Supervises a major epidemiological section comprised of epidemiologists and research staff OR is designated by the agency as the epidemiological expert providing the highest level of technical expertise on public health policies and public health hazards.

In addition to the typical work of the Epidemiologist 3, this position:

Directs distinct epidemiological research groups investigating human morbidity or mortality;

Oversees and coordinates local, State, and/or Federal health research programs;

Carries final responsibility for study designs, methodologies, investigations, conclusions and program recommendations; has full responsibility and authority over all administrative matters within the unit; has final authority for assigned technical support to top management;

Proposes and reviews major public health policies;

Serves as a technical expert in a specialty area of epidemiology designated by agency management;

Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge of: modern epidemiologic principles and practices including the symptoms, causes, means of transmission and methods of control of communicable and chronic diseases; microbiology and pathophysiology; basic medical terminology; modern research procedures including biostatistical methodology; computers and programming in database management and statistical software; community organizations and resources related to the field of public health and epidemiology, disease control methods, recent developments in the field of epidemiology, basic management skills. The legislative process, national trends in epidemiology, sources of external funding for epidemiologic projects.

Ability to: apply laws and departmental rules and regulations to problems of disease control; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with governmental, voluntary, and private organizations, and groups concerned with public health services; communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing on both technical and non-technical levels; prepare grant proposals and budgets, supervise and lead lower level staff; develop grant proposals Represent the Department effectively in public and professional settings, coordinate major statewide disease investigations and control activities.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

A Doctoral degree in epidemiology or a Doctoral degree in biostatistics with 12 graduate quarter hours (500 level or above) of epidemiology and five years of experience in epidemiology research and analysis.

OR

A Doctoral degree in a health science field, with a Master's degree in epidemiology or a Master's degree in public health, including 12 graduate quarter hours (500 level or above) in epidemiology and 12 quarter hours in biostatistics and five years of experience in epidemiology research and analysis.

OR

A Master's degree in epidemiology, or a Master's degree in public health including 12 graduate quarter hours (500 level or above) in epidemiology and 12 graduate quarter hours in biostatistics, and eight years of experience in epidemiology research and analysis.

OR

A Medical degree with a Master's degree in epidemiology or a Master's degree in public health including 12 graduate quarter hours (500 level or above) in epidemiology and 12 graduate quarter hours in biostatistics and five years of experience in epidemiology research analysis.  Completion of related training or experience such as with the Centers for Disease Control or the National Institutes of Health will substitute for MPH degree.

NOTE:  When an MD is selected, a license to practice medicine in the State of Washington must be obtained.

New class: 6-12-92
New class code: (formerly 53526) effective July 1, 2007