
• One (1) year of experience in epidemiology, data management, infectious diseases, occupational diseases, environmental health, cancer, chronic diseases, reproductive health or another related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience performing public health investigations and surveillance related to infectious disease, chronic disease, drug use/misuse, injury prevention, or environmental exposures.
• Experience communicating with healthcare personnel.
• Experience performing analysis using statistical softwares such as SAS, R, Power BI, etc.
• Experience writing SQL queries.
• Experience with creating and managing spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel.
• Bilingual (Spanish preferred)

Licenses and Certifications Required:

None

Compensation Range:

Notes to Candidate:

Position Overview:

• Perform public health investigations and surveillance (arboviral, other vectorborne conditions and other infectious conditions as assigned, etc.).
• Analyze and interpret epidemiologic data and prepare reports of investigation and findings.
• Assist in the development, maintenance or enhancement of disease surveillance systems for the rapid detection of unusual outbreaks of infectious diseases and other health threats and emergencies, such as 24/7 reporting system, foodborne and waterborne disease investigations.
• Provide technical assistance and training to other divisions, health professionals and the general public on infectious diseases, disease surveillance, and emergency response and preparedness issues.
• Participate actively in all public health response activities, meetings, exercises, and drills as requested.

Location:5202 E Ben White Blvd #600, Austin, TX 78741

General Work Schedule:

Monday – Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

After a probationary period, employee may enjoy the ability to work up to 60% remotely, depending upon business needs.

• Who We Are: Austin Public Health (APH) works to ensure that the community is protected from disease and other public health threats, and to empower others to live healthier, safer lives. This position supports Austin Public Health’s Mission and Core Purpose identified in the Austin Public Health Strategic Plan. Visit our website to learn more about what services, programs, and resources our team at Austin Public Health provides to the Greater Austin community.

• Why Join Us? Meaningful Work
  Contribute to services and programs that improve the lives of the people in our community. Your work directly enables our department to deliver tangible resources, knowledge, and services in high-impact areas.

• Innovation and Collaboration
  Collaborate with diverse and talented teams, leveraging technology, continuous improvement, and best practices to drive progress and deliver meaningful services to the Greater Austin Area.
  
  Professional Growth and Development
  Achieve your professional goals. APH offers opportunities to advance in multiple career paths, including nursing, medical fields, program management, environmental health, finance, business administration, process improvement, and data analytics. Education assistance is available through our tuition reimbursement program, and other financial and professional development support for continuing education, licenses, and certifications may be available.
  
  Work-Life Balance
  Enjoy a balanced lifestyle in a city renowned for its quality of life, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences. Our employees also enjoy the ability to work up to 60% remotely, depending upon position and business needs.

• Health and WellnessThe City of Austin is committed to providing cost-effective, sustainable benefits that assist employees in being physically and mentally healthy. For employees that are covered this includes low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities and more. Click here to review the City of Austin's Employee Benefits Guide. To learn more about working with the City of Austin, click here to watch a short video!

• Application Details: A detailed, complete City of Austin employment application is required to help us better evaluate your qualifications. Please be thorough in completing the employment application and list all experience that is relevant to this position. If you are selected as the top candidate for a position, we may be contacting your current and former employer listed on the application for reference checks as a part of the pre-employment verification process. If you are identified as a top candidate, verification of your education, which may include High School graduation or GED equivalent, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees, will be required depending on position requirements.

• Additional Details: This position may require a skills assessment. The Austin Public Health Department may close this job posting at any time after it has been advertised for seven (7) days, please apply as soon as possible if interested. Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submissions, must be fully completed before that time.We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system. This position will require a pre-employment Criminal Background Investigation (CBI).
• Immunization Requirement: Austin Public Health employees must comply with the department’s immunization policy. Proof of having had certain vaccinations is required for employees that work in an environment that involves face-to-face interaction with pregnant women, infants, children, STI/TB clients, immunocompromised clients, and clients at high risk for TB on a routine basis.

• Tobacco-free Workplace: The City of Austin is a tobacco-free workplace. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any City of Austin worksite- including construction sites, parking lots, garages, or in personal vehicles parked on the premises.

• Travel: The Austin Public Health Department is comprised of multiple facilities located throughout the Greater Austin area. If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Record Evaluation you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

• Driving Requirement: This position requires a Valid Texas Class "C" Driver's License. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin's Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.
• Hybrid Work Environment:The City of Austin Telework Program is designed to empower employees and leaders to establish hybrid work arrangements that promote high levels of performance and engagement. The City of Austin has an established work arrangement under which an employee is scheduled to work at least 2 days per week at their designated worksite, depending on the position. Some positions may require additional time at their designated worksite.

• 90 Day Provision for Additional Vacancy:If the same or an additional vacancy occurs within the Austin Public Health Department in the same job title within 90 days after the start date of the top candidate, the additional position may be offered to another top candidate from the same candidate pool. This may include filling other vacancies with the same job title in other division/work locations within the Austin Public Health Department. Decisions on assigned selection may be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.

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JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

• Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.

• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.

• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.

• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

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EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Link to Internal employee link

Workday Jobs Hub

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.

• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.

• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.

• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

City of Austin Employment Video