EPIDEMIOLOGIST

Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is an urban hub bursting with energy. Milwaukee provides a casual sophistication – big city appeal without the big-city hassles. We are accessible and affordable, and our residents are welcoming. Milwaukee has evolved through the years, bringing together its unsurpassed old world charm with a breathtaking Art Museum, top-flight arts and cultural attractions, professional sports, lakefront festivals, recreational opportunities and great restaurants.  

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce that is committed to providing exemplary service to the City’s residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

Under the direction of the Health Data and Evaluation Director, the Epidemiologist tracks and investigates disease outbreak, including COVID-19 infection, to determine trends and threats that emerge related at-risk and underserved communities of color. Using health data obtained through field research, observation, questionnaires, studies, and public health record and surveillance systems, the Epidemiologist conducts ongoing and systematic assessment of the health of the communities listed in the grant work plan.

NOTE: The Epidemiologist position is supported with grant funding provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which aims to expand access to COVID-19 preventative services through culturally competent communications, community-based testing and contact tracing, expand data infrastructure to capture social determinants of health and health disparities, build a more diverse and inclusive public health workforce, and facilitate cross-sectoral partnerships to address the fundamental causes of health inequities. As this is a grant-funded position, the role and job functions are subject to grant funding availability and grant guidelines.

Data Collection and Analysis

• Plan and conduct COVID-19 infection and social determinants of health (SDOH) epidemiologic studies, case analyses, and urgent outbreak investigations to address COVID-19 health disparities among populations that are at high-risk and underserved.
• Collaborate in the survey or investigation design process, including conducting a literature review, determining methodological techniques and processes and designing questionnaires and other data-collection instruments to increase and improve data collection and reporting for populations experiencing a disproportionate burden of COVID-19 infection, severe illness, and death; utilize information gathered to guide the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Follow ethics and confidentiality guidelines and principles (including federal, state, and departmental rules) when planning studies; conduct research and quality improvement and collect, disseminate, and utilize data.
• Generate descriptive analyses of COVID-19 surveillance data for a variety of audiences.
• Assess the need for special analyses, including cluster investigations, survival or longitudinal analyses, or cost-effectiveness/cost benefit/cost utility analyses.
• Provide technical assistance and training on grant data management, epidemiological methods, and statistical analysis for departmental staff.
• Support the development of a post-COVID Strategic Plan and After-Action Report to inform future emergency responses.

Dissemination of Epidemiologic Findings

• Apply knowledge of epidemiologic principles and methods to make recommendations regarding COVID-19 health disparities among high-risk and underserved populations.
• Make recommendations for effective, evidence based public health interventions.
• Prepare written and oral reports and presentations that communicate information to professional audiences, policy makers, and the public.
• Use principles of risk communication to efficiently and effectively disseminate epidemiologic findings.
• Create data visualizations to help stakeholders understand and interpret COVID-19 health disparity data.
• Prepare epidemiological information to report grant activities.

Data System Management

• Expand surveillance/data management systems to include groups subject to COVID-19 health disparities and social determinants of health data.
• Manage sensitive health databases (i.e. RedCap, Wisconsin Electronic Disease Surveillance System, Wisconsin Immunization Registry), including overseeing the collection, cleansing, storing, and maintenance of data from multiple sources across different platforms.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

• Please be advised that new employees are required to have received either both doses of the Moderna or Pfizer or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine prior to their employment start date or have an approved religious or medical accommodation prior to their employment start date.  You can find further information relative to the City’s Covid-19 Vaccination Policy here.
• The unique nature of the Epidemiologist position necessitates that he or she must work variable hours to meet the needs of the department.
• Travel outside the City of Milwaukee, occasionally overnight, for training purposes or for participating in meetings representing the City.
• Carry a mobile device during business hours.
• Ability to lift and move up to 25 lbs.

1. Master’s degree in biostatistics, epidemiology, public health, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
2. Two years of experience in health-related database management performing duties related to this position.
3. Valid driver’s license at time of appointment and throughout employment and availability of a properly insured vehicle for use on the job (automobile allowance provided).  

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.  

IMPORTANT NOTE: To receive credit for college, transcripts are required and must be received by the application period closing date. College transcripts should be attached to your online application. Applications without transcripts attached will be considered incomplete and will be rejected. Your transcript must be legible and include the following information: the university or college name, your name, the degree completed (if applicable) and the date the degree was completed. 

Technical

• Knowledge of epidemiology and related methods of public health research and practice.
• Knowledge of related mathematical and statistical concepts.
• Ability to read and interpret work-related documents.
• Ability to use and/or learn Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access, the Internet, SPSS, SQL, SharePoint, geographic information systems (GIS), and health database systems such as RedCap, WEDSS, WIR.  

Interpersonal and Communication

• Ability to effectively disseminate results, present information, and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the public, including the ability to explain technical concepts to lay audiences.
• Ability to write reports and business correspondence.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary staff, other agencies, and the public.
• Ability to work cooperatively, effectively, and fairly with coworkers and residents whose background may differ from one’s own.     

Judgement and Analytical

• Ability to provide services in a culturally sensitive manner and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to plan, organize, and accomplish work, manage multiple assignments simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
• Detail orientation. 
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Decision-making skills and sound judgment.
• Commitment to stay abreast of current practices in epidemiology.

The current salary range (2JX) is $63,585-$89,016 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $65,493-$91,686. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.    

BENEFITS:  

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program which includes:

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
• Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Commuter Value Pass  

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit  https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: education and experience evaluation; written, oral, or performance tests, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to oral and performance examinations. Oral examinations may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

INITIAL FILING DATE - The examination will be held as soon as practical after February 3, 2022. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice.  However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the examination. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative test administration. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

• APPLICATIONS and further information may be accessed by visiting https://www.jobapscloud.com/MIL/.
• Applications and transcripts should be submitted no later than the deadline listed above.
• If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
• The Department of Employee Relations is located in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.  

EEO = 104

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.