Zoonotic Disease Epidemiology Specialist (DOH/CHP #10112666)

Posting Details

The Infectious Disease Epidemiology Bureau in the Center for Health Protection provides infectious disease epidemiology and public health surveillance services, case and outbreak investigations, and data analyses statewide for the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH). The work is authorized by the New Mexico Public Health Act and governed by the New Mexico Administrative Code (7.4.3.13) Notifiable Diseases or Conditions in New Mexico. Programs in the Bureau include (but are not limited to) Foodborne Diseases, Zoonotic Diseases, HIV and Hepatitis, Healthcare-associated Infections, Data Informatics and Emerging Infections.
Why does the job exist?

The Zoonotic Disease Epidemiology Specialist protects the health of New Mexicans by conducting surveillance, prevention, and control activities as part of the New Mexico Department of Health Center for Health Protection. The Infectious Disease Epidemiology Bureau Zoonotic Disease Team monitors and responds to notifiable zoonotic conditions statewide, including rabies, plague, hantavirus, and West Nile virus. This position is responsible not only for core surveillance and response activities but also plays a critical role in data analysis.
How does it get done?

The individual hired for this position will:

• Serve as an advanced zoonotic disease epidemiology specialist in the Infectious Disease Epidemiology Bureau, conducting core surveillance and response activities for a variety of zoonotic diseases.
• Analyze large datasets using statistical software to identify trends, patterns, and risk factors associated with diseases and health conditions.
• Utilize geospatial software to analyze zoonotic disease data to strengthen NMDOH’s preparedness and response capabilities for both endemic and emerging zoonotic diseases.
• Interpret and communicate epidemiological findings to relevant stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the general public.
• Stay updated with the latest research, methodologies, and advancements in the field of epidemiology to ensure best practices are implemented in research and analysis.
• Respond to public health emergencies as a member of IDEB, including assigned tasks appropriate for the public health response.

Who are the customers?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Infectious Disease Epidemiology Bureau, as well as the healthcare community and public. This is a statewide surveillance and response position focused the epidemiology of zoonotic and vectorborne diseases.
Ideal Candidate

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Infectious Disease Epidemiology Bureau, as well as the healthcare community and public. This is a statewide surveillance and response position focused the epidemiology of zoonotic and vectorborne diseases.
Minimum Qualification

Master’s Degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Sciences, Social Sciences, or Statistics and one (1) year in Public Health to include data analysis and linking methodology. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling seven (7) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Employment Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification within six (6) months of date of hire as a condition of continued employment.
Working Conditions

The majority of the time will be in an office setting involving computer and telephone usage. There will be times when field work will be required while investigating zoonotic infections. Field work may be performed under a variety of uncomfortable environmental conditions and will require standing for long periods of time, bending, stooping, and working in dirty environments. Must be able to lift 25 lbs. Occasional overnight travel may be required.
Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Sarah Shrum Davis (505)-699-3340 Email

For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.