Wastewater Epidemiologist II - 61111116

State-of-South-Carolina; South Carolina; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

15 days annual leave

15 days sick leave

13 paid holidays

Health, dental, vision, life/AD&D

Retirement options (SCRS/ORP)

Deferred compensation program

Job summary

State of South Carolina, Department of Public Health, seeks a Wastewater Epidemiologist II to lead SC’s wastewater-based epidemiology program. The role entails modeling, forecasting, and data visualization to provide actionable insights for public health actions.

You will supervise junior staff, coordinate with CDC and regional partners, and contribute to surveillance, response, and policy resources. Regular travel and emergency duties may be required.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, or related field required or substituted by a doctoral degree.
• Knowledge of epidemiological design, data collection, and statistical methods.
• Ability to present information in writing and orally; collaborate with partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead epidemiologist and data analyst for wastewater-based epidemiology program.
• Develop tools for quality control and data validation.
• Supervise wastewater epidemiologist I and program coordinator II.
• Communicate with CDC and regional partners to expand resources.
• Support surveillance and response activities during emergencies.

Skills

Data analysis

Modeling

Forecasting

Data visualization

Supervision

Public health surveillance

Written & oral communication

Education

Master's in public health

Epidemiology degree

Biostatistics background

Doctoral degree in epidemiology (substitution)

Tools

SAS

R Certification

Python Certification

Power BI PL-300

ArcGIS Certification

Job description

Careers at DPH: Work that makes a difference!

Embracing Service, Inspiring Innovation, Promoting Teamwork, Pursuing Excellence, and Advancing Equity

Under limited supervision of the Unit Manager for the Surveillance and Epidemiology Practice (SEP) Unit in the Communicable Disease Epidemiology Section (CDES), the Wastewater Epidemiologist II serves as the lead epidemiologist and data analyst for South Carolina's wastewater-based epidemiology program and must be able to function with a high degree of independence and discretionary judgment. This position is responsible for professional, scientific, and epidemiological assessments of considerable difficulty. Responsibilities entail developing the program to include expanding surveillance through additional sites and methods leading to increased actionable data and resources. The Employee will provide support to CDES and the South Carolina Public Health Laboratory (PHL) for surveillance and response activities related to communicable diseases. Employee will support programs and services in Central Office and at the service area level. This Employee will supervise both the Wastewater Team's Epidemiologist I and Program Coordinator II positions.

• Serve as lead epidemiologist and data analyst for South Carolina's wastewater-based epidemiology program, bringing expertise in modeling, forecasting and data visualization. Designing, implementing and evaluating Wastewater Program surveillance activities.
• Responsible for the analysis and dissemination of wastewater data, including accompanying sequence data, in dashboards to drive public health action by the agency, participating wastewater treatment facilities, local partners (cities and counties) and the public.
• Work with PHL staff to develop tools for quality control, and data validation.
• Provide supervision and direction for wastewater epidemiologist I and wastewater program coordinator.
• Communications with CDC and North Carolina Wastewater Center of Excellence to expand water-based epidemiology resources.
• Participates in the CDES on-call rotation and in outbreak response activities to public health service areas and central office response coordination.
  Participates in the development of CDES policies guidance documents and other resources.
• Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned, including required travel if requested, and responds as directed during emergencies which may occur outside normal work hours, and travel if requested.

Agency standard working hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Flexibility in work hours may be required, including evenings and weekends. Limited overnight travel may also be necessary. Must possess a valid driver's license. Work will occur in an office environment, either in a DPH building or via teleworking. During times of emergency response (i.e. hurricane sheltering) participation may be required.

State Minimum Requirements

Master's degree in public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, or a closely related field and relevant working experience. A Doctoral degree in epidemiology, or advanced training in applied epidemiology, such as the Public Health Prevention Specialist Program at the CDC may substitute for experience.

Agency Additional Requirements

Knowledge of methods of epidemiological design, data collection, data analysis, and presentation of information. Knowledge of advanced descriptive statistical methods. Ability to present information in written and oral form. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications, subject to approval by the DPH Chief Human Resources Officer, or their delegate.

Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring. Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Previous experience with wastewater surveillance. Statistical Analysis System (SAS), R Certification, and/or Python Certification or similar Analysis Systems. Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Associate Certification (PL-300). ArcGIS Certification

The Department of Public Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.?

Applicants needing accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for? reasonable accommodation may be granted if it doesn't impose an undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather? Department of Public Health? Employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.?

DRIVING RECORD

If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for Temporary Grant positions that includes

• 15 days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year
• 15 days Sick Leave per year
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices*
• State Retirement Plan? (SCRS)
• State Optional Retirement Program? (State ORP)

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.

HYBRID WORK

The option to work partially remote or adjusted work hours may be available after 12 months of employment for approved positions.