EPIDEMIOLOGY SUPERVISOR/EXPERT

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Division of Health Protection – Infectious Disease - Epidemiology

*CLASSIFIED AS A SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION*

*Additional Preferences:

In-State and out-of-state travel may be required. A valid driver’s license is required.

The mission of the Department of Health is to protect and improve the health and well-being of all Arkansans.

Position Information

Job Series: Epidemiology

Class Code: SEP03P

Pay Grade: SPC05

Salary Range: $85,943 - $127,195

Job Summary

The Epidemiology Supervisor/Expert is a leadership role responsible for overseeing a team of epidemiologists and public health professionals. This position involves supervising, guiding, and supporting staff in conducting epidemiological research, disease surveillance, and health data analysis. The role requires in-depth knowledge of epidemiology, public health practices, and data management, with the goal of identifying and mitigating public health risks, improving health outcomes, and driving evidence-based policy decisions. The Epidemiology Supervisor/Expert will also contribute to the design and evaluation of public health programs, provide training to staff, and ensure that public health initiatives are carried out in accordance with state and federal regulations. A successful candidate will be an experienced leader with a strong background in epidemiology, excellent communication skills, and the ability to foster a collaborative team environment.

Primary Responsibilities

The assignment of supervisory duties is determined by the hiring agency's operational needs. Non-supervisory roles will serve as senior technical experts.Supervise a team of epidemiologists, public health professionals, and support staff. Provide mentorship, coaching, and professional development opportunities for team members. Conduct performance evaluations and set performance goals. Offer guidance on complex epidemiological cases and challenges to ensure the team adheres to the highest standards of public health practice.Lead and oversee epidemiological studies and research projects to investigate disease patterns, risk factors, and health disparities in Arkansas. Apply advanced epidemiological methods to assess public health trends and contribute to identifying public health priorities. Ensure that studies are conducted following ethical guidelines, best practices, and regulatory requirements.Oversee the state’s disease surveillance systems, ensuring effective monitoring of communicable diseases, chronic conditions, and emerging health threats. Collaborate with local health departments, hospitals, and healthcare providers to ensure timely data collection and response. Track public health trends and identify opportunities for early intervention and prevention.Lead the investigation of public health emergencies and disease outbreaks, coordinating with relevant agencies and organizations to control the spread of diseases. Ensure rapid response to emerging health threats, including providing technical expertise in identifying the source and extent of outbreaks. Develop and implement control measures based on epidemiological evidence.Contribute to the design, implementation, and evaluation of public health programs aimed at improving the health of Arkansas residents. Use data-driven insights to shape program strategies and measure the effectiveness of health interventions. Provide leadership in identifying areas for improvement and recommend changes to improve program outcomes.Oversee the collection, validation, and analysis of health data from various sources. Ensure the data is accurate, comprehensive, and appropriately utilized for decision-making. Analyze complex epidemiological data, identify patterns, and interpret findings to inform public health action. Prepare and present data-driven reports to senior leadership, policymakers, and external stakeholders.Develop and implement training programs for staff, public health professionals, and community stakeholders on epidemiological methods, data analysis, and disease prevention strategies. Provide expertise and guidance to team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing within the department.Prepare detailed reports and presentations for state health officials, the general public, and policymakers. Provide expert epidemiological advice to inform public health policies and strategies. Assist in the development of policy recommendations based on data findings and public health needs. Communicate complex epidemiological information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Knowledge and Skills

Strong supervisory and leadership abilities to effectively manage a team of epidemiologists and public health professionals. Ability to motivate, guide, and develop staff while fostering a positive and productive work environment. Experience managing diverse teams and supporting professional growth.Expertise in epidemiological research methods, data analysis, and public health surveillance. Strong understanding of both communicable and non-communicable diseases, health statistics, and environmental health issues. Experience applying epidemiological methods in real-world public health settings.Proficient in statistical analysis, research design, and the interpretation of complex epidemiological data. Ability to apply critical thinking to identify health risks, interpret data trends, and provide actionable insights. Strong analytical skills with experience using epidemiological software such as SAS, R, SPSS, and Epi Info.Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, especially in fast-paced, high-pressure public health situations such as disease outbreaks or public health emergencies. Ability to develop evidence-based solutions to complex health issues.Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey complex epidemiological findings to a variety of audiences, including public health professionals, policymakers, and the general public. Ability to translate technical data into understandable information for non-technical audiences.

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, or a related field from an accredited institution is required, plus three (3) years of professional experience in epidemiology or public health research.

Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.

Licensure/Certifications

N/AOTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.