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Job Description
Examples of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:- Develop and implement policies and procedures for the collection, use and/or release of data to abide by federal and state laws and epidemiologic best practices to guard confidentiality.
- Develop and implement policies and procedures for conducting investigations of outbreaks, including coordination with partner agencies (e.g., environmental health, emergency medical services, emergency preparedness, etc.).
- Manage the epidemiology unit.
- Supervise, evaluate, train and advise staff.
- Develop and conduct evaluation for Department programs.
- Serve as departmental resource for data collection and analysis as well as evidence-based practices to partner agencies and the public.
- Establish and maintain information and surveillance systems to monitor community health status /trends.
- Oversee public health accreditation program activities, including completion of and compliance with required public health plans.
- Serve as the lead in coordination and evaluation of quality improvement/process improvement efforts.
- Oversee the selection and implementation of evaluation designs, evaluation activities, data analysis, results reporting and communicating information out in a generally understood manner.
- Liaise with internal stakeholders and programs for sharing information pertinent to program or project evaluations.
- Create evaluation protocols and processes to assess program progress and effectiveness, including data collection methods, survey design and implementation and instrument development/validation.
- Prepare clear and concise epidemiologic reports and journal publications.
- Develop and conduct quality assurance activities to ensure data is being entered systematically and correctly.
- Participates and/or leads in a variety of meetings, committees, study groups and task forces in the community.
- Conduct other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience:
Three (3) years of experience in the field of epidemiology, preferably in a government or public setting, with at least one (1) year experience performing duties comparable to an Epidemiologist II in Merced County.
Education:
Master's Degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in epidemiology, biostatistics, economics, health informatics, applied psychology or a closely related field. Possession of Doctoral Degree in qualifying fields may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
Essential Functions- Operate a personal computer and other office equipment.
- Communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone.
- Supervise, evaluate, train and advise staff.
- Meet deadlines and complete multiple priority projects under stressful conditions.
- Establish, implement and achieve goals and objectives.
- Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
- Represent the County with the community and other agencies.
- Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception.
- Frequently lift, carry, reach, push, pull, twist and manipulate large and small objects.
- Frequent use of data entry device including repetitive hand and arm motion.
- Occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
- Normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping.
- Regular attendance is an essential function.
Knowledge of:- Effective principles and practices of public health data, program evaluation, epidemiology and biostatistics.
- Grant sources, grant proposal preparation and grant evaluation.
- Effective principles and practices of program management and program evaluation statistical software programs and packages (e.g., SAS, SPSS, GIS, etc.).
- Surveillance tools, database development and management.
- Methods and format for preparation of manuscripts.
- Environmental, socio-economic, cultural and community issues impacting epidemiology.
- Expertise in interpretation of qualitative and quantitative data from multiple sources of information.
- Familiarity with geo-spatial mapping software, online survey tools, relational database software and/or webware.
- Application of epidemiology and routes of transmission in order to prevent, control, research and investigate non-/communicable diseases
- Understand and be able to evaluate chronic disease management and health promotion programs.
- Descriptive, inferential, parametric and non-parametric statistics; regression, and other mathematical modeling.
- Applications for the storage, management, manipulation and analysis of large sets of data.
- Principles and techniques of supervision, training and management.
Ability to:- Effectively communicate (written and oral) with multiple stakeholders, service providers, and all levels of staff.
- Plan, organize, supervise and coordinate the work of assigned staff.
- Plan, conduct and evaluate epidemiological projects and studies.
- Work independently on a variety of tasks with minimal supervision
- Prepare accurate, concise, complete and informative written materials.
- Develop protocols, guides and facilitate interviews and focus groups, when required.
- Establish and maintain positive relationships.
HOLIDAYS & LEAVES
MANAGEMENT LEAVE
May receive, depending upon classification, 96 hours per Fiscal Year.
VACATION
10 days the first 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 160 hours), 15 days in the second 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 240 hours), and 20 days after 10 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 320 hours). Optional annual sell back of a portion of accumulated vacation leave hours (maximum - 40 hours).
SICK LEAVE
0.0625 hours sick leave for each paid regularly scheduled work hour. 16 days (130 hours per year) with unlimited accumulation. Optional annual buy back of a portion of accumulated sick leave hours upon meeting certain criteria.
HOLIDAYS
Twelve paid holidays annually plus two optional holidays.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE
Five (5) regularly scheduled consecutive workdays.
INSURANCE
HEALTH INSURANCE
Medical Insurance - Merced County offers multiple Medical Plans and contributes towards employee and dependent premiums.- Anthem 500 EPO
- Anthem 1500 EPO
- Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) with Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) without Health Savings Account (HSA)
- County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s )
- County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)
DISABILITY INSURANCE
Management Disability Insurance - Unit 20 Unrepresented Management Levels A-E - 100% premium paid by employer
LIFE INSURANCE
County-paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance- Unit 20 Unrepresented Management:
- Level A & B $85,000
- Level C $55,000
- Level D & E $35,000
Voluntary Term and Whole Life Insurance are available - premium paid by employee
RETIREMENT
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
The County offers a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan. Employees choose their investment funds and can make pre-tax or post-tax contributions to the plan up to the maximum allowable.
MERCED COUNTY EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION
The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 and other provisions of the California Government Code. MCERA members also pay into Social Security. The applicable benefit formula is dependent upon your hire date with an MCERA employer; your pension amount will be determined by your age, years of service and final compensation amount.
EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
Anthem EAP services provide up to five face-to-face counseling sessions per incident and provides a toll-free "800" hotline available 24/7 for emergencies and crisis intervention. EAP services include counseling services, legal services, financial services and work-life resource services.
EMPLOYEE TICKETS, COUPONS, and DISCOUNTS
The County of Merced has partnered with Employee Savings Tickets to provide discounted coupons and tickets for all county employees to attractions throughout the state and out-of-state. The discounts and coupons are available for shopping, movies, sporting events, theme parks, zoos and aquariums and much more.
THIS BULLETIN IS NOT A CONTRACT AND DOES NOT CREATE CONTRACTUAL OR LEGAL RIGHTS ON BEHALF OF ANY EMPLOYEE. THIS BULLETIN IS SUBJECT OF BEING SUPPLEMENTED, MODIFIED, WITHDRAWN OR OTHERWISE CHANGED PENDING LABOR AGREEMENTS AND/OR AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICER OR AS THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DEEM NECESSARY.
For answers to specific questions regarding employee benefits, please call Human Resources at 209.385.7356.
Closing Date/Time: Continuous - Develop and implement policies and procedures for the collection, use and/or release of data to abide by federal and state laws and epidemiologic best practices to guard confidentiality.
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ABOUT THE COMPANY
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Merced County
Show moreMerced County, located in the heart of California's Central Valley, offers a unique blend of vibrant agricultural heritage and modern development. Known as the "Gateway to Yosemite," Merced County is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, including nearby national parks, lush farmlands, and scenic rivers. The county's strategic location provides easy access to major urban centers like San Francisco, Sacramento, and Fresno, making it an ideal hub for both business and leisure. With a diverse economy anchored by agriculture, education, healthcare, and manufacturing, Merced County offers ample opportunities for career growth and professional development. The presence of the University of California, Merced, further enhances the county's reputation as a center for innovation and research, attracting top talent and fostering a dynamic workforce.
In addition to its economic strengths, Merced County boasts a high quality of life with a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy affordable housing, a lower cost of living compared to many other parts of California, and a family-friendly environment with excellent schools and recreational facilities. The county's rich cultural heritage is celebrated through numerous festivals, farmers' markets, and community events, creating a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers. With its combination of economic opportunity, educational excellence, and a supportive community, Merced County is not just a great place to work but also a wonderful place to live and thrive.
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