Epidemiologist I

Primarily provides epidemiologic support for Tulsa Health Department programs, including but not limited to acute disease investigation, emergency preparedness and response, environmental health, community health, chronic disease, and maternal child health. Assists in the development and implementation of epidemiological programs to prevent and control diseases, injuries, and other conditions. Supports agency-wide program planning and evaluation efforts.

The following functions represent the majority of the duties performed by the position, but is not meant to be all-inclusive or prevent other duties from being assigned when necessary.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (90% of Time):

1. Assist with investigations of reportable diseases as reported by state or federal agencies, laboratories, physicians, hospitals, and medical care facilities.
2. Serves as a primary responder for reportable diseases in Tulsa County (on call duties)
3. Conduct offsite interviews and investigations in performance of job duties.
4. Assist in the development, analysis, and reporting of reportable disease mitigation and preparedness planning. This includes the updating and editing of epidemiologic policies and procedures/plans.
5. Conduct epidemiologic analysis of disease or health data for populations in Tulsa County, including monthly and quarterly reports on reportable diseases.
6. Prepare presentations and/or abstracts for community presentations, conferences, workshops, and training sessions.
7. Conduct descriptive statistical analysis of large relational databases, including trend monitoring, and other analysis of health, demographic, and environmental data.
8. Research various media and literature to maintain most recent information on various diseases and epidemiologic topics.
9. Assist with syndromic surveillance activities
10. Prepare and edit reports for internal or external publication in reference to the Department’s data, programs, activities, and guidelines.
11. Interact with the public, outside agencies, and organizations through meetings, public presentations, and media interviews to improve public and pofessional understanding of public health and the Department’s programs.
12. Represent the Division/Department in meetings and communications with committees, task forces, and stakeholders to encourage timely reporting and promote interests.
13. Participate in staff meetings, quality assurance activities, and appropriate trainings in support of duties and responsibilities of this position.
14. Other duties as assigned including those required to fulfill activities in support of public health emergency operations.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in epidemiology, public health, biology, planning, engineering, environmental science, or a related field preferred that would provide knowledge of advanced electronic data management, analytical and research techniques, advanced planning procedures, and report writing/presentation.
Experience: Zero to three years of employment and/or education in public health, medical, or environmental health that would provide skill development in disease investigation, plan development, compiling, managing and analyzing data, computer modeling, and research.
Licenses: None.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of laboratory methods and investigative techniques.
• Knowledge of human biology, microbiology, parasitology, immunology and pathology; medical terminology, social and economic conditions.
• Skill in statistical analysis and reporting.
• Ability to use a personal computer and knowledge of common epidemiology and biostatistical software.
• Communication skills are required to present complex ideas orally and in writing to people inside and outside of the Health Department.
• Skills are required in the use of computer databases, file manipulation and data analysis, and the use of statistical, database, spreadsheet, or geographic information system software.
• Highly motivated and capable of working under demanding time constraints with minimal supervision.

• Regular contact with internal staff, coworkers, supervisor, department managers, and other Health Department personnel regarding investigations.
• Frequent external contact with personnel of other state and federal agencies, physicians, hospital staff, and with the public.

• Primarily indoors in an office setting, spending 2-3 hours on the telephone.
• Subject to driving offsite in varying weather and environmental conditions.
• Subject to exposure to communicable diseases and possible exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues.

• Must maintain THD record confidentiality according to HIPAA regulations.
• Must possess ability and willingness to perform job-related travel.