Environmental Epidemiologist - Health Department

Pima County; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 79,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Flexible work schedules

Educational reimbursement

Job summary

Pima County Health Department invites applications for an Environmental Epidemiologist. The role involves epidemiologic surveillance, data analysis, and collaboration with clinicians and policymakers to improve community health outcomes.

The position requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and at least two years of epidemiological experience; master’s or doctoral studies in environmental health are preferred. Valid driver's license is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and two years of epidemiologic experience.
• OR: Two years with Pima County in a Communicable Disease Investigator II or related position.

Responsibilities

• Collect, analyze, and interpret epidemiologic data to assess disease trends and risk factors.
• Design and evaluate disease surveillance systems and outbreak investigations.
• Monitor disease patterns and identify sources of transmission.
• Apply statistical methods to health data and environmental health indicators.
• Develop and implement disease prevention and control interventions.
• Collaborate with health partners and communicate findings to stakeholders.

Skills

Epidemiology

Data analysis

GIS

Outbreak investigations

Statistical methods

Education

Bachelor's degree in epidemiology или public health

Master's or Doctoral in environmental health (preferred)

Tools

ArcGIS

R

SAS

Stata

Job description

Job Description Summary

Department - Health

Job Description

Job Type: Classified

Job Classifications: 5411 - Epidemiologist

Salary Grade: 13

Pay Range Hiring Range: $62,337 - $74,796

Annually Pay Range: $62,337 - $87,276

Range Explanation: Hiring Range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.

Pay Range is the entire compensation range for the position.

The Environmental Epidemiologist plays a vital role in advancing public health through surveillance, research, and disease prevention. This position is responsible for investigating the patterns, causes, and impacts of diseases, injuries, and environmental health hazards; analyzing data to identify trends, risk factors, and emerging public health concerns; and developing evidence-based strategies to prevent disease and improve community health outcomes.

The Environmental Epidemiologist applies the principles of environmental epidemiology and exposure science to monitor, assess, and respond to public health issues associated with environmental exposures while supporting the department's One Health initiatives. This position collaborates with multidisciplinary teams across the Pima County Health Department, as well as healthcare providers, government agencies, academic institutions, and community partners to strengthen public health programs, inform policy, and improve the health and well-being of Pima County residents.

Essential Functions

• Collects, analyzes, and interprets epidemiologic data to assess disease incidence, prevalence, trends, risk factors, and health disparities;
• Designs, implements, and evaluates disease surveillance systems, outbreak investigations, and epidemiologic studies (e.g., case-control, cohort);
• Monitors disease patterns to detect outbreaks, clusters, emerging threats, and potential epidemics, and identify sources and transmission pathways;
• Applies statistical methods and epidemiologic principles to analyze morbidity, mortality, natality, and environmental health data;
• Develops, organizes, and implements disease prevention and control interventions, including vaccination campaigns, advisories, and containment measures;
• Provides epidemiologic expertise to public health emergency preparedness and response activities, including disasters and unusual events;
• Analyzes geographic, environmental, social, occupational, and economic factors influencing disease and disability patterns, using GIS and data visualization tools;
• Communicates findings through reports, presentations, training, and consultations with clinicians, public health officials, policymakers, and the public;
• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to support disease prevention, health promotion, and healthcare improvement strategies;
• Develops and maintains epidemiologic databases and supports laboratory specimen handling and data management in accordance with protocols and safety standards.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in epidemiology, biology, microbiology, public health, biostatistics, biochemistry, medical anthropology, nursing or a related scientific or social science field as determined by the department head at the time of recruitment AND two years of experience in epidemiological investigative activities. (Relevant experience and/or education from an accredited college or university may be substituted.)
• OR: Two years with Pima County in a Communicable Disease Investigator II or related position as determined by the department head at the time of recruitment.
• Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum two (2) years experience with minimum one of the following statistical programs: R, Stata, SAS.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in epidemiology, public health, biology, microbiology, medical anthropology, or a related scientific or social science field.
• Experience with advanced training in environmental epidemiology or exposure science: master’s or doctoral-level coursework or certification focused on environmental health.
• Experience with/knowledge of geospatial analysis and related software (i.e. ArcGIS).

Selection Procedure

Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidate from a referral list provided by Human Resources. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process.

Supplemental Information

• Valid driver license is required at time of application.
• Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment.
• The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant’s suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures.
• Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination.
• Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services’ review and approval of the candidate’s driving record.

Special Notice Items

• The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history.
• A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County.
• Department of Labor regulation CFR Part 1910.1030 requires notification that this category may have a high risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
• Hepatitis B vaccine will be provided.
• Employees in this classification must have reliable access to a properly registered and insured vehicle for travel between work sites; employee use of own vehicle will be reimbursed, per County policies.
• This position will require post-job offer proof of immunization(s) or immunization(s) and/or a TB screening.

Physical/Sensory Requirements

Physical and sensory requirements will be determined by position. Action Activity - reaching; Motion activity - simple and firm grasping and fine movement; Hearing Activity - on a radio; Speaking Activity - in person, on the phone and on a cell; Vision Activity - operate a motor vehicle, distinguish colors, have depth perception and have peripheral vision.

Working Conditions

Working conditions will be determined by position.

EEO Information

Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Benefits Package

• competitive salaries
• generous health insurance coverage
• retirement plans
• flexible work schedules
• generous family leave policy
• wellness programs
• professional advancement through training programs, workshops, and educational reimbursement programs
• County-wide employee recognition program

Employer Culture

Pima County stands out as an exceptional workplace, offering a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and personal satisfaction. As one of the largest employers in the region, Pima County prioritizes its commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, recognizing the unique contributions of each employee.

Embracing innovation and collaboration, Pima County provides multiple opportunities in which individuals can make a meaningful impact on their community.

One of the key advantages of working for Pima County is its comprehensive benefits package. Employees enjoy competitive salaries, generous health insurance coverage, and retirement plans that contribute to long-term financial security.

Pima County recognizes the importance of a healthy work-life balance, offering flexible work schedules, a generous family leave policy and wellness programs that prioritize employee well-being.

Furthermore, Pima County takes pride in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional advancement through training programs, workshops, and educational reimbursement programs.

In addition, a County-wide employee recognition program rewards employees who exemplify the County values of being accountable, respectful and ethical as well as providing great customer service.

By joining Pima County, individuals become part of a dedicated team working towards a common goal: enhancing the quality of life for residents and building a vibrant future.

Pima County is not just an employer; it's a community that values its employees, encourages their growth, and invests in their success.