Informatics Grad Intern

Job Summary

Are you ready to advance public health data modernization from the ground up? Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department's Assessment, Evaluation, & Epidemiology team is seeking an Informatics Intern to help build the foundation for our data governance strategy. If you're a current or recent graduate student in informatics or health informatics looking for hands-on experience in a real-world health system, this is the opportunity for you.

In this temporary position (up to 5 months, 0.40 FTE / 18 hours per week, Step 7 at $36.95–$39.55/hour), you'll work alongside our IT and AEE teams to support the implementation TPCHD's Informatics Strategic Plan forward. Your work will center on data governance, cataloging, standards documentation, and building dashboards that support better decision-making across the department. You'll contribute to defining data roles, standardizing core data elements, and creating the documentation foundation that enables our health system to work smarter with data.

This is collaborative, project-focused work with real impact. You'll gain practical experience in data management concepts, public health interoperability standards, and tools like Power BI, all while strengthening the health department’s capacity to serve our communities through data-informed public health practice.

This is a professional classification that works under the direction of an Epidemiology Supervisor and participates in the design and management of surveillance systems and collects and analyzes data regarding diseases of public importance. The classification interacts with a culturally diverse population of clients, educational institutions, governmental agencies, community-based coalitions, and health department staff to collect and analyze epidemiologic data and communicate findings.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This position is the first level of the epidemiologist series and performs entry to intermediate level data collection and analysis under the direction of a supervisor. The Epidemiologist I differs from the Epidemiologist II in the level of complexity of the work and decision-making authority. Work assignments typically include a description of overall objectives, with some specificity regarding how to proceed with the work. Unusual problems or complex situations are discussed with the supervisor.

Position Series

• Epidemiologist I
• Epidemiologist II
• Epidemiologist III
• Epidemiology Supervisor

Career Path Options

Education

Options to continue your career at the Health Department depend on your interest, education, and training. Possibilities beyond the position series include:

• Program Analyst II, III
• Project Manager
• Assessment, Evaluation & Epidemiology Director

Essential Functions

• Collects, manages, and interprets public health data.
• Analyzes data using statistical methods and techniques to identify patterns, trends, and emerging issues.
• Prepares and presents findings from epidemiologic investigations and analyses to diverse audiences through reports, dashboards, and other communication tools.
• Assists in the design, implementation, and management of data collection tools and surveillance systems.

Examples of Key Duties

The items in this section are the key duties and responsibilities for this job and do not represent an exhaustive list. Our organization is dynamic, and duties may change based on business needs. Any new duties will remain within the scope of the job.

• Collects, manages, and interprets epidemiological and other public health data from a variety of sources.
• Engages with clients, community-based organizations, and partners –including occasional meetings outside of regular business hours to gather qualitative and quantitative information.
• Conducts literature reviews and secondary data searches to support public health assessments, surveillance, and program evaluation activities.
• Assists in the design, implementation, and management of data collection tools and surveillance systems for monitoring diseases and health indicators of public importance.
• Analyzes public health, medical, and social services data using statistical methods and other appropriate statistical techniques to identify patterns, trends, and emerging issues.
• Prepares and presents findings from epidemiologic investigations and program evaluation results to diverse audiences in both community and professional forums.
• Develops concise and comprehensive written reports, dashboards, and data summaries based on analyses, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and appropriate interpretation of data.
• The work you do might require you to participate in the Title XIX Medicaid Claiming Program.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Safety & Emergency Preparedness

• Adheres to all workplace and trade safety laws, regulations, standards, and practices.
• Understands and properly follows established procedures in preventing and responding to unsafe or emergency situations. Identifies and reports potentially unsafe practices or conditions.
• Operates equipment, tools, machinery, and vehicles safely and understands processes for reporting an accident or injury.
• Understands and applies knowledge and skills necessary to successfully perform assigned emergency response role during an emergency.

When public health responds to an emergency, you may be assigned duties and responsibilities that are outside your regular job description. This may involve responding at any time and reporting to a location other than the department with different working conditions and physical requirements. You are expected to participate in emergency preparedness activities including our emergency notification system, WA SECURES. Drills and real-world events may take place at any time.

For a full description of the classification specification click here.

What you bring to the table

• Advanced knowledge of standard Microsoft Office programs.
• Experience using statistical software such as Stata, with a demonstrated willingness and capability to learn R.
• Knowledge of epidemiologic principles, practices, and techniques.
• Knowledge of common federal and state public health data sources such as those managed by the Department of Health, and social and medical services.
• Advanced mathematical and statistical skills relevant to epidemiological analysis and interpretation.
• Skilled in maintaining sensitive and confidential data and using discretion when sharing information.
• Skilled in communication:
• Listens to others and communicates in an effective manner.
• Asks questions in ways that enhance the clarity, quality, and reliability of information.
• Understands and learns from what others say, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
• Grasps the meaning of written information and applies it to work situations.
• Conveys ideas and facts using language the audience will best understand, taking into consideration the audience and nature of the information.
• Writes in a clear, concise, and organized manner for the intended audience.

Foundational Competencies

• Knowing and managing oneself: Understands that all equity, trauma-informed, and restorative practices start with oneself. Exercises a high degree of self-reflection, personal accountability, resilience, flexibility, and adaptability. Is willing to learn, apply, and model agency values and ethical standards.
• Restorative practices and conflict resolution: Articulates through words and actions authentic commitment to create an environment in which all people are treated with dignity and respect and afforded equal opportunities and impartial treatment. Centers work inequity and trauma informed and restorative practices to achieve and maintain collaboration and teamwork and to effectively work with historically underrepresented and/or underserved populations to advance community health. Utilizes restorative practices to address harm and promote healing to strengthen relationships between individuals and social connections within communities.
• Collaboration and engagement: Provides balanced and objective information to help teammates, partners, and the public understand problems, alternatives, opportunities, and solutions. Works directly with partners within the Department, in the community, and members of the public affected by the work to obtain feedback and understand diverse points of view, concerns, and aspirations. Identifies preferred solutions together, incorporating advice and recommendations to the maximum extent possible.
• Evidence informed practices and decision-making: Applies evidence informed practices and methodologies to achieve the greatest impact in delivery of services to internal and external customers and partners. Incorporates the social determinants of health into public health work. Integrates research and evidence into the decision-making process. Seeks to systematically identify and eliminate inequities resulting in differences in health and in overall living conditions. Utilizes evidence informed practices to increase equity in systems and policy. Creates a robust culture of assessment and evaluation and continuous process improvement.
• Cross cultural communication and Engagement: Understands that cultural awareness, appreciation, and humility can only occur when you practice curiosity and open-mindedness. Operates with a high level of humility and cultural agility to achieve effective intercultural communication, engagement, and collaboration in the workplace and in the community. Is open to feedback and continuously self-reflects on one’s own actions and responses. Centers personal accountability on the Department’s mission, values, and ethical standards.

Who should apply

The items below are the requirements for the job and are relevant to this position. The organization values work experience, lived experience, and education and realizes that people take different paths to acquire knowledge.

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, or similar field. A master’s degree is preferred, or current enrollment in a graduate degree program. Graduate-level coursework in statistics and epidemiology; coursework or experience in health policy is preferred.
• 1 year of experience analyzing datasets.
• Experience in public health and/or community-based health or health care systems preferred.
• Experience in a team-based, applied research setting preferred.

We will consider any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position.

Professional Certifications, Licensure, And Other Requirements

We require or prefer the below for this classification.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy, particularly when documenting definitions, standards, or data sources.
• Clear written communication, including the ability to translate technical concepts into accessible language for varied audiences.
• Well-organized and able to manage multiple tasks across teams with shifting priorities.
• Collaborative and comfortable working across divisions (AEE, IT, and program teams).
• Interest in public health, health informatics, and the role of data in informing community health decisions.
• Experience using artifical intelligence (AI) tools, including large language models (LLMs), to improve organizational performance through process automation, report generation, knowledge management, and decision support. Demonstrated ability to integrate AI solutions into business workflows while ensuring responsible use.
• Discretion and reliability when handling confidential or sensitive information.
• Self-directed, with a willingness to ask questions and seek feedback in an iterative, evolving environment. Knowledge of and skill in utilizing statistical, graphical, word processing, database and spreadsheet software, e.g., R, Python,PowerBI, Word, Excel, ACCESS, etc. to perform data research and analysis, etc.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing to a wide range of audiences, both lay and professional.
• Skill in planning and organizing activities to meet established objectives.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse population of clients and peers.
• Ability to collaborate on complex, inter-agency projects.
• Ability to work semi-independently but in a team-oriented work environment.
• Ability to successfully pass a background investigation.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

Work Environment

• Work is performed almost exclusively indoors in an office environment. Exposure to hazards is limited to those commonly found in office environments.
• May require working beyond the normally scheduled workweek, modifying existing work schedule, or flexing hours to meet with clients and community-based organizations.

Physical and Cognitive Demands

• Regularly required to sit or stand continuously.
• Regularly communicate clearly in-person, over the phone, and via written communication.
• Capable of reading physical and electronic documents and working for prolonged periods on a computer monitor.
• Fine motor skills sufficient to operate a telephone and a computer mouse and keyboard.
• This position may require lifting, carrying, pulling, or moving objects up to 10 pounds consistently, 20 pounds frequently, and exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally.
• May require walking/traversing up to ¼ mile (ie: from parking to the booth) at community events.
• Maintain concentration and attention for extended periods of time.
• Learn, recall, and apply specialized information.

Tools and Equipment

• Duties require the use of standard office furniture and equipment (e.g., desk, filing cabinet, computer, printer, telephone, copy machine, etc.)

Travel

• Some travel may be required, and is typically local or regional, to meet with clients, conduct business, or attend training.

Click Here for more details on reasonable accommodations, safety, risk management and more.

Benefits

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department offers an excellent pay and benefits package, combined with the opportunity to provide innovative Public Health services to our community, making this a rewarding place to work!

Salary: Salary ranges are listed on the job announcement and are based on the unique skills, education, and experience for the position. Salary offers are typically made at the starting pay step and are reviewed annually. You will get an annual cost-of-living adjustment that increases the salary range as well as an annual step increase on your anniveristy date. All salary offers are subject to administrative approval.

Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance: The Department pays a significant portion of these premiums for employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and dependent children, with an FTE of .80 or greater. Employees with an FTE between .50 and .80 pay a pro-rated portion of their premiums. Medical, vision and dental coverage begins the first day of the month following date of hire.*

Life Insurance: The Department provides a term Life Insurance policy equal to the employee's annual salary, up to a maximum of $50,000.* Affordable voluntary, spouse, and dependent life insurance is also available.

Long Term Disability Insurance (LTD): The Department provides a base LTD policy which provides 40% income replacement for participants who are unable to work due to illness or injury for greater than 180 days. Buy-Up LTD is available at group rates and provides 60% income replacement to participants who are unable to work due to illness or injury for greater than 90 days.

Retirement: Eligible employees participate in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (TERS). TERS is a defined retirement benefit plan funded by both the employee and the Department. We also have a 457 Deferred Compensation retirement program available which allows individuals to set aside a portion of their income on a tax deferred basis.

Additional Benefits include: Generous paid vacation

, sick, personal, and holiday leave , Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, On-site Fitness Center, Commute Trip Reduction program, Worksite Wellness Program, Direct Deposit; Service Awards, Safety Program / Rewards, Executive Benefits Plan and more.

• Temporary Employees (hired for greater than 2 months): The Department provides medical, dental, and vision benefits, $12,000 base life insurance effective the first of the month following 2 months of employment. **Paid vacation, sick leave and holiday leave accrual begin following 6 months of temporary employment.

Please Note

• There may be restrictions to the above benefit programs or policies not listed. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
• Employee pay is distributed through Direct Deposit. For this reason, employees are required to have an open checking or savings account, at their choice of banking institutions, upon employment.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. For assistance, contact our Office of Human Resources/Risk Management at ***email_hidden*** or View phone number on workus.org.

This position requires enrollment in, or recent graduation from, a graduate-level program in public health, health informatics, epidemiology, biostatistics, or a similar field. How many years of graduate school (e.g., Master’s, PhD, Professional) have you completed?

• I completed my graduate degree more than 6 months ago.
• I completed my graduate degree within the last 6 months.
• Currently enrolled – completed 3 or more years of my program.
• Currently enrolled – completed 1 to 2 years of my program.
• Currently enrolled – completed less than 1 year of my program.
• None – just started
• N/A – I am not enrolled in a graduate program.

Please describe the graduate courses you have completed that are relevant to the duties of this position. If you have yet to complete any courses, please indicate N/A.

Will you use this internship to fulfill a school credit, practicum, or thesis requirement?

• Yes
• No

What university do you attend, and what is your specific graduate or post-graduate degree program? (Examples: Master of Public Health or Health Informatics, MS in Epidemiology, PhD in Biostatistics, or a similar field)

Have you had any experience using data systems and software, such as Python, PowerBI, SQL, Microsoft Access, Power Query, and/or Excel?

• Yes
• No

If so, please explain the depth of your knowledge and how much experience you have with any of the systems listed above and with building dashboards for tracking progress. If you do not have this experience, please indicate N/A.

Do you have experience in health informatics or managing database systems?

• Yes
• No

Please share your experience in health informatics or managing database systems. If you do not have this experience, please indicate N/A.

Do you have experience in a team-based, applied research or work setting?

• Yes
• No

Please describe your experience in a team-based, applied research or work setting. If you do not have this experience, please indicate N/A.

• Required Question