Wastewater Surveillance Epidemiologist (Epidemiologist II)- 61111116

Job Responsibilities

Under limited supervision of the Section Lead for the Surveillance and Epidemiology Practice (SEP) Unit in the Communicable Disease Epidemiology Section (CDES), serves as the lead epidemiologist and data analyst for South Carolina's wastewater-based epidemiology program and provide support to CDES and the Public Health Laboratory (PHL) for surveillance and response activities related to communicable diseases.

Must be able to function with a high degree of independence, discretionary judgment to seek assistance from other Section Leads and collaboration with other staff in CDES and in the Public Health Laboratory (PHL). Employee will support programs and services in Central Office and other locations throughout the state.

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  Serve as lead epidemiologist and data analyst for South Carolina's wastewater-based epidemiology program, bringing expertise in modeling, forecasting and data visualization.

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  Responsible for the analysis and dissemination of wastewater data, including accompanying sequence data, in dashboards to drive public health action by the agency, participating wastewater treatment facilities and local partners (cities and counties).

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  Direct supervision of the SEP Unit Wastewater Surveillance Coordinator.

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  Work with PHL staff to develop tools for quality control, data validation and automated transfers to DCIPHER and to support the expansion of wastewater-based epidemiology beyond SARS-CoV-2.

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  Participates in the CDES on-call rotation and in outbreak response activities to support regional and central office response coordination.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

State Minimum Requirements: Master's degree in Public Health, epidemiology, biostatistics, or a closely related field and relevant working experience. A Doctoral degree in epidemiology, or advanced training in applied epidemiology, such as the Public Health Prevention Specialist Program at the CDC may substitute for experience.

Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Agency Additional Requirements: Knowledge of methods of epidemiological design, data collection, data analysis, and presentation of information. Knowledge of advanced descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Ability to present information in written and oral form. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications, subject to approval by the DPH Chief Human Resources Officer, or their delegate.

Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring.

Preferred Qualifications

Statistical Analysis System (SAS) Certification. ArcGIS Online Microsoft Power Bl Data Analyst Associate Certification (PL-300).

Additional Comments

EEO: The Department of Public Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: Applicants needing accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for accommodation. A reasonable accommodation may be granted if it doesn't impose an undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

STATE DISASTER PLAN: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, Department of Public Health employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.

DRIVING RECORD: If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant, being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for Temporary Grant Employees (TGE) positions that includes:

• 15 days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year
• 15 days Sick Leave per year
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices *
  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
  • State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

• Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all Temporary Grant Employees (TGE); please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.

HYBRID WORK: The option to work partially remote or adjusted work hours may be available after 12 months of employment for approved positions.