Epidemiologist 1 (Toxic Hazards) (35 Hour)

Within the Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Section, this Epidemiologist 1 position will be accountable for the case management of lead poisoned children for the Lead, Radon and Healthy Homes Program, including disease surveillance (child and environmental case management protocols for lead poisoned children), auditing certified/licensed individuals who engage in lead abatement and inspection activities, conducting investigations to determine the source of the poisoning and using the lead surveillance system to track individual disease cases until case closure.

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Sue Ciccaglione at Sue.Ciccaglione@ct.gov or (860) 509-7183.

In the Department of Public Health this class is accountable for assisting is the compilation and interpretation of epidemiologic/scientific data and statistics including field investigations and literature review.

Assists program staff in epidemiologic investigations of acute and chronic diseases; assists in interviewing of individuals relative to disease outbreaks; under supervision of an Epidemiologist of higher grade, maintains a surveillance system capable of detecting risk factors and changes in disease patterns; makes appropriate contacts with public health and other agencies, health professionals, hospitals, etc. to facilitate disease follow up and surveillance; answers general informational questions from the public and medical community; regularly reviews scientific literature to maintain a current knowledge of pertinent disease processes; may administer biologics or collect specimens such as blood and urine samples, throat and rectal swabs under supervision of a physician; may compile statistics and do less complex calculations and interpretations; In addition to the foregoing, in the Toxic Hazards Section or its Radon Program, participates in epidemiological investigations of human exposures to chemical and radiological hazards in both occupational and non-occupational environments; participates in preparation of health risk assessments; compiles statistics and may do routine calculations and interpretations; performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of occupational/environmental epidemiology and/or toxicology; knowledge of relevant disease processes which affect humans and animals; knowledge of epidemiological methods; knowledge of basic biological processes; interpersonal skills; oral and written communications skills; ability to research scientific literature and develop and gather data.

Five (5) years' experience in a responsible technical or professional capacity in epidemiological investigations.

1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.

2. A Master's degree in bacteriology, biochemistry, biostatistics, environmental science, health physics, industrial hygiene, physiology, public health or toxicology may be substituted for the General Experience.

3. A Doctorate in a related discipline such as medicine, public health or a natural or behavioral science may be substituted for the General Experience.

• Experience in lead/lead poisoning prevention and basic epidemiological measures;

• Experience with conducting disease surveillance and management or comparable experience, including case investigations, data entry and analysis, and preparation of summary reports of findings;

• Experience, or familiarity, with the DPH Lead Surveillance System (aka Maven), Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Access;

• Experience with risk communication to healthcare providers, local health department/district officials, and the general public;

• Experience writing technical reports and giving oral presentations in order to disseminate public health data in a clear and succinct manner using Word and PowerPoint software

1. Incumbents in this class must be willing to be immunized for communicable diseases as necessary and appropriate.

2. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to communicable diseases and hazardous substances.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Department of Public Health aims to provide equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and advancement, fostering an environment committed to supporting individuals in all protected classes.  If you require an aid/accommodation to participate fully and fairly, please contact the Human Resources Office at (860) 509-7177.