Animal Health Epidemiologist (#L12A)
$24.40-$44.74 hourly / $4,229.88-$7,754.78 monthly / $50,758.58-$93,057.40 annual

Positions in this job family are assigned responsibilities involving professional epidemiological work in the investigation and monitoring of diseases contracted by livestock in the state of Oklahoma.

• Conducts laboratory and field investigations to determine the various factors contributing to the frequency and distribution of diseases in the livestock population in the state of Oklahoma.
• Conducts investigations to determine the specific causes of localized outbreaks of infections, toxic poisoning or other diseases of recognized etiology.
• Conducts studies to consider possible contributions to the outbreak of diseases; such as, farm management practices, soil condition and terrain, soil bacteria, wildlife, immunological practices, animal acquisitions, clinical history of livestock health, etc. then determines the potential significance of these factors in relation to disease conditions.
• Determines the need for and prescribes additional serological or bacteriological tests on livestock or materials being studied.
• Explains to livestock owners and local veterinarians the relationship of the environment and animal physiology to the disease eradication program being conducted.
• Recommends to the Director, Animal Industry Division, changes in laws, procedures and policies which will improve the operation of the disease control and eradication programs of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry.
• Provides educational information and instruction to producers, veterinarians, students, program personnel and the general public concerning diseases and disease eradication programs as they relate to the public health and health of the livestock population of the state.

Knowledge of veterinary medicine practices and procedures, livestock management, and marketing practices and procedures relating to livestock disease eradication; of laboratory techniques for the diagnosis of livestock diseases; of the methods and procedures for collecting and evaluating epidemiological data; of the basic principles of chemistry, biology and microbiology; of bacteriological and serological techniques and procedures; and of laboratory safety procedures. Ability is required to perform microbiological analysis; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; to set up, care and use of laboratory equipment; to follow oral and written instructions; to exercise initiative and independent judgment; and to plan, assign and review the work of subordinate professional staff; to analyze and correlate epidemiological data received from questionnaires, laboratory tests and pathological examinations; to utilize said data to determine possible sources of disease; to direct disease eradication programs; to recommend policy and regulations to control and/or eliminate sources of disease; and to develop and direct a laboratory quality control program.

This job family consists of only one level and incumbent employees are responsible for performing all functions associated with the position to which assigned.

Education and Experience requirements consist of possession of a current license to practice veterinary medicine in the state of Oklahoma and three years of experience in veterinary medicine, including one year in regulatory veterinary work or completion of doctorate requirements for a degree in epidemiological science; physiological science; microbiology; bacteriology; immunology; animal science or public health and three years of experience in working and/or teaching epidemiologist science, physiological science, microbiology, immunology, animal science or public health.