About the Position

This is a full-time, permanent position as an epidemiologist with the County Public Health Department working in our offices in beautiful San Luis Obispo, California.

This epidemiologist position assesses the burden of chronic diseases across the lifespan of our local population, informs evidence-based programmatic activities to prevent and control chronic diseases and injury, and collaborates with peer colleagues and community members to address chronic disease issues and injury prevention. While focused on chronic disease, this epidemiologist position will also work in coordination with our infectious disease epidemiologist and assist with infectious disease duties as needed.

Representative Duties

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  Perform regular epidemiologic and surveillance activities for gathering, analyzing, and disseminating population health data.
• Develop and manage information systems to improve effectiveness of surveillance, investigation, and other epidemiologic practices.
• Supervise the Vital Records unit and monitor local data in the state’s electronic birth and death registries.
• Represent the Public Health Department as the chronic disease epidemiology specialist on external committees, expert panels, planning bodies, and the community at large.
• Effectively communicate findings to a variety of audiences with detailed scientific reports and briefs, graphics, plain language summaries, slide decks, and public speaking.
• Produce regular reports on the status of select areas of interest and concern.
• Direct the Community Health Assessment (CHA) project and the data work behind the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP).
• Respond to requests for epidemiologic data from local, state, and federal officials, as well as from community-based organizations, the public, and the media.
• Travel in and out of state as necessary to fulfill job duties and support program deliverables, including but not limited to conferences, meetings, training, etc.
• Collaborate and coordinate with the other epidemiologist as well as cross-train and provide coverage when necessary.

The Ideal Candidate

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

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  Knowledge of epidemiological principles and practices related to surveillance, investigative techniques, statistical tools, epidemiological study and survey methodologies and protocols, and statewide surveillance system structures and operations.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis software and data management with the ability to conduct assessment and validation of the quality of the data, and complex epidemiologic and statistical analyses involving large or small datasets.
• Familiarity or ability to learn appropriate tools, such as basic R programming language, and the California Reportable Disease Information Exchange (CalREDIE).
• Understanding of confidentiality and sample size guidelines critical for disseminating data results.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to write clear and concise reports for lay and professional readers.
• Effectively manage complex projects, maintain organized, responsive, and reliable work habits, and demonstrate effective leadership and supervisory skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of differing perspectives and disciplines.
• Ability to work well both in a team environment or independently.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws governing the surveillance of disease and those related to vital statistics.
• Experience as a local public health epidemiologist is preferred, but not required.

Minimum Education Requirements
A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes:
Either A: A Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Epidemiology,

Or B: A Master's degree in Public Health or a Health Science field that includes courses in epidemiology and biostatistics.

How to Apply

Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.

An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.

Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.

If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at ha.humanresources@co.slo.ca.us. Confidential inquiries are welcomed.

Supplemental Information

Did you know that if you are employed by a government agency you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program? Click on the link below to learn more about eligibility for this benefit.

https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

Reasonable Accommodation Notice:
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Please call 805-781-5959 for assistance or e-mail hr@co.slo.ca.us for more information.

COVID-19
Pursuant to recent California Department of Public Health orders, workers in designated facilities and positions are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and/or submit to weekly COVID-19 testing. If your position is determined to fall under the State orders, you will be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or submit to weekly COVID-19 testing, where applicable.

Make a Difference
Employees of the County of San Luis Obispo are public servants who impact the lives of our community every day. From supporting efforts to reduce homelessness, keeping our drinking water clean, or serving the families in need in the community, County employees make a difference.

Compensation and Benefits
Your annual salary is supplemented by a generous benefit package.

For additional information regarding the benefits listed that may be available to you, visit the associated Benefits-At-A-Glance webpage (click here for link).

Some benefits include:

• Medical (PPO, EPO), Dental (HMO, PPO) and Vision Insurance
• Cafeteria (County contribution to pay for insurance premiums)
• Free visits to the employee health clinic
• Mental Health resources/benefits
• Voluntary insurance plans (life insurance, disability, critical illness and many more)
• A lifelong retirement benefit through the San Luis Obispo County Pension Trust
• Optional deferred compensation Plan with up to $500 per year match
• Tax savings accounts (medical and dependent care)
• Paid personal, sick and vacation days
• 12 paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Education and Wellness Allowance
• Post Employment Health Plan
• Family Friendly workplace policies
• Flexible work schedule options
• Rideshare commuter benefits

The County of San Luis Obispo has been recognized as a Diamond Level Family Friendly Workplace by San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce. We support our employees through: childcare assistance, flexible scheduling practices, paid and unpaid leave, comprehensive health benefits, flexible spending accounts, and employee assistance programs.


Learning and Development
The County prioritizes your learning, personal and professional development, and career growth. Employees have access to over 1500 on-demand courses, instructor led courses, and job-specific trainings.

Employees can take courses to upskill to make themselves more competitive for promotional opportunities and further their career growth. Examples of courses include: Student Loan Forgiveness
Did you know that if you are employed by a government agency you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
County employees also have access to GotZoom, a program that offers tools and support to navigate your federal student loans.

Homebuyer assistance program
Employees have access to the “Assist-to-Own” program sponsored by Golden State Finance Authority (click here for link to more information) to get a loan for the down payment.