Epidemiologist - CSR 1414

County of Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

$104,101.92–$125,301.28 Per Year

2 days ago

Job Description

Epidemiologist - CSR 1414

Salary

$104,101.92 - $125,301.28 Annually

Location

Santa Barbara, CA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-3320-02 (O/CH)

Department

County Health Department

Opening Date

11/10/2026

Closing Date

11/17/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Description
Benefits
Questions

Description

SALARY

$50.05 - $60.24 Hourly

$104,101.92 - $125,301.28 Annually

County of Santa Barbara Health is accepting applications to fill one (1) CSR 1414*, Full-Time Epidemiologist position located in Santa Barbara.

We are also accepting applications to establish one employment list that will be used to fill current and future Full-Time, Part-Time, Extra Help and 1414* vacancies in Santa Barbara. This job classification is also utilized by the Department of Behavioral Wellness within the County. Please select ALL departments and locations you would like to be considered for current and future vacancies.

CSR 1414 (Leave of Absence): This recruitment is to fill a position vacated as a result of a leave of absence (CSR 1414) and the duration of the appointment shall be subject to the return of the individual who is on leave. A person who is appointed to a position under CSR 1414 may be able to transition into a regular position in the classification without re-application or re-testing, depending on the performance of the appointee and the needs of the department.

Visa Sponsorship: Please note this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.

Benefits: The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits, CLICK HERE to view more information. In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

Retirement reciprocity
Time and service credit towards for an advanced vacation accrual rate

CSR 1414 Benefit Information: The 1414 position is eligible for full-time benefits.

POSITION:

Under general direction, the incumbent plans, designs, and conducts epidemiological research projects and studies; analyzes and interprets health data to monitor and identify populations at risk, the results of health studies, and community environmental factors causing disease; designs survey instruments and data collection systems; evaluates and interprets findings; and performs related duties as required.

This position performs various functions related to the gathering and analysis of health statistical data and information as well as providing assistance to program staff in support of the planning, development, administration, and evaluation of programs.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE will possess:

Experience supporting public health programs, including epidemiology, communicable disease investigation, outbreak response, contact tracing, and public health data analysis.
Knowledge of health equity and social determinants of health, with experience analyzing and interpreting data through a health equity lens.
Strong bilingual Spanish communication skills, including translating complex information for diverse audiences.
Proficiency with statistical and data analysis tools such as SAS, SQL, R, Tableau, Power BI, or similar software.
Experience independently extracting, managing, analyzing, and visualizing data from multiple sources to inform public health decision-making.
Strong project management and analytical skills, including conducting needs assessments, developing data collection tools, ensuring data quality, and presenting findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships and work effectively with diverse communities, partners, and stakeholders.

Program: The Epidemiology Unit is part of County Healths Public Health Services Division and plays a vital role in protecting and improving the health of Santa Barbara County residents. Epidemiology is a core public health function focused on the prevention and control of communicable diseases, chronic diseases, and injuries in the community.

Key responsibilities of the Epidemiology Unit include:

Monitoring and investigating reportable diseases, outbreaks, and other public health threats.
Collecting, analyzing, and reporting health data and vital statistics to identify trends and inform public health action.
Supporting disease prevention and response efforts through surveillance, investigation, and intervention activities.
Providing education, consultation, and technical assistance to healthcare providers, community organizations, and the public.
Conducting community health assessments and identifying priority areas to guide public health programs and interventions.
Collaborating with local, state, and regional partners to address emerging public health issues and improve population health outcomes.

For more information about the Epidemiology Unit, visit: www.santabarbaracounty.gov/ch-epidemiology

Click on the video above learn how County Health

supports healthier lives in Santa Barbara County.

Examples of Duties

Interprets and analyzes statistical data for behavioral and public health managers and advises them of implications of the findings for behavioral and public health decision-making; designs and defines the type of data to gather for surveys, as well as gathers and reviews current epidemiology-literature;
Defines populations of interest and examines trends of communicable and chronic disease or other health disparities and social determinants of health for specific groups in the county, and develops epidemiological summary reports based on data analysis results.
Implements and conducts epidemiological research projects and outbreak investigations; plans, coordinates, and directs collection, coding, and entry of data; develops, maintains, and utilizes existing computerized databases to monitor the current health status of target groups and disease trends.
Utilizes available data to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of intervention or control strategies; and determines health status measures in order to ensure that established program standards are met.
Partners with County departments, state health agencies, healthcare providers, public and private community organizations, physicians and behavioral health professionals to coordinate the collection, analysis, and interpretation of health data; support communicable disease surveillance and reporting; and monitor emerging and ongoing public health concerns.
Participates in needs assessments, resource allocation, program evaluation, planning and development for an assigned program; if required, participates in grant development and administers grant activities for assigned program.
Demonstrates a commitment to support cultural diversity and health equity County wide, actively supports the Countys diversity initiatives, and works to address the needs of diverse and underrepresented communities.

Employment Standards

Possession of a masters degree in epidemiology from an accredited university; OR,
Possession of a masters degree in public health with specialization in epidemiology from an accredited university; OR,
A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Knowledge of: principles and methods of demography; principles, theories, and procedures of epidemiology, including study design, statistical analysis, and causal inference; behavioral health practices and principles used in psychological research; current research and trends in public health; appropriate computer processing methods used to generate, organize and display statistical and research data; and standard English grammar, spelling, and usage.

Ability to: gather, organize, analyze, and report epidemiological data; evaluate possible intervention strategies; apply epidemiological design method theories and advanced statistical analysis; design, develop, and maintain manual and/or computerized databases; use computer software programs to perform statistical analysis; read and understand complex technical information in mathematical or diagrammatical form; speak and write clearly, concisely, and logically; and establish and maintain cooperative relationships with representatives from other departments, general public, and outside organizations.

Supplemental Information

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
Supplemental Questionnaire Rating. Responses to the required supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by the responses to these questions. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the Supplemental Questionnaire Rating to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule 6. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the examination, rank on the employment list, and duration of the employment list.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE POINTS: Veteran's preference credit is applicable for this recruitment (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans). To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of: (1) honorable discharge from active military service; or, (2) discharge from a military or veterans' hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or, (3) completion of education or training funded by a Federal Educational Assistance Act. No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability.

To receive veteran's preference points, you must: (1) select the Veteran's Preference Points box on the employment application form, (2) submit a copy of your Form DD214 and supporting materials to the Human Resources Department on or before the examination date, and (3) pass all phases of the examination process. The preference points will be added to your final test score.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of accommodation needed from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

County of Santa Barbara Health (County Health) requires all employees working in direct contact with patients or clients in a high-risk environment to comply with the County Health Employee Immunizations policy. This can be accomplished by providing documentation of immunizations, submitting laboratory immune titers demonstrating adequate immunity, or obtaining required vaccinations. A list of requirements, based on the specific program, will be sent at the time an offer letter is presented to the selected candidate(s) and initial documentation will be required at this time.

Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. The appointee may be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.

Disaster Service Workers: Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a longstanding practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis with the first review on 11/18/26; postmarks not accepted. Applications and job postings can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.

Farrah Medrano, County Health Talent Acquisition Lead - PHDRecruiter@sbcphd.org.

Retirement Plans

Generous County Defined Benefit Plan
Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans
For more information on our retirement plans, please visit: https://www.sbcers.org/ and http://www.santabarbara457.com

Health Benefits

Choice of dental, vision and medical plans. In addition to the Benefit Allowance noted above, the County contributes toward medical premiums and dental premiums
On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members
Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits
Available Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more!
For more information on our health benefits, please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/4012/Health-Benefits

Paid Time Off

Vacation Leave 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment
Sick Leave 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement
Paid Holidays based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit, link below)
Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM) up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting
For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below)

Miscellaneous Benefits

County Paid Term Life Insurance
County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
Childcare and Employee Discounts
Relocation Assistance may apply
Flexible work schedule may apply
For more information on all of these benefits, please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/4013/24636/WorkLife-Benefits

Compensation Summary

To view the Compensation Summary specific to the bargaining unit for this position (link to full Memorandum of Understanding also available at bottom of the summary), please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/3085/SEIU-Local-620
This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

When completing your application and supplemental questionnaire, please pay close attention to the selections you make in the following areas:

Types of positions youre willing to accept (e.g. regular, temporary, seasonal)
Types of work (e.g., part-time, full-time)
Locations where youre willing to work (e.g. Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Lompoc)
Bilingual skills (e.g. Spanish speak)
Departments youre interested in working

Why does this matter?

If you successfully pass the Supplemental Questionnaire Rating, you are placed on the large employment list. Your rank is based on your exam score, preference points (if applicable), and the number of candidates on the list. When a department has a vacancy, we will filter the employment list based on the specific needs of the hiring department, and the work preferences selected on your application. For example, if County Health has a full-time opening in Santa Barbara, only the top 10 ranked candidates who selected County Health, Santa Barbara, and full-time work will be sent to the department for further consideration.

This is your only opportunity to make these work type selections-double-check your preferences before submitting your application.

I have read the following statement and accept the conditions.

Veteran's Preference Points: Is your DD214 attached? (Eligibility is five years from the most recent qualifying veteran's experience. There is no time limit for veterans with 30% or more disability.)

Yes, I have attached my DD214 to be considered for Veteran's Points
No, I do not qualify for Veteran's Points

The current vacancy is in Santa Barbara for a CSR 1414 Assignment at 100% FTE. Please make sure you check the locations and work schedules on your application that you want to be considered for current and future vacancies.

I understand.

Although not required, bilingual English/Spanish or English/Mixteco Speak, Read and Write abilities are desirable. Please indicate which of the following language(s) you are fluent and your level of proficiency. Please select all that apply.

Spanish-Speak Only
Spanish-Speak and Read
Spanish-Speak, Read and Write
Mixteco-Speak Only
Mixteco-Speak and Read
I AM NOT bilingual in Spanish nor Mixteco.

To be considered for this position your application must CLEARLY state how you meet the requirements under EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS on the Job Bulletin or you will not be considered for this position. If you are unsure, go back and review your application before continuing. Which Employment Standard did you clearly state on your application?

Possession of a masters degree in epidemiology from an accredited university
Possession of a masters degree in public health with specialization in epidemiology from an accredited university
A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
I DO NOT possess either license and understand I will not be considered for this role.

If you selected answer option number three on the previous supplemental question, A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to..., then please describe in detail your combined training, education, and experience that qualifies you for this position. If you did not select this answer option, please type "N/A."

The following questions are a Civil Service Examination.

The Civil Service Examination for this recruitment is a Supplemental Questionnaire Rating. Please read each question carefully as this examination will determine your placement on the employment list. Responses to these questions will be used as a weighted, scored selection device.

Evaluators will NOT have access to your application (including work history and education), application supporting materials (e.g. resumes, cover letters, transcripts), or any previous responses in your supplemental questionnaire. They will only have the information provided in each of your responses below.

For information on protest procedures, refer to Civil Service Rules 612 and 613: https://www.santabarbaracounty.gov/hr-civil-service-rules

I understand the only information I provide in the response boxes below will be evaluated and used to determine my score and rank on the employment list.

Examination Question: How many years of professional experience do you have performing epidemiology or public health activities, such as disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, public health research, community health assessment, or population health analysis?

5 or more years of experience
3 years up to 5 years of experience
1 year up to 3 years of experience
Less than 1 year of experience
I DO NOT have this experience

Examination Question: How many years of experience do you have investigating communicable diseases, conducting case interviews, contact tracing, outbreak response activities, or disease surveillance?

5 or more years of experience
3 years up to 5 years of experience
1 year up to 3 years of experience
Less than 1 year of experience
I DO NOT have this experience

Examination Question: How many years of experience do you have extracting, cleaning, managing, and analyzing public health or healthcare data using statistical or database software (e.g., SAS, SQL, R, SPSS, Stata, Tableau, Power BI, or similar tools)?

5 or more years of experience
3 years up to 5 years of experience
1 year up to 3 years of experience
Less than 1 year of experience
I DO NOT have this experience

Examination Question: How many years of experience do you have conducting community health assessments, needs assessments, population health analyses, or evaluating health outcomes using a health equity and social determinants of health framework?

5 or more years of experience
3 years up to 5 years of experience
1 year up to 3 years of experience
Less than 1 year of experience
I DO NOT have this experience

Examination Question: How many years of experience do you have preparing reports, dashboards, data visualizations, presentations, or other materials that communicate public health findings to technical and non-technical audiences?