Epidemiologist

* THIS POSITION IS GRANT-FUNDED FOR 3 YEARS*

Linn County is committed to creating a Customer-Center Culture placing our internal & external customers at the center of everything we do Why do we do this? We get that question a lot. The answer is simple: We want our customers to have a positive experience. Our co-workers are customers too. Exceptional internal customer satisfaction leads to exceptional customer satisfaction for the public

Why work at Linn County? 

* Competitive wages with annual pay increases & annual cost of living increase (depending on budget) 
* Medical, dental, vision, short & long term disability, and supplemental life insurance 
* Iowa Public Employee's Retirement Pension Plan (IPERS) 
* Wellness program offering credit on insurance premiums to eligible employees 
* On-site fitness centers for $15 per year 
* 100% County paid basic life insurance 
* 12 paid holidays per year 
* Training & professional development opportunities

Hourly Wage:

New Hire: $33.46  ·  90 days: $35.16  ·  1 year: $37.02  ·  2 years: $39.01  ·  3 years: $41.13 

About Epidemiologist:

Collects, plans, and conducts data analyses; interprets data and writes public health reports, conducts epidemiologic investigations, and researches studies; maintains systems for disease reporting and surveillance; and performs complex epidemiological work on the distribution and determinants of communicable and non-communicable diseases, and other public health emergencies. Knows the County's Customer-Centered Culture principles, the County's Mission, Strategic Plan and Core Values and demonstrates a commitment to customer satisfaction for all customers on a regular basis.

* Conducts data analysis using SAS and/or SPSS.
* Analyzes data and ensures completeness and accuracy of the data. 
* Conducts studies designed to identify segments of the population at greater risk of acquiring specific diseases and identify factors associated with disease.
* Develops reports.
* Provides and/or disseminates data and reports.
* Assists in preparing grant applications and progress reports to grantors by providing data and analysis.
* Reads, interprets and prepares technical reports on epidemiological studies and investigations and discusses findings with the Health Director and Division Managers.
* Evaluates the surveillance system. 
* Develops and implements improvements based on findings. 
* Identifies and uses external data sets, such as hospital discharge and Medicaid data. 
* Conducts field investigations during periods of unusual occurrences of disease, performs statistical analyses of study data, plans and organizes new methods for obtaining additional health data and for improving the reliability and validity of health data being collected.
* Develops and adopts new tools for addressing Linn County health issues including questionnaires and other assessment tools, databases, report templates, etc.
* Oversees the implementation and use of new databases.
* Develops and integrates GIS and other new epidemiologic capacity.
* Assists in the formulation of hypotheses to explain the differential occurrence of diseases in various population groups and assists in the formulation of recommendations for interventions to reduce the occurrence and/or severity of diseases or injuries of public health significance.
* Attends meetings with partners (such as area hospitals and other Linn County Departments).
* Presents programmatic updates and data, solicits input and assistance, etc.
* Provides consultation, educational programs, and information sharing about relevant epidemiological subjects to various audiences.
* Assists in the development of policy, including local and state-level legislation.
* Provides support to disease and outbreak investigations, including public health emergencies.
* Performs other duties as assigned. 
* Knows the products they personally produce and the customers of each product. Listens to the "Voice of the Customer" and closes gaps between customer expectations and experience whenever possible. 
* Master's degree in Epidemiology/Public Health with at least twelve (12) hours of epidemiology and biostatistics course work is required. Public health work experience in epidemiology is preferred.
* A minimum of one (1) year experience in public health required.   Must demonstrate the ability, skills, and knowledge to perform statistical analysis and interpretation of public health data.
* Knowledge of epidemiology methods, analyses and interpretation, medical terminology, statistical analysis (biostatistics), demography, epidemiological or statistical software (SPSS/SAS), social and economic conditions and current epidemiological developments and techniques.   
* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
* Ability to meet and communicate effectively with the public and conduct public information programs.
* Ability to write technical and non-technical information material. 
* Ability to use a personal computer and applicable software (SPSS/SAS).  
* Ability to analyze data, document, and process information, formulate hypotheses and translate data into public health policy.

Special Necessary Requirements:

Valid State of Iowa Driver's License required; must have ability to procure transportation to off-site meetings and trainings. Must pass a County physical examination which includes a drug test after offer of employment. Regular work attendance is required. Must remain awake and aware of surroundings at all times. Must be available outside normal working hours on a periodic basis to meet community needs.Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.