Epidemiologist II

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Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Functional Title: Epidemiologist II

Job Title: Epidemiologist II

Agency: Dept of State Health Services

Department: Immunization Unit

Posting Number: 16396

Closing Date: 07/27/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science

Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $5,888.50

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21

Shift: Day

Additional Shift:

Telework:

Travel: Up to 5%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Facility Location:

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DHT)

Other Locations:

MOS Codes: 230X,43EX,43HX,43TX,4E0X1,61G,HM,SEI12

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION

The Epidemiologist II works independently under the direction of the Epidemiology Team lead and the supervision of the Assessment, Compliance, and Epidemiology Unit director within the Immunization Section. Plans, develops, initiates, and conducts advanced epidemiological studies and surveys to determine immunization rates and vaccine coverage levels. Performs specialized epidemiological and other evaluation studies related to immunization program activities and vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD). Conducts Immunization Section program reviews and assesses the effectiveness of Unit activities. Identifies methods for increasing immunization program effectiveness and assists with design, implementation, and evaluation of coverage improvement activities. Serves as subject matter expert on school vaccine recommendations as well as the School Immunization Epidemiologist. Assesses vaccination coverage rates and rates of conscientious and medical exemptions from vaccine requirements for school. Conducts the annual school validation survey, analyzes data, and reports on findings. Presents to internal and external stakeholders on a variety of immunization topics.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.

(35%) Evaluates programs by analyzing program data, operations, and outcomes. Contributes to the design, implementation, and evaluation of program activities. Assists in coordinating needs assessment activities for Immunization Section funded programs. Conducts quality assurance (QA) reviews of immunization program activities. Produces written reports, analyses, and presentations appropriate for the target audience.

(30%) Serves as subject matter expert for school vaccine recommendations as the School Immunization Epidemiologist. Assesses vaccination coverage rates and rates of conscientious and medical exemptions from vaccine requirements for school. Conducts the annual school validation survey, analyzes data, and reports on findings. Contributes to immunization policy development, including analyzing and interpreting vaccine coverage and VPD data. Presents on vaccines, immunization recommendations, and coverage rates to internal and external stakeholders. Responds by telephone or in writing to requests for data from private and public agencies, health professionals, media organizations and the public. Assists the Infectious Disease Prevention Section during VPD outbreaks.

(30%) Performs epidemiological studies, advanced data analyses, and investigative work related to immunization program activities and VPDs. Analyzes and provides interpretation of data using standard and complex statistical measures and determines appropriate statistical methods (e.g., calculations of rates, generation of projections and estimates, regression and trends analyses). Provides technical advice and guidance on epidemiological survey design and data analysis methods.

(5%) Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligation for disaster response and/or recovery of Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternative shift pattern assignment and/or location.

REGISTRTION, LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS OR CERTIFICATIONS: Valid driver's license

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of immunizations
• Knowledge of database management
• Knowledge of data/statistical analyses
• Knowledge of program evaluation
• Knowledge of epidemiological methods
• Knowledge of health promotion
• Knowledge of the natural history of vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Skill in the use of software relevant to database management and statistical and epidemiological analyses (SAS, SQL, Tableau, GIS, R, and/or SPSS)
• Skill in Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to establish goals and objectives
• Ability to evaluate policies and procedures
• Ability to assimilate technical concepts and to communicate effectively in an easily understood format both orally and in writing
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to work in teams.

Initial Screening:

• A master's degree with a focus in epidemiology, biostatistics, or related field and at least 1 year of work experience in epidemiology or data analysis (work experience at a public health agency is preferred)

OR

• An undergraduate degree in public health, biostatistics, biological sciences supplemented, or a related field with 2 or more years of epidemiology or data analysis (work experience at a public health agency is preferred)

Preference will be given to current DSHS Immunization Section staff.

Additional Information

This is a position that is based in Austin, Texas. This position is Hybrid in-office and telework after an initial 100% in-office training period of 6-8 weeks. 100% telework is not available. An in-basket exercise will be required at the time of the interview.

Note: Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your 1-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

The full salary range may not be offered due to budget limitations.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 form