Vector-borne Disease Surveillance Specialist (Epidemiologist)

Virginia-Department-of-Healt; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 59,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12 paid holidays

Medical, dental, vision

Retirement plans (401a Cash Match, 457

Job summary

The Virginia Department of Health seeks a Vector-borne Disease Surveillance Specialist (Epidemiologist) at Scientist I level to manage laboratory reports, ensure data quality, and analyze trends. You will support the State Public Health Entomologist in collecting and reporting vector data to inform public health actions.

This restricted position is funded by the Epidemiology Laboratory Capacity program, with annual funding reviews.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of cause, transmission, and prevention of communicable diseases.
• Knowledge of public health surveillance and disease outbreak investigations.
• Working knowledge of data analysis, data quality, and data management.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Some experience in epidemiology, public health, or related area.
• Knowledge of vector biology and disease transmission by ticks and mosquitoes.

Responsibilities

• Maintain quality and accuracy of vector-borne disease laboratory reports.
• Analyze data to assess disease trends and identify emerging conditions.
• Support the State Public Health Entomologist in collecting and reporting vector data.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers, state agencies, and federal partners.

Skills

Biostatistics

Data analysis

Surveillance methods

Communication skills

Customer service

Working relationships

Epidemiology basics

Vector biology basics

Data management

Public health knowledge

Education

Public health training

Epidemiology training

Biostatistics training

Tools

R

REDCap

ArcGIS

QGIS

Database management

Job description

Title: Vector-borne Disease Surveillance Specialist (Epidemiologist)

State Role Title:Scientist I

Hiring Range: $58,899 - $63,899

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Virginia Department of Health

Location: Dept of Health

Agency Website: www.vdh.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Multiple vector-borne diseases are reportable conditions to the Virginia Department of Health. The substantial volume of these laboratory reports requires routine data quality assurance and control measures to maintain accurate data sets associated with these conditions. These data are used to assess disease trends and identify unusual or emerging vector-borne conditions to assist with activities including disease response and outreach to multiple stakeholders including healthcare providers, other state agencies, and federal partners. This position will play a critical role in not only the data quality associated with vector-borne disease laboratory reports but also assist in supporting the State Public Health Entomologist in collecting, identifying, and reporting vector data in the entomology program.

This is a restricted position, which is solely funded by the Epidemiology Laboratory

Capacity (ELC) for year period ending July 31, 2027. The availability of funding is scheduled for review annually and periodically thereafter. Continued employment is contingent on the continued availability of funds.

The Virginia Department of Health offers 12 paid holidays, medical, dental, vision and life

insurance, retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan) as well as sick, family/personal, and annual leave.

Minimum Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of the cause, transmission, treatment, and prevention of communicable diseases and other conditions of public health importance.
• Basic knowledge of methods of public health surveillance and disease outbreak investigations.
• Working knowledge of biostatistics, computer data analysis, data quality assurance, and data management techniques.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, and present statistical data.
• Some experience in epidemiology, public health, or a related area.
• Vector Biology and Disease Epidemiology: knowledge of tick and mosquito vectors, including their life cycles, behavior, and habitats, and the role these vectors play in the transmission of infectious diseases.

Additional Considerations

• Training/experience in public health, epidemiology, or biostatistics.
• Some knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, and policies regarding the reporting and control of disease.
• Working knowledge of statistical software packages, R is preferred..
• Experience with database management systems, especially those used to manage population-based disease data. Experience with REDCap is preferred.
• Ability to use GIS software packages such ArcGIS or QGIS
• Knowledge of vector biology, vector surveillance methods, and experience in identifying North American ticks.

Contact Information

Name: Yatavia Banks

Phone: N/A

Email: [e-mail]

It is the policy of the Commonwealth and VDH that all aspects of human resource management be conducted without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic information; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. VDH employees have a shared Code of Ethics, which can be found in the bottom banner of our website: www.vdh.virginia.gov.

As a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer VDH Welcomes Veterans to apply!

Note:: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.