City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Chief Epidemiologist

Under nominal direction, this position serves as the City’s Chief Epidemiologist and Toxicologist, providing subject matter expertise in general toxicology and epidemiology. This position leads investigations and interprets and reports information about diseases and other public health issues in the community. 

1. Provides general administrative and technical direction, leadership, and management of the Austin Public Health (APH) Epidemiology and Public Health Emergency Preparedness division functions and activities.
2. Directs and participates in the development, monitoring, and administration of divisional budgets (general and grant funded) and expenditures; short- and long-term strategic planning; development and operational objectives; and forecasting resources.
3. Evaluates operations and directs the establishment and development of plans, procedures, and policies related to epidemiology, disease surveillance, program evaluation, toxicology, and public health emergency response.
4. Oversees and leads the development of strategies to ensure program integration, implementation, and evaluation.
5. Oversees and leads the department’s response to investigate, collect data on, assess, and analyze outbreaks, disease clusters, and other illnesses or conditions within Austin/Travis County.
6. Recommends establishment, and ensures implementation, of control measures, prevention programs, clinical interventions, and emergency response actions to address identified health problems.
7. Provides oversight and direction of research and analysis of a variety of data sources related to demographics, public health, social determinants of health and community vulnerabilities and disparities for community health assessments, community health improvement, and strategic planning.
8. Plans, coordinates, develops, and conducts toxicological evaluations and risk assessments to determine potential health risks associated with permit applications and exposure to environmental contaminants.
9. Oversees the preparation, development, testing, and evaluation of department emergency response plans, capabilities, and hazard vulnerability assessments to address effects of catastrophic diseases, and vulnerabilities relative to natural disasters, acts of terrorism, or weapons of mass destruction.
10. Collaborates with City management; Federal, State, and public safety agencies; other City departments; healthcare providers; and other stakeholders on emergency response planning and activities within Austin/Travis County.

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal. 

• Knowledge of Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance techniques, and processes.
• Knowledge of public health preparedness and response.
• Knowledge of general and environmental toxicology and risk assessment.
• Knowledge of City of Austin budget process and performance measures.
• Knowledge of health industry and operations.
• Knowledge of principles of culture, cultural competency and cultural humility
• Knowledge of, and understanding of, ethics and public good; is concerned with public trust.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
• Knowledge of organization and administration of public health programs.
• Knowledge of laws and organization of record keeping.
• Skill in employee management, including supervisory training, team building, and conflict management.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining professional relationships with internal and external customers.
• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Ability to apply knowledge of current cultural, social, economic, and public health issues and community demographics.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality as required by HIPAA and other Texas privacy laws

• Graduation with a Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Health (MPH) with emphasis on epidemiology and/or biostatistics or with a focus on epidemiology and/or biostatistics, plus six (6) years of experience in epidemiology, data management, health planning, infectious diseases, occupational diseases, environmental health, cancer, chronic diseases, reproductive health, or other related field, including two (2) years of which were in a supervisory or management capacity.
• Graduation with a Doctor of Philosophy from an accredited college or university in a field related to Science or Natural Science with an emphasis in epidemiology and/or toxicology may substitute for experience up to a maximum of two (2) years.

• ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800.
• Valid Texas Class C Driver License.