Epidemiologist, Staff
NOTICE: This position is not covered by Social Security. Instead, SWDH employees benefit from a mandatory 401(a) retirement plan with fixed employee and employer contributions.
Are you looking for an opportunity to serve the communities of Adams, Washington, Payette, Gem, Canyon, and Owyhee counties? Do you crave a job where your work truly matters? Southwest District Health (SWDH) is recruiting for an Epidemiologist, Staff to join the dedicated group of public health professionals in the Facilities section within the Division of Environmental and Community Health Services.
If you crave team-oriented work, purpose, and work/life balance, you'll love it here. We're shaking up the stereotype that government work is dull. At SWDH, we're disruptors and innovators, all passionately sharing the same vision: making Southwest Idaho the best place to live, work, and play. We foster a positive, inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
Our Vision, Mission & Values
- Vision: A Healthier Southwest Idaho
- Mission: To promote the health and wellness of those who live, work, and play in Southwest Idaho
- Values: Accountability, customer-focused, and teamwork influence the work we do and the difference we hope to make
As an Epidemiologist and public health employee, you will play an active role in improving the health and wellness of your community. As part of a small, but mighty team, you will support communicable disease prevention and response through epidemiologic investigation, surveillance, and collaboration. The Staff Epidemiologist plans, conducts, and evaluates field investigations; analyzes disease surveillance data; provides technical assistance and training; and performs related work. The position is an active member of the District's Communicable Disease Epi Team and is responsible for conducting investigations, educating clients, securing laboratory specimens in accordance with state protocols, collaborating with Environmental Health Specialists on required reporting, and ensuring compliance with laws, policies, and standards governing reportable diseases, follow up, and patient confidentiality.
This position may include a teleworking option from within Idaho.
Excellent Benefits
We believe in taking care of our employees-because when you thrive, our communities thrive. SWDH offers a healthy work/life balance, a culture of collaboration and empowerment, and an excellent benefits package, including PERSI (one of the BEST RETIREMENT system available in the Nation) with a lifetime benefit!
- Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits (Employee-only PPO coverage at $70.74/month for medical/vision and $12.08/month for dental; low-cost options for family members. Free High Deductible Health Plan for employees; low-cost for dependents.)
- Life Insurance (FREE basic coverage; optional supplemental plans)
- Generous Paid Time Off (11 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave starting immediately. (Holiday pay and accruals are prorated based on hours worked.)
- Mandatory 401(a) retirement program with 12.4% combined contributions
- Optional 401(k) and 457 Saving Plans
- Wellness Programs
- Flexible and family-supported policies, including 8 weeks paid parental leave
- Bring your canine friend to work on Fridays
- In-house fitness room and outdoor walking path
- Ongoing training opportunities
- Student Loan Forgiveness and Tuition Reimbursement!
- Easy commute with reverse traffic flow from Boise to Caldwell
Our generous benefits package significantly increases your total compensation. For a full-time Epidemiologist, Staff, the base pay range of $31.85 - $37.47/hour grows to an estimated total compensation value of $46.67 - $53.53/hour when benefits are included, showcasing our commitment to your well-being and professional growth.
Typical Duties:
Candidates must be able to complete the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation and meet all the mandatory qualifications of the position.
- Plan, conduct, and document epidemiologic investigations related to communicable and chronic diseases, environmental and occupational health, and injury prevention.
- Collect, interview, and analyze data from patients, medical providers, laboratories, and other experts, and enter findings into confidential disease surveillance systems.
- Monitor communicable disease trends and outbreaks, identify significant deviations from expected patterns, and promptly brief leadership and partners as needed.
- Design, adapt, and implement data collection tools and procedures to ensure accuracy, completeness, and high data quality.
- Perform fieldwork, including site visits, specimen collection, tuberculosis and sexually transmitted infection contact investigations, and facilitation of testing and treatment activities.
- Prepare clinical notes, investigative summaries, health alerts, advisories, and technical reports to support disease mitigation and control.
- Develop evidence-based conclusions and recommendations, including guidance for isolation, quarantine, and other public health interventions.
- Collaborate and consult with federal, state, local, tribal, and private health care partners, emergency management, and community organizations during routine surveillance and outbreaks.
- Train and support communicable disease staff, contribute to policy and procedure development, and maintain readiness plans including the Epidemiologic Response and Surveillance Plan.
- Serve as a subject matter resource and presenter on epidemiology and infection control topics for health district staff, providers, and community partners.
Minimum Qualifications:
You must possess all the minimum qualifications listed below to qualify for this position. All required experience and/or education must be listed under the work history section of this application OR on your resume and must include a detailed explanation of your roles and responsibilities at each relevant employer.
Minimum Qualifications (MQ):
- Approximately 4 years of experience or equivalent education in contemporary principles and practices of epidemiology
- Approximately 1 year of related work experience applying principles and practices of epidemiology
MQ Specialty:
- Valid Driver's License
Ideal Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities:
- Bachelor's degree in health-related field preferred
- Working knowledge of medical terminology, interpretation of laboratory values, and the infectious disease process
- Comfortable with computer applications and programs
- Good communication and interview skills
Supplemental Information:
This position is not covered by Social Security. Employees do not pay Social Security taxes and will not earn credits toward Social Security retirement, disability, or survivor benefits based on earnings from this job. However, Medicare taxes will still be withheld, and these earnings will count toward Medicare eligibility.
How to Apply
Register or log in to your [click to reveal website link] account, locate this job announcement and select Apply. Attach your most current resume and follow the prompts to complete the exam. Hit submit. Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM MST on the posting end date.
Need help? Check out the Candidate Guide under Candidate Resources on the State of Idaho Careers page.
Who May Apply
If you have a passion for helping others and making a positive impact in your community, we invite you to consider a rewarding career with SWDH. Applicants who meet all the listed "MQ's" and "MQ Specialties" will be considered. Applications will be screened, and only the most qualified candidates will move forward in the selection process.
We are committed to ensuring access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact the Human Resource Office at 208.455.5307.
The successful candidate will have a history and background supportive of the health district's mission and will be required to complete a pre-employment drug test and a criminal history background check, including fingerprints. Additionally, SWDH participates in E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. E-Verify compares information from an employee's Form I-9 with records from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to verify identity and work authorization.
SWDH is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and against all individuals based on race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws. Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.
NOTICE: Idaho's Public Health Districts are agencies that are authorized by the State of Idaho as independent bodies. District employees are not State of Idaho employees, rather District employees who receive benefits through the Office of Group Insurance.
Ready to make a difference? Apply today and join a team that values innovation, collaboration, and community. Let's work together to make Southwest Idaho the healthiest place to live, work, and play!
If you have questions about this position, please contact us at:
Email: [click to reveal email address]
Phone: [click to reveal phone number]