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State of Washington Classified Job Specification

EPIDEMIOLOGIST 1

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EPIDEMIOLOGIST 1
Class Code: 303J
Category: Health Care


Definition

Performs epidemiological investigations of human morbidity and mortality.  Compiles, maintains, and analyzes health data and reports.  Identifies causative agents resulting in adverse health conditions and proposes corrective actions.  Provides public health information and consultative services.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the entry-level professional epidemiologist performing epidemiological investigations under the direct supervision of a higher level epidemiologist.

Typical Work

Conducts previously developed or established case control, cohort, or cross sectional studies to identify the incidence, prevalence, or causes of human morbidity or mortality; prepares formal written reports of study findings, including a description of the methods used, the findings, and the interpretation of the findings;  

Conducts disease outbreak investigations to identify causative agents and environmental conditions resulting in disease outbreaks;

Performs biostatistical analyses of health data, e.g., analysis of variance, trend analysis, multiple logistic regression, survival analysis, etc.;  

Trains interviewers and clerical staff in project-specific tasks as necessary;  

Obtains, as necessary, approval from human subject review boards to conduct investigations or research;  

Interacts during the course of investigations with health providers or other persons performing clinical or health research;  

May collect surveillance information of reportable human morbidity and mortality as required by Washington law;  

Compiles, maintains, and analyzes health data and reports using statistical methods;  

Identifies corrective actions to environmental conditions resulting in adverse health conditions; 

Provides limited public health information and consultative services;  

Requires specialized knowledge of human disease pathogenesis, biostatistical and epidemiological methodologies; 

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge and Abilities

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. 

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.

Legal Requirement(s)

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.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

Desirable Qualifications

A Master's degree in epidemiology or a Master's degree in public health with 12 graduate quarter hours (500 level or above) in epidemiology and 12 graduate quarter hours in biostatistics.  

AND 

One year of experience in epidemiology research and analysis.

Class Specification History

New class: 10-16-75
Revised minimum qualifications: 6-9-78
Revised definition, minimum qualifications and delete distinguishing characteristics: 8-1-84
Revised definition, minimum qualifications, add distinguishing characteristics, and title change (formerly Epidemiologist): 6-12-92
New class code: (formerly 53520) effective July 1, 2007

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.