Epidemiologist (#RB6900)
$43.19-$52.50 Hourly / $7,486.53-$9,099.92 Monthly / $89,838.36-$109,199.09 Yearly

Under direction, performs responsible investigative and analytical work including the development and maintenance of data systems for surveillance, identification and control of public health issues identified by various programs in San Joaquin County Public Health Services; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.

An incumbent in this class develops, conducts, and analyzes surveillance data, epidemic surveys and epidemic case histories through epidemiological research methodology to detect patterns and/or trends of disease in San Joaquin County. Based on analysis of data an incumbent also provides technical advice to public health services officials and professional staff on strategies to control contagious and other diseases and issues of public health concern. This class differs from the Supervising Epidemiologist in that the latter provides supervision and program oversight.

• Utilizes epidemiologic, statistical and research methodologies and techniques to accomplish epidemiological research and surveillance objectives; plans and designs epidemiological studies; develops and conducts case control studies. 
• Analyzes and interprets data (including reviewing, assessing, and monitoring case reports, health statistics, demographic information and the results of laboratory tests) to identify possible epidemic trends; makes recommendations for strategies and intervention to control contagious and other diseases; advises public health officials regarding potential or active epidemic trends and disease patterns, their characteristics, possible causation and potential remedial actions; may assess the impact of disease control interventions on the status of target populations. 
• Prepares and presents oral and written reports describing surveillance data and the outcomes of epidemiological investigations to local, state, and federal public health officials and to the community. 
• Serves as a resource and technical consultant on epidemiology to the department, public health officials, and other local and state community providers. 
• Coordinates and maintains epidemiological data using information technology including but not limited to epidemiological software applications and comprehensive statistical software. 
• May write research related or grant funding proposals and collateral reports and/or correspondence based on epidemiological hypotheses and findings.

Modes of disease transmission and epidemic patterns of disease in the community; epidemiological features of infections significant to public health; epidemiological trends and disease patterns, their characteristics, and possible causation; design methodology and statistical methods used in epidemiological studies; use and availability of demographic data; word processing; computer programming and processing methods to generate, organize, and display complex statistical and other research data; current epidemiological and related literature; basic computer and modern office automation technology relevant to department operations computer-based comprehensive statistics, graphics and database software.

Design epidemiological surveillance and investigative programs; define problem areas; perform and assist in the collection, analysis, interpretation and evaluation of data; read, interpret and analyze technical, medical, demographic and statistical data and laboratory reports; prepare clear and concise reports and recommendations, and present orally and in writing in clear and logical form; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships  with staff, private practice physicians, representatives of other agencies and the general public operate basic computer and modern office automation technology, including pertinent software.

Mobility-Operate a data entry device; frequent sitting for long periods walking; occasional standing for long periods, pushing/pulling, bending/squatting, driving, climbing stairs; Lifting-Frequently 5 pounds or less; occasionally 5 to 30 pounds; Visual Requirements-Frequent overall vision, eye/hand coordination, reading/close-up work; occasional color perception, depth perception, field of vision/peripheral; Dexterity-Frequent holding, reaching, grasping, writing; occasional repetitive motion; Hearing/Talking-Frequent hearing normal speech, hearing on the telephone, talking in person and on the telephone; Emotional/Psychological-Frequent concentration, working alone; occasional emergency situations, exposure to trauma, grief, death; Special Requirements-Decision making, may require working weekends, nights, overtime; occasional travel; Environmental Conditions-Occasional exposure to noise, dirt, dust smoke, fumes, poor ventilation, cold/heat; occasional exposure to varied weather conditions.