Deputy Bureau Chief and Medical Epidemiologist for Programs

Posting Details

This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant list may be screened more than once.

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) is the statewide public health authority. NMDOH's Public Health Division Center for Health Protection (CHP) tracks infectious diseases, injuries and health statistics and trains organizations in disease control, injury prevention as well as responds to public health emergencies and provides vital records services. Within, CHP, the Infections Disease Epidemiology Bureau (IDEB) is responsible for notifiable disease surveillance and epidemiology activities including directing investigations of specified infectious diseases and outbreak control in coordination with other state agencies, local environment departments, tribal nations and New Mexico healthcare systems. IDEB organizational chart includes an ELC program (comprised of foodborne/waterborne program, one health program, vaccine-preventable diseases program, and zoonotic disease program), Data and Informatics Program, HIV/Hepatitis Surveillance and Epidemiology Program, Healthcare-associated Infections Program, Incarcerated Populations Epidemiology Program and the Emerging Infections Program (comprised in part of viral respiratory pathogen surveillance, mycotic and invasive bacterial pathogens).

Why does the job exist?

The Deputy Bureau Chief Medical Director is responsible for the oversight of two IDEB programs focused on disease surveillance, epidemiologic analyses, responding to public health emergencies and outbreak and disease control and prevention efforts. The Medical Director will assure the federal grant funded projects and grant deliverables are completed and will manage and monitor for integrity collaborative relationships with program stakeholders and contractors. The Medical Director will represent NMDOH at local, state and national conferences and participate in state and national work groups and committees. Additionally, the Medical Director will participate in on-call after hours duties on a rotating basis.

How does it get done?

This position will supervise the IDEB epidemiologists, surveillance program managers, and oversee contracts that support the IDEB grant-funded projects. The position will interact with federal and state partners to assure IDEB surveillance and epidemiology projects are functioning and efficient. Grant application and grant deliverable progress reports with grant budget monitoring will be part of this position's job duties. The position will also provide medical oversight for across bureau programs, for on-call services and during case investigations, outbreaks and other public health emergencies. Travel will include both in-state and out-of-state trips to coordinate grant funded projects, best practice trainings, and to participate in national public health initiatives and national program planning.

Who are the customers?

This position provides epidemiology, surveillance and public health program management capacity for the entire state of New Mexico in collaboration with other states, national public health associations (e.g. Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Ideal Candidate

This position provides epidemiology, surveillance and public health program management capacity for the entire state of New Mexico in collaboration with other states, national public health associations (e.g. Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Minimum Qualification

Requires an MD or DO, licensure and certification to practice in New Mexico and two (2) years of experience as it pertains to the essential duties and responsibilities of the classification. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field above licensure/certification requirements and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling two (2) years may substitute for the required experience.

Employment Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification within six (6) months of date of hire as a condition of continued employment.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Travel in-state and out-of-state up to 20% of time.

Supplemental Information

Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here

Agency Contact Information: Chad Smelser, Email

For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.