Epidemiologist (212566)

Job Description:

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has an Epidemiologist opening. The Infectious Disease and Epidemiology Response Section is seeking a field epidemiologist to provide epidemiological support for local health departments in central Kansas pertaining to investigation of complex or unusual infectious disease cases and large or complicated outbreaks, reporting and surveillance for reportable diseases, data analysis, and public health training and education. This position is permitted to work exclusively remote and is not required to reside within central Kansas but required to reside within the state of Kansas. Travel may be required to assist local health departments in significant case or outbreak investigations.

Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

• Participate in the epidemiologist on-call rotation providing 24-hour technical assistance to the public, local health departments, and healthcare professionals.
• Provide technical assistance to LHDs for investigation of complex or unusual infectious disease cases and outbreaks, including providing guidance on how to conduct investigations.
• Enhance the recognition, reporting and investigation of outbreaks and actively support LHD management of outbreaks. For large outbreaks this may include engaging appropriate partners and stakeholders, development and strengthening of collaborations, and development of targeted communication messages for specific groups.
• Provide information and updates to LHDs on infectious disease guidance through webinars and/or written communications.
• Provide training and education for LHD staff on disease surveillance, reporting, and prevention and control through in-person meetings, webinars, or recorded trainings.
• Serve as a liaison between KDHE and LHDs to enhance information sharing and situational awareness and foster a collaborative environment between LHDs and local and state stakeholders.
• Engage with LHDs and local health partners through outreach, by sharing local, regional, and state level data, and through public health consultation and education as needed.
• Organize regular regional meetings with LHDs, field epidemiologists, public health nurses, and KDHE program staff to sustain communication and provide educational and training opportunities.
• Conduct annual individual county needs assessments and utilize results to identify further areas for field epi support and training.
• Provide data analysis support to LHDs by responding to requests for surveillance data. Field epis will generate specific surveillance reports for individual counties and the region on a regular and as needed basis to assist in identifying trends in infectious diseases to inform public health action.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Master of Public Health or Masters of Science degree.

Licensing & Certification:

• Valid Driver’s License – Incumbent is required to have and maintain a valid driver’s license when operating a state vehicle, a private vehicle, or a rental vehicle for the benefit of the State.

Preferred Qualifications:

Any additional skills, experiences, or qualifications that would be beneficial, but aren’t strictly necessary.

• Experience in applied epidemiology or statistical analysis.
• SAS, R, other statistical packages.
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail.
• Experience or training in concepts for prevention and control of infectious diseases.
• Ability to establish and maintain relationships with colleagues and outside partners.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others.
• Ability to conduct comprehensive analyses on disease surveillance data.
• Familiarity of an electronic disease surveillance system.

About the Position:

• Who can apply: Anyone (External)
• Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm (Flexible schedules available)
• Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
• Veterans’ Preference Eligible: Yes

Employment Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage
• Sick & Vacation leave
• Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave
• Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)
• Fitness Centers in select locations
• Employee discounts with the STAR Program
• Retirement and deferred compensation programs

How to Apply:

Specific instructions for applying, which might include submitting a resume, cover letter, list of references, or completing an online application.

• Please include the Job ID number when emailing.

Job Application Process:  Only applications submitted within our State of Kansas Careers Portal will be considered.

• First Sign in or register as a New User at https://admin.ks.gov/offices/personnel-services/jobs
• Complete or update your contact information on the State of Kansas Careers Portal > My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
• Upload required documents listed for each specific job posting.
• Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and submit when it is complete.

–  Manage your draft and submitted applications on the Careers> My Job Applications page.

• Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.

–  Email – sent to the Preferred email on the My Contact Information page.

–  Notifications – view the Careers> My Job Notifications page.

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How to Apply for a Job – Instructions” and “How to Search for a Job – Instructions.”

Contact Information:

[email protected]

Salary Range

$ 25.59 to 28.27