Epidemiologist

Salary : $72,363.20 – $97,323.20 Annually

Location : Fallon, NV

Job Type: Full-Time Regular

Job Number: 2023-0067

Department: Social Services

Opening Date: 09/06/2023

Closing Date: 9/20/2023 3:00 PM Pacific

FLSA: Exempt

Position Summary

Make a difference. Are you passionate about public health and ready to play a crucial role in protecting and improving the health of people in Central Nevada (Churchill, Eureka, Mineral, and Pershing Counties)? Churchill County (for the Central Nevada Health District – CNHD) is recruiting for the full-time, regular (salaried) position of Epidemiologist to help lead CNHD’s disease surveillance program and address other issues related to infectious disease in the District.

Epidemiologists are public health professionals responsible for planning, organizing, and coordinating disease or injury data collection programs and surveillance, performing data collection, data base management and analysis duties, as well as monitoring, reporting, and controlling communicable disease activities within the District. They are responsible for population health surveillance and individual disease case investigation, act as intra- and inter-agency liaisons and consultants, and provide leadership to multi-disciplinary teams within the District’s jurisdiction.

Consider working for Churchill County! The county pays 100% of the retirement contribution to PERS on your behalf (33.5% over and above your wage, equivalent to $24,200/year). The county pays 100% of the employee-only health insurance premiums (equivalent to $11,050/year). AND you will not have Social Security taken out of your paycheck, which results in an additional 6% take-home pay (equivalent to $4,300/year).

Our ideal candidate is accountable, proactive, and adept at analytical decision-making. They embrace challenges, communicate effectively, and possess versatile computer skills. Collaborative and customer-focused, they exhibit ethical conduct and the ability to lead and facilitate. Their research prowess, technical competence, and resilience make them an invaluable addition to our team.

Interested applicants need to apply online at www.churchillcountynv.gov/careers by 3 PM on September 20, 2023. The position may remain open after the deadline, if necessary, until filled. (This position is subject to stable grant funding.)

Position Summary: Under general supervision, develops, leads, coordinates, plans and conducts countywide disease surveillance program and recommends disease control measures for infectious diseases; provides infectious disease epidemiology services and education for the community; functions as a member of a multi-disciplinary outbreak investigation and response team; and performs related work as required.

Essential Functions

This job description indicates, in general, the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.

• Demonstrates regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
• Coordinates the countywide surveillance/reporting system for infectious diseases through the compilation and analysis of communicable disease reports, as received from physicians, laboratories and other agencies; determines which reports require follow-up; sets up and performs investigations, completes case documentation to ensure compliance with department protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Researches emerging disease surveillance and control issues and advises the Social Services Director and the Board of Health on course of action; works with other public health agencies to design and implement new statewide policies, procedures, and systems, including regulations and databases.
• Collects, analyzes, and organizes data, via a computerized database; identifies epidemics, dangerous and unusual diseases; prepares reports and statistics for the State Division of Public and Behavioral Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),the Social Services Director, and the Board of Health.
• Plans, implements, and evaluates active and/or enhanced disease or injury surveillance systems.
• Consults with, provides information and advice to physicians and other health care professionals to ensure that patients and contacts are tested and treated in accordance with CDC-based recommendations.
• Trains staff in procedures and protocols to conduct communicable disease investigations and contain outbreaks.
• Writes, reviews, edits, and distributes alerts, newsletters and reports to the medical community.
• Plans and implements outbreak control measures, designs and conducts appropriate studies. Coordinates communicable disease investigations with external agencies and Social Services staff.
• Develops and/or revises CDC-based procedures and protocols for reporting, investigating, and controlling communicable disease.
• Participates in-field investigations at food establishments, childcare facilities, extended care facilities, or other community locations as necessary to complete epidemiological investigations.
• Serves as the county’s subject matter expert and media liaison for communicable disease related issues; represents the county with the public and other organizations in the area of communicable disease control.
• Performs duties as assigned in the event of a public health emergency.
• Represents the county with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with staff and the public.

Qualifications
Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in behavioral science, biology, microbiology, medicine, public health; AND three (3) years of full-time experience in an organized communicable disease epidemiology or infection control program; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Required Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of:

• Pathophysiology, epidemiology, microbiology, transmission, treatment, prevention, and control of various communicable diseases.
• Surveillance practices and procedures.
• Preventive medicine and public health practices.
• Current literature, trends, and developments in the field of communicable disease epidemiology.
• Symptoms, modes of transmission, etiology, and physiology of communicable disease and emerging infections.
• Current public health principles and practices.
• Federal, state, and local communicable disease reporting laws including Bloodborne Pathogen Standards, HIPAA, and related forms.
• Resources available in the community to assist patients with various communicable diseases and for community networking.
• Computer applications related to the work.
• Correct business English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals from various socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained.

Skill in:

• Coordinating the operations of the communicable disease epidemiology program.
• Exercising independent judgment to plan, develop, and conduct epidemiology and clinical programs.
• Managing communicable disease cases and contacts, per department protocols.
• Developing and presenting educational programs to staff, boards, health care professionals, and the public.
• Training staff to conduct epidemiological investigations.
• Interviewing, communicating with, and instructing individuals from various socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained.
• Interpreting communicable disease health data and technical information.
• Performing statistical analysis of epidemiological data.
• Interpreting, applying, and adapting regulations, policies and procedures.
• Analyzing situations accurately and taking effective action.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Communicating orally in a clear, concise manner, tailoring the message to the intended audience, including the media.
• Writing technical and narrative reports, newsletters, and educational materials.
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives, and activities.
• Demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with the public, other agencies, and county staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

• Nevada Driver’s License

Physical Demands and Working Environment

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Mobility to work in a typical office and clinic environment, and use standard office, laboratory, and health-related equipment; stamina to sit for extended periods of time; strength and agility to lift and carry up to 20 pounds; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate over the telephone and in person; potential exposure to communicable diseases; exposure to potentially hazardous medications and bodily fluids.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

1. Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.
2. New employees are required to submit to a background investigation and if hired for a safety-sensitive position, a drug/alcohol screen. Employment is contingent upon passing the background and the drug/alcohol screen (if applicable).
3. Churchill County participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS, with information from each applicant’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered employment must complete Section 1 of the Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity prior to starting employment. Please be prepared to provide required documentation as soon as possible after the job offer is made.

DISCLAIMER: Churchill County provides benefits to regular employees. Benefits are prorated for some part time, regular positions (depending on job). Most part time positions provide no benefits.

No Nevada state income tax

Retirement
Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) of Nevada – Churchill County contributes 29.75% of an eligible Regular Member’s salary for retirement. Churchill County contributes 44.00% of an eligible Police Member’s salary for retirement. Retirement benefits are available to employees hired in positions that work 20 hours per week or more on a regular basis. Positions of less than 20 hours per week (or less than 1040 hours in a fiscal year) will receive Social Security contributions and will not be enrolled in PERS.

Deferred Compensation Plans
Employees can also participate in the VOYA 457 deferred compensation plan, which is funded by the employee. This allows the employee to save money in pre-tax dollars toward retirement.

Cafeteria Health Coverage Plan – Full-time employees’ health insurance begins the first of the month after one month of employment. (Employees must work an average 30 or more hours per week on a regular basis to qualify for health insurance coverage.)

The county offers a “Cafeteria” health plan to full-time employees, which allows employees to pick and choose the best health plan for them and their family. The county offers three health plans – a base PPO plan with a $1,500 deductible, a “buy-up” PPO plan with a $750 deductible, and a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a $2,700 deductible and a Health Savings Account (HSA), to which the county contributes $150 per month. In addition, the county also provides the following: a prescription plan, a dental plan, and a vision plan. The county currently contributes 100% of the employee premiums for the base PPO plan and the HDHP, as well as for the prescription, dental, and vision plans. Employees who elect dependent coverage pay 100% of the dependent premiums – employees can elect to have those premiums deducted in pre-tax dollars.

Vacation Leave
Full-time, regular county employees scheduled to work 40 hours per week accrue 8 hours per month of annual (vacation) leave per year. Part-time, regular county employees accrue annual (vacation) leave vacation at a prorated amount depending the number of hours worked. Employees earn additional annual leave hours at 5, 10, 15, and 25 years of service up to a maximum of 240 hours (30 days) per year. While on probation an employee is not granted vacation leave for the first six months; the employee still accrues vacation leave during this time and will be credited with 48 hours of vacation leave after six months of employment in their regular position.

Sick Leave
Full-time, regular county employees scheduled 10 hours of sick leave per month, with no maximum accrual. Part-time, regular employees accrue sick leave at a prorated amount depending the number of hours worked.

Holidays – Regular county employees enjoy 11 paid holidays per calendar year including New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Nevada Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Family Day (Friday after Thanksgiving), and Christmas Day. In addition, County employees are entitled to one floating holiday per year, to be used at a time agreed to by the employee and his or her supervisor. (Regular, part-time employees receive prorated holidays based on the number of hours normally worked.)

Tuition Reimbursement
Churchill County values it’s employees and empowers all employees to enhance their skills by taking job-related college courses as well as participating in job related workshops and seminars. To that end, for regular employees the county has a generous Tuition Reimbursement policy for accredited courses, reimbursing up to $1,200 per year in educational expenses.

01

Mark the one box that best describes how you meet the experience portion of the minimum qualifications including paid or unpaid internships, designing, conducting, and evaluating Epidemiology studies, outbreak investigations, or infection control programs.

• I have no experience in this area
• I have less than 1 year of full-time professional-level experience, including paid or unpaid internships, in this area.
• I have 1 year but less than 2 years of professional-level experience, including paid or unpaid internships, in this area.
• I have 2 years but less than 3 years of professional-level experience, including paid or unpaid internships, in this area.
• I have 3 to 5 years of professional-level experience, including paid or unpaid internships, in this area.
• I have 5 or more years of professional experience, including paid or unpaid internships, in this area.

02

Mark the one box that best describes your education as it relates to the minimum qualifications described in this announcement.

• Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in behavioral science, biology, microbiology, medicine, public health.
• Possession of a Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in behavioral science, biology, microbiology, medicine, public health.
• None of the above describes my highest level of education.

03

List the college or university, title of degree earned, specialization of degree if applicable, and date earned.Also, please include any additional professional training, continuing education, certifications, and/or awards relating to this field.If you marked “None of the above describes my highest level of education”, write N/A as your response.

04

Mark the one box that best describes your professional experience, including paid or unpaid internships, conducting surveillance activities to identify and monitor disease trends.

• I have no experience in this area.
• I have less than 1 year of professional-level experience in this area.
• I have 1 year but less than 2 years of professional-level experience in this area.
• I have 2 years but less than 3 years of professional-level experience in this area.
• I have more than 3 years of professional-level experience in this area.

05

Briefly, describe your experience conducting surveillance activities to identify and monitor disease trends. (If you have no experience in this area, write N/A as your response.)

06

Briefly describe your experience, if any, establishing and developing relationships with various health districts within Nevada.

07

Mark all boxes that describe programs with which you have experience conducting Epidemiological analysis or in which you have taken specific coursework in conducting Epidemiological analysis.

• None
• STD/HIV/AIDS/TB
• Food borne or vector borne diseases
• Vaccine preventable diseases
• Other communicable diseases
• Chronic diseases or injury

08

Mark all boxes that describe epidemiological activities with which you have experience.

• None
• Survey design
• Needs assessments
• Outbreak investigations
• Technical presentations

09

Briefly explain why would you like to serve in this role in rural Nevada.

Required Question