BRFSS and IYS Epidemiologist

Salary : $73,673.60 - $113,464.00 Annually
Location : Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 27-01169
Agency: 400 Health & Human Services - Compliance and Administration
Opening Date: 10/23/2026
Closing Date: 11/8/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-POST
Point of Contact: Marisa Roseberry - [click to reveal email address] View email address on us.fitly.work

Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and both selective requirements will be placed on the eligible list.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services is seeking an epidemiologist to support two vital population health surveillance tools -- the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) and Iowa Youth Survey (IYS). This position is a key member of the Performance and Operations team. If you are highly motivated and thrive on collaborating with others, we want you on our team!

Responsibilities:

This position will work with the BRFSS and IYS Program Coordinator to support the administration of BRFSS and IYS. This position will perform lead work in collecting, compiling, analyzing and reporting epidemiological data.

What You'll Do:

• Create and maintain annual BRFSS and IYS raw datasets
• Performance analysis of BRFSS and IYS data, including calculation of statistical and epidemiological measures to describe health and human services problems
• Calculate estimates of risk factors and health behaviors by various demographic factors
• Utilize statistical software such as SAS
• Use advanced statistical methods to analyze data, including applying weighting and adjustment schema
• Evaluate the strengths and weakness of the datasets and perform a variety of tasks to assure the quality and integrity of survey data
• Ensure appropriate use of survey data and advise researchers and HHS programs on the appropriate use
• Communicate statistical and epidemiological information to lay and professional audiences through a variety of modes.
• Assist BRFSS and IYS Coordinator with planning and developing the annual BRFSS questionnaire and sampling techniques.

Requirements:

Proficient in the use of SAS, SPSS, or other statistical software systems and performing epidemiological surveillance.

Benefits

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
• Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
• Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
• Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.

For additional information on benefits

to see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.

Background Checks

Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.

The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer

HHS values those with "lived experience" and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired - Relay Iowa [click to reveal phone number]View phone number on us.fitly.work TDD).

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit

All work performed on behalf of Iowa Health and Human Services must occur in the State of Iowa.

Selectives

185 Epidemiology:
6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in epidemiology, which involves:

• The surveillance for respiratory diseases, vector-born diseases, enteric diseases, antimicrobial-resistant agents, or other infectious or non-infectious diseases
• The development of protocols and procedures for data collection and analysis, ongoing analysis of data using a variety of databases and statistical analysis programs
• The development and dissemination of written reports, graphs, tables, etc.

AND
576 Quantitative Social Science Research:
6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in quantitative social science research in sociology, psychology, economics, government, public administration, or criminal justice, which includes the following:

• Developing research methodologies and data collection methods
• Using statistical software such as SPSS and SAS
• Calculating statistical data and analyzing and drawing conclusions from it
• Compiling statistical data and writing books and reports

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1) Graduation from an accredited college or university with a graduate degree in public health with at least two courses related to the principles and practice of epidemiology. Attach an unofficial transcript for verification.
2) All of the following (a and b):
a. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a non-public health graduate degree with at least two courses related to the principles and practice of epidemiology; (attach an unofficial transcript) and
b. Three years of experience in applied epidemiology in an infectious, noninfectious, or chronic diseases; environmental poisonings or conditions; injury prevention; or a substance misuse related epidemiology program.

For additional information, please click on this
Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyGain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!
01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely. Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree.
• No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

Have you graduated from an accredited college or university with a graduate degree in public health with at least two courses related to the principles and practice of epidemiology?

• Yes
• No

04

Have you graduated from an accredited college or university with a non-public health graduate degree with at least two courses related to the principles and practice of epidemiology? IF YES- How many years of experience do you have in applied epidemiology in an infectious, noninfectious, or chronic diseases; environmental poisonings or conditions; injury prevention; or a substance misuse related epidemiology program?

• N/A - I do not have a degree AND/OR at least two courses related to the principles and practice of epidemiology
• Less than three years or no experience in applied epidemiology in an infectious, noninfectious, orchronic diseases; environmental poisonings or conditions; injury prevention; or in a substance misuse related epidemiology program.
• Three or more years of experience in applied epidemiology in an infectious, noninfectious, orchronic diseases; environmental poisonings or conditions; injury prevention; or a substance misuse related epidemiology program.

05

Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in epidemiology, which involves:

• The surveillance for respiratory diseases, vector-born diseases, enteric diseases, antimicrobial-resistant agents, or other infectious or non-infectious diseases
• The development of protocols and procedures for data collection and analysis, ongoing analysis of data using a variety of databases and statistical analysis programs
• The development and dissemination of written reports, graphs, tables, etc.?

• Yes
• No

06

If you answered "Yes" to the question above - please list exactly HOW you meet it: list exact classes and credit hours, employer, dates and hours per week and exact duties. Please do not paste or state - See application or resume. If you answered no to the question above please type in "No" in the box below.
07

Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in quantitative social science research in sociology, psychology, economics, government, public administration, or criminal justice, which includes the following:

• Developing research methodologies and data collection methods
• Using statistical software such as SPSS and SAS
• Calculating statistical data and analyzing and drawing conclusions from it
• Compiling statistical data and writing books and reports?

• Yes
• No

08

If you answered "Yes" to the question above - please list exactly HOW you meet it: list exact classes and credit hours, employer, dates and hours per week and exact duties. Please do not paste or state - See application or resume. If you answered no to the question above please type in "No" in the box below.
Required Question