Epidemiologist III

Job Description:
Under the general supervision of the Blood Lead Surveillance Branch Director, the Epidemiologist III is responsible for performing complex epidemiologic work. Initiates, plans, and conducts epidemiological studies, surveillance projects, and investigations of lead exposure and lead poisoning. Addresses inquiries from (consults with) physicians, health care facilities, state and national organizations, public health officials, and the general public regarding the epidemiology of lead. Prepares oral and written presentations describing the outcomes of epidemiologic investigations or surveillance findings. Duties performed under limited supervision with extensive latitude for use of initiative and independent judgment. Essential Job Functions:
EJF1 Initiates, plans, and directs epidemiologic investigations and studies related to lead exposure and lead poisoning. This includes the design, planning and implementation of the complete specification of data collection, data analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of the results. Conducts advanced epidemiological analyses of blood lead data using SAS and/or SQL. Conducts trend and other analyses and for federal grant and progress reports. Makes budget recommendations based on data analyses when appropriate. Delivers complex interpretation of results in oral presentations and written reports to internal stakeholders, communities, companies, media, health professionals, professional conferences, and lay audiences. Prepares reports, briefs, research articles, and other summary reports for dissemination. Reviews technical reports and monitors the preparation of special reports when appropriate. Develops recommendations and conducts analyses to identify geographic areas and populations at high risk for lead exposure. Evaluates targeted interventions aimed at these findings. (45%)

EJF 2 Directs analytical activities for blood lead data. Provides technical expertise and consultation for child and adult lead surveillance. Serves as the subject matter expert and lead programmatic contact for lead surveillance and disease trends in Texas. Performs data analyses to monitor data quality and develops recommendations to management to improve data quality as appropriate. Assists the supervisor with establishing data analysis priorities for the team and implements them. Assesses training needs and makes recommendations for training; may provide on the job training and assist less experienced staff with the more complex issues and/or situations. Attends and provides input at meetings pertaining to branch goals, objectives, and activities. Provides technical assistance to local and regional health departments. Develops operational manuals and training materials. (25%)

EJF 3 Consults with and addresses inquiries from physicians, health care facilities, state and national organizations, public health officials, and the general public regarding blood lead surveillance data. Evaluates and responds to data requests relating to adult and child lead from internal and external stakeholders, media, and the general public. Prepares and reviews presentations, technical reports and responses to data requests. Provides epidemiologic consultation and technical assistance to other departments, state and federal agencies, local health departments, media, health professionals, and citizens. Assists in preparation and implementation of cooperative agreements. (25%)

EJF4 Performs related work as assigned. “Other duties as assigned include but not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participations may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location”. (5%) Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of local, state, federal laws and guidelines relating to lead exposure and lead poisoning

Skill in using SAS and SQL for record management of complex data/databases and analysis
Skill in relating complex information verbally and in writing
Skill in public speaking
Skill in problem solving
Skill in interviewing, training, and presentations

Ability to analyze facts
Ability to develop and evaluate policies and procedures
Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing, to include formal reports
Ability to organize assigned work and develop effective work methods
Ability to exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality and use sound, reliable independent judgment
Ability to establish and maintain excellent working relationships
Ability to work with individuals from a variety of cultural and educational backgrounds

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