This posting is for a project, full-time Epidemiologist 2 position. This position is currently funded through July 31, 2025.
Make a difference
Are you passionate about leveraging data to protect and improve public health? Do you thrive in roles that merge science, technology, and community impact? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!
As a Wastewater Spatial Epidemiologist, you'll play a pivotal role in supporting our agency's transformational goals and the Office of Environmental Public Health Sciences (OEPHS) mission. Working closely with various departments, you'll spearhead the Washington Wastewater Based Epi program, overseeing its daily operations and ensuring its alignment with our strategic objectives.
Some of the work this position will do:
- Utilize geographic information systems (GIS) to develop and implement a robust system for collecting, analyzing, and processing wastewater surveillance data.
- Create compelling data visualizations using tools like Tableau, R, and ArcGIS to effectively communicate health and environmental insights to stakeholders and the public.
- Conduct in-depth statistical analyses to identify trends, disparities, and clusters within public health datasets, contributing valuable insights to disease monitoring efforts.
- Collaborate with local health jurisdictions and wastewater treatment plants to maintain high-quality spatial data essential for WAWBE initiatives.
- Prepare technical reports, sampling plans, and Standards Of Practice related to spatial data and WAWBE GIS systems.
Work Setting
The incumbent may be located anywhere within the State of Washington; however, the duty station for this position is in Tumwater, WA. Telework (mobile work) is expected for most work activities. We anticipate the incumbent will report to the DOH offices or attend in-person engagements/meetings across the state, with potential for interstate travel, multiple times per year.
Work that matters
Public health promotes and protects the health of all people in the state of Washington, in the communities where they live, learn, work, and play. We understand that our efforts to achieve more equitable health outcomes for the communities we serve begin with our ability to operationalize and institutionalize equity throughout our internal policies, systems, and practices.
About DOH
Join the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to safeguarding public health. As a frontline defender of our communities, DOH collaborates with partners around the clock to impact the lives of every Washingtonian and visitor. We’re not just an organization; we’re a catalyst for change, guided by our core values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement.
Why DOH
We are dedicated to your work-life harmony and offer one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation, designed to support your lifestyle. To learn more about “Why DOH”, visit Work@Health.
Our Ideal Candidate
Has a driving passion for the work, brings humility to their job and interactions, and understands how their actions affect others. They see the needs and objectives of others and take them into account while achieving their objectives, and they adapt their approach and expectations accordingly. They demonstrate resilience and outward behaviors even when confronted with others who are not open or collaborative.
Demonstrates advanced understanding of epidemiologic principles and techniques, especially knowledge related to environmental epidemiologic surveillance system design and development and given a specific goal, must be able to remain self-directed and possess internal strengths to complete activities, even when challenging, in a timely and efficient manner.
Required Qualifications
Experience defined below may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities. Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and/or applicant profile.
- Option 1: Seven (7) years of professional GIS/R or Python experience managing, analyzing, and displaying spatial data.
- Option 2: Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Geography, Science, Epidemiology, Anthropology, Statistics, Public Policy or Health Policy, Health Services Research, Health Information Sciences, Computer Science, or a closely related field AND three (3) years of professional experience in GIS/R or Python managing, analyzing, and displaying spatial public health or environmental data.
- Option 3: Master’s Degree or higher from an accredited graduate school with a focus in Public Health, Geography, Science, Epidemiology, Anthropology, Statistics, Public Policy or Health Policy, Health Services Research, Health Information Sciences, Computer Science, or a closely related field AND one (1) year of professional GIS/R or Python experience managing, analyzing, and displaying spatial data.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with wastewater-based epidemiology.
- Experience configuring Tableau and/or Power BI using contemporary dashboard and data visualization practices for display of public health and environmental data through maps, tables, and charts using research-based design guidelines for data visualizations.
- Knowledge of database design principles and experience performing complex statistical and spatial analyses on public health data.
- Knowledge of community systems, built environment, and geo-environmental factors that contribute to environmental public health outcomes.
Application Process
Intrigued? Click "Apply" to submit your detailed application profile along with the following:
- A cover letter (without personal pictures) describing how you meet the qualifications and why you are interested in this position.
- A current resume (without personal pictures).
- Three (3) or more professional references, to be listed in your profile under the references section, which includes at least one supervisor, peer, and (if you have supervised staff) someone you have supervised or led.
Attachments: Do not attach any documents that include photos, letters of recommendation, or private information (transcripts, social security number, year of birth, etc.).
Veterans: Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and birth year.
This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve.
DOH is an equal-opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran’s status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity.
For questions regarding this recruitment or accommodations related to the application or selection process, contact Lisette Anson at lisette.anson@doh.wa.gov or (360) 236-3013.
For persons with disabilities, this document is available in other formats. Please call 800-525-0127 (TDD/TTY 711) or email doh.information@doh.wa.gov.
Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions
With or without accommodation, I am willing and able to:
- Work a full-time 40-hour work week and occasionally adjust work-schedule to meet business needs, which may include evenings and weekends. A flexible work schedule will be considered upon request and supervisor approval.
- Travel statewide and out of state is occasionally necessary to perform the core functions of the position. This may require overnight or multiple nights lodging.
- Legally operate a state- or privately-owned vehicle or provide alternative transportation while on state business.
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