PUBLIC HEALTH EPIDEMIOLOGIST (State)
Public Health Epidemiologist is a state title in New Jersey's competitive civil service, which means the way in is an open exam rather than a direct appointment.
On paper it calls for a master's degree, though the specification lets enough relevant experience stand in for the degree. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $79,844 to $117,228.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
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See where to apply for this title →Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under the general supervision of a Division Director or other supervisory official in the Department of Health, or the Department of the Law and Public Safety, plans, organizes, oversees, and/or conducts epidemiological services related to the programs and efficient operation of the division or program; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Plans and conducts field and office work related to epidemiologic investigations. Plans and organizes the administrative aspects of specific epidemiologic programs. Gives appropriate assignments and instruction to assigned staff for epidemiological field investigations. Maintains surveillance of routinely collected data to detect clusters of cases that may indicate an unusual occurrence or epidemic of disease or events. Obtains pathological materials, photocopies of hospital charts, and autopsy protocols; conducts personal interviews with patients, next of kin, and physicians to obtain information for epidemiologic investigations. Utilizes available data to proactively analyze controlled dangerous substance prescribing, usage, and drug overdose trends. Assists in the identification of areas to allocate additional substance abuse prevention and treatment resources. In the absence of the Director of Laboratories, arranges for the immediate transportation of postmortem specimens to the laboratory when required. Prepares and maintains files of each case of specific disease or situation under investigation by the Department of Health. Oversees hospital record room searches for unreported disease or events and does adequate workup of cases to determine the actual number of cases under investigation occurring in New Jersey. Maintains a literature catalog file including abstracts of current publications on assigned disease or conditions and arboviruses. Plans and instructs individual Field Investigators in the methods, skills and techniques used in early disease detection in epidemiology. Oversees Field Investigators in their collection, tabulation, and analysis of data contained in medical history of reported data. Determines the specific laboratory tests to be performed according to clinical information received, when required. In the Department of Law and Public Safety, develops, conducts, and oversees epidemiological studies to analyze, and help reduce substance use disorder in New Jersey. In Department of Law and Public Safety, participates in substance use disorder workgroups and study teams to identify how the analyses of NJPMP data and related data sources can be used to inform providers, prevention and treatment resources, and other stakeholders to assist with addressing the opioid epidemic in New Jersey. In the Department of Law and Public Safety, cooperates with all divisions within the Office of the Attorney General to coordinate the availability and aggregation of appropriate public health datasets to support the analysis of drug-related data. Keeps current with developments in the field of epidemiology. Prepares statistical tables for publication on the various research projects. Prepares clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative reports of epidemiologic matters containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Maintains essential records, reports, and files. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of modern public health and epidemiologic research methods. Knowledge of pharmaceutical medicine and use. Knowledge of epidemiologic study procedures and their application. Knowledge of statistical analysis methods and their application. Knowledge of virus diseases and virologic testing procedures. Ability to plan, develop, participate in, and/or conduct epidemiologic surveys and other studies; to analyze data so obtained and to prepare conclusions and make recommendations. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with associates, physicians, hospital administrators, pathologists, and patients. Ability to use epidemiological study procedures and statistical evaluation methods. Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative statistical and other reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to establish and maintain essential records, reports, and files. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Nine (9) years of professional experience in public health nursing and/or public health field investigations and administration, three (3) years of which must have been in areas that include varied epidemiologic investigations in a broad range of public health problems; including or supplemented by at least six (6) semester hour credits in statistics. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university including or supplemented by at least six (6) semester hour credits in statistics; and five (5) of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR Possession of a master's degree in public health or a master's degree in epidemiology, biometry, or statistics from an accredited college or university; and four (4) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.