State of Connecticut Executive Branch

Epidemiologist 1 (Toxic Hazards) (35 Hour) (0284HC)

$33.30-$44.22 Hourly / $2,330.31-$3,094.99 BiWeekly /
$60,821.00-$80,779.00 Yearly

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Public Health this class is accountable for assisting in the compilation and interpretation of epidemiologic/scientific data and statistics including field investigations and literature review.

GUIDELINES FOR JOB CLASS USE

This class is the junior working level of the epidemiology series. It may also be used as the working level for outreach field workers in some programs such as Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Pulmonary Diseases. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Initially works under the close supervision of an Epidemiologist 2, 3, 4 or other employee of higher grade; works more independently with acquired experience.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May lead lower level staff as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Assists program staff in epidemiologic investigations of acute and chronic diseases; 
  • Assists in interviewing of individuals relative to disease outbreaks; 
  • Under supervision of an Epidemiologist of higher grade, maintains a surveillance system capable of detecting risk factors and changes in disease patterns; 
  • Makes appropriate contacts with public health and other agencies, health professionals, hospitals, etc. to facilitate disease follow up and surveillance; 
  • Answers general informational questions from the public and medical community; 
  • Regularly reviews scientific literature to maintain a current knowledge of pertinent disease processes; 
  • In addition to the foregoing, in the Toxic Hazards Section or its Radon Program, participates in epidemiological investigations of human exposures to chemical and radiological hazards in both occupational and non-occupational environments; 
  • Participates in preparation of health risk assessments; 
  • Compiles statistics and may do routine calculations and interpretations; 
  • May administer biologics or collect specimens such as blood and urine samples, throat and rectal swabs under supervision of a physician; 
  • May compile statistics and do less complex calculations and interpretations; 
  • Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Knowledge of
    • occupational/environmental epidemiology and/or toxicology; 
    • relevant disease processes which affect humans and animals; 
    • epidemiological methods; 
    • basic biological processes; 
  • Skills
    • interpersonal skills; 
    • oral and written communications skills; 
  • Ability to
    • research scientific literature and develop and gather data.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Five (5) years of experience in a responsible technical or professional capacity in epidemiological investigations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

  • College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
  • A Master's degree in bacteriology, biochemistry, biostatistics, environmental science, health physics, industrial hygiene, physiology, public health or toxicology may be substituted for the General Experience.
  • A Doctorate in a related discipline such as medicine, public health or a natural or behavioral science may be substituted for the General Experience.
  • Successful completion of a Connecticut Careers Trainee program approved by the Department of Administrative Services may be substituted for the General Experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Incumbents in this class must be willing to be immunized for communicable diseases as necessary and appropriate.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to communicable diseases and hazardous substances.

JOB CLASS DESIGNATION

Classified/Competitive

OCCUPATIONAL GROUP

(34)-Statistics/Research/Planning

BARGAINING UNIT

(11)-HEALTH PROF (P-1)

EEO

(2)-Professional

SALARY INFORMATION

HC 20

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

CANCELLATION CLAUSE

This replaces the existing job specification for the class of Epidemiologist 1 (Toxic Hazards) (35 Hour) in Salary Group HC 20 approved effective January 18, 2023. (Revised to modify the Minimum Qualifications - Substitutions Allowed section and modify content) Final 23-035

EFFECTIVE DATE

03/08/2023
CLASS: 0284HC; REV: 3/10/2023;