Title: Epidemiologist Senior

State Role Title: Scientist II

Hiring Range: $84,460 - $89,688

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Virginia Department of Health

Location: PENINSULA HQ

Agency Website: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/hampton-peninsula/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is dedicated to protecting and promoting Virginia's health. It is made up of a statewide central office in Richmond and 32 local health districts.

As part of the Virginia Department of Health, Hampton and Peninsula Health Districts (HPHD) are two health districts serving the residents of the Cities of Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg, and the Counties of James City and York.

The Hampton and Peninsula Health Districts are focused on four key pillars to create a sustainable and engaged workforce:

1. Workforce Development and Training
2. Culture and Climate
3. Community Engagement and Partnerships
4. Communication and Openness

Through these pillars, we aim to achieve our mission of becoming the healthiest districts in the state and better serve our communities. Apply and join the Virginia Department of Health's efforts to become the healthiest state in the nation.

Are you interested in helping keep our communities safe? 

If so, this senior-level epidemiologist position is responsible for carrying out a broad and moderately complex range of investigative and analytical epidemiologic activities in an assigned district or within a statewide program area. Positions in this role coordinate a specific epidemiology program within an area to include interpreting program policies and procedures, providing training, monitoring and reviewing data collection/analysis for accuracy and consistency, and serving as a program consultant. Positions in this role may lead scientific teams and be responsible for performing a full range of coordinating and supportive duties and responsibilities, including coordinating activities and making disease control recommendations to external partners. Performs work under the limited supervision of a lead epidemiologist, program manager, district health director, nurse manager, or similar position and perform assignments independently, making determinations about scope and direction of program planning, research and investigation, based on agreed upon direction and institutional review board approval, as needed. Typically, the work completed is reviewed to evaluate overall results prior to data dissemination.

VDH requires all Health-Care Personnel (HCP) to provide documentation of immunization or evidence of immunity to the following: hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella; a one-time dose of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)vaccine regardless of the interval since the last dose of tetanus-diphtheria (Td) vaccine was administered (Td or Tdap boosters shall be received every 10 years); and the current year’s seasonal influenza vaccination.

The Virginia Department of Health offers 12 paid holidays, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, retirement plans (including 401(a) Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan) as well as sick, family/personal, and annual leave.

This is a restricted position solely funded by federal grants. Funding availability is reviewed annually and periodically thereafter. Continued employment is contingent on the continued availability of funds.

The successful candidate may receive a one-time lump sum of annual leave.

Minimum Qualifications

• Considerable knowledge of the cause, transmission, treatment, and prevention of communicable diseases and other conditions of public health importance.
• Considerable knowledge of methods of investigating disease cases, clusters, and outbreaks.
• Considerable knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, and policies regarding public health and the reporting and control of disease.
• Working knowledge of biostatistics, analysis and interpretation of data, and data management techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to develop program goals and objectives and to evaluate program effectiveness.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to collect, quality assure, analyze, interpret, and present statistical data.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with health care professionals and the general public.
• Considerable experience in epidemiology, public health, or a related area.
• Basic knowledge and proficiency utilizing statistical software packages.

Additional Considerations

• Training or experience in public health, epidemiology or biostatistics
• Experience with database management systems, especially those used to manage population-based disease data or other conditions of public health significance.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and direct the work of others in a supervisory or project management capacity.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

VDH accepts only on-line applications. Faxed, mailed, or e-mailed applications will not be considered. Applications are accepted until 11:55 p.m. on the job closing date. Applications and/or resumes should include relevant work history which indicates your qualifications for this position.

Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of a state and federal criminal history background check and the Department of Social Service’s Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check, U.S. HHSIG Exclusion List check, employment reference check and E-Verify. Other financial, credit, driving, background checks or completion of Statement of Economic Interests may be required for certain positions.

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.

If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.

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

Supplemental Questions: You may be required to respond to position-specific questions at the end of this application. This information will help us evaluate your credentials and qualifications for the job. Failure to respond to any questions may disqualify you from further consideration.

Contact Information

Name: HPHD Human Resources

Phone: 757-594-8045

Email: HPHD.HR@vdh.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

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.