epidemiologist

JOB

Under general supervision, performs professional work supporting the department's mission by conducting surveillance, analyzing data, and translating findings into actionable insights that guide programs, policy, and strategic decision-making. This position investigates disease trends, leads outbreak response activities, produces reports and dashboards, and collaborates with internal and external partners to strengthen community health. The Epidemiologist ensures high-quality, timely, and equitable use of data to improve population health outcomes in Polk County.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

Conducts ongoing surveillance for reportable diseases, emerging health threats, syndromic trends, and priority conditions.Analyzes data from multiple sources (BRFSS, ACS, vital records, hospital data, EHR, EMS, etc.) to identify patterns, disparities, and drivers of community health outcomes.Manages surveillance databases and ensure data accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.Applies epidemiologic methods to inform programs, policies, and interventions.Leads and/or supports communicable disease outbreak investigations, including case interviews, data management, hypothesis generation, and development of control recommendations.Prepares epidemiologic summaries, situation updates, and after-action reports.Serves in the Incident Command System (ICS) during public health emergencies; may take on ICS roles as assigned.Produces analytical reports, fact sheets, data profiles, and presentations for internal teams, leadership, partners, and community stakeholders.Creates clear, accessible visualizations using dashboards, charts, and maps.Translates technical findings into actionable recommendations for programs and policy.Supports CHA, CHIP, strategic planning, and grant deliverables with high-quality data analysis.Collaborates with program teams (e.g., community health, emergency preparedness, clinical, environmental health) to integrate data into planning and evaluation.Works with state and local partners—including Iowa Health and Human Services, health systems, universities, school districts, and community organizations—on data sharing, reporting, and joint initiatives.Represents the department in professional meetings or technical workgroups.Participates in PMQI activities, performance measure development, and accreditation initiatives.Develops data tools, templates, protocols, and training materials to build epidemiologic capacity across the department.Mentors interns, fellows, or junior staff as assigned.Performs related duties as required.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Bachelor's Degree in Epidemiology, Public Health, Biostatistics, Informatics, or a related field, andTwo years of relevant experience conducting data analysis, surveillance, research, or epidemiology in public health, health care, government, or similar settings, or Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.Master's Degree in Epidemiology, Public Health, Biostatistics, Informatics, or a closely related field is preferred.Special Requirements: Candidates must be able to successfully pass relevant CDC courses within six months of hire and maintain related training annually. HIPAA training is required upon hire and annually. National Incident Management System (NIMS) training is required within six months of hire.A criminal background check is required.A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.A valid State of Iowa driver's license is required. In case of a public health or community emergency, must be willing and able to respond to after-normal workday or irregular and on-call emergency requests on nights, weekends and holidays.