Environmental Consultant

Overview

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Requisition No:868704

Agency:
Department of Health

Working Title:

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT -

Division of Disease Control and Health Protection

Bureau of Epidemiology

This is a highly responsible and independent position functioning in a multi-county geographical area under the general supervision of the Biological Administrator. The incumbent is responsible for technical, surveillance, investigative, analytical and programmatic work involving food and waterborne disease outbreak epidemiology. The incumbent should have a thorough knowledge of the scientific literature pertaining to food and waterborne disease epidemiology and actual experience in outbreak investigations.

• Works cooperatively as the food and waterborne outbreak epidemiologist in a multi-county area of the state. Leads and provides technical assistance in the investigation of suspected food and waterborne disease outbreaks in response to a county health department's request, including data collection, sample collection, evaluation, analysis and interpretation of results, and preparation of preliminary and final reports of investigative findings.
• Reviews existing and devises new active and passive food and waterborne disease surveillance systems and recommends actions to enhance reporting. Develops protocols in cooperation with county health departments and the Bureau of Epidemiology.
• Develops, maintains and provides analyses of a computer-based data system in order to track incidence, prevalence, risk factors and trends of food and waterborne diseases. Provides timely statistical reports of cases, surveillance, investigations and other related data.
• Serves as the trainer for the multi-county geographical coverage area for food and waterborne disease epidemiology, including investigative methods, protocols, interview techniques, data sources and statistical analyses, as well as proper collection and submission of specimens for laboratory analysis. Provides selective training and consultation to county health department staff and other agencies as needed.
• Serves as laboratory liaison for food and water disease outbreak investigations, ensuring timely communication of analysis results and identification of food and waterborne pathogens to regional environmental epidemiologists, partner agencies, medical care providers and county health departments.
• Provides training and information to stakeholders on food and waterborne disease.
• Serves as surge capacity for other regional environmental epidemiologists.
• Serves as regional liaison to other state and federal agencies, professional organizations, and community groups; uses effective verbal and written communication skills. Consults with industry, medical professionals, the general public, and the media (following established policy) on food or waterborne diseases.
• Ensures that interagency agreement requirements pertaining to procedures and reporting for foodborne outbreaks are followed by county health departments. Participates in corrective action plans to ensure follow-through on identified problems by the food facility or water utility with the enforcing agency.
• Performs other related duties as required, which may require weekend or overtime work approved by the supervisor. Participates in on-call duty assignments to provide 24-hour telephone coverage for the Bureau of Epidemiology. Availability to accept after-hours calls (e.g., 5pm–8am) and coordination with other agencies as needed.

Perform other duties assigned.

Knowledge of epidemiology, microbiology, and environmental health. Knowledge and understanding of program policies and administrative guidance related to food and waterborne diseases. Skill in collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data using computer software (e.g., Access, Epi Info, Excel). Ability to communicate in writing and orally. Ability to analyze, evaluate, research and interpret scientific guidelines, protocols, policies, and regulations.