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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for **Epidemiology Technician**

💰 $45,000 - $65,000

Public HealthHealthcareData AnalysisGovernmentResearch

🎯 Role Definition

Are you passionate about using data to make a real-world impact on community health? This role requires a meticulous and driven Epidemiology Technician to join our dynamic public health team. In this critical support role, you will be on the front lines of disease surveillance and outbreak response, working alongside senior epidemiologists to collect, manage, and analyze vital health data. You will be instrumental in identifying disease trends, supporting investigations, and providing the data-driven insights needed to protect and improve public well-being. If you are a detail-oriented individual with a background in health sciences and a desire to contribute to a mission-driven organization, this is the perfect opportunity to launch or advance your career in public health.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Public Health Intern
  • Research Assistant
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Medical Assistant

Advancement To:

  • Epidemiologist I
  • Surveillance Coordinator
  • Public Health Data Analyst
  • Clinical Research Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

  • Health Educator
  • Public Health Program Coordinator
  • Biostatistician Assistant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct structured, empathetic interviews with individuals diagnosed with communicable diseases to collect comprehensive demographic, clinical, and exposure history data.
  • Perform diligent contact tracing by identifying, notifying, and providing public health guidance and resources to individuals who have been exposed to infectious diseases.
  • Manage and maintain the integrity of confidential public health surveillance databases (e.g., NEDSS, state-specific systems) through accurate and timely data entry.
  • Abstract complex clinical, laboratory, and epidemiological data from a variety of sources, including electronic health records, laboratory reports, and paper medical charts.
  • Ensure high-quality data by performing routine data cleaning, identifying inconsistencies or missing information, and following up with healthcare providers or laboratories for clarification.
  • Assist senior epidemiologists in the preliminary analysis of surveillance data to identify disease trends, emerging patterns, and potential clusters or outbreaks.
  • Prepare and generate standardized and ad-hoc reports, tables, charts, and data visualizations that summarize key epidemiological findings for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Provide crucial logistical and technical support during outbreak investigations, including field data collection, specimen handling coordination, and meticulous records management.
  • Rigorously adhere to all protocols for maintaining the confidentiality and security of Protected Health Information (PHI) in compliance with HIPAA and state regulations.
  • Communicate effectively with healthcare facilities, clinical laboratories, and local health jurisdictions to facilitate disease reporting and obtain necessary follow-up information.
  • Assist in the development and modification of data collection instruments, such as questionnaires, interview forms, and database modules, to ensure efficient data capture.
  • Conduct literature searches and synthesize scientific articles to provide background information and context for epidemiological reports, studies, and investigations.
  • Monitor and respond to inquiries from the public, healthcare providers, and community partners regarding reportable diseases and public health recommendations.
  • Support emergency preparedness and response activities by participating in drills, exercises, and responding to real-world public health emergencies as directed.
  • Maintain detailed, organized documentation of all case investigation and data management activities according to established departmental protocols.
  • Utilize geographic information systems (GIS) software at a basic level to create maps that visualize disease distribution and analyze spatial patterns.
  • Enter, validate, and manage laboratory testing data, ensuring results are accurately linked to patient case files within the appropriate surveillance system.
  • Provide training and technical assistance to internal staff or local health partners on the use of surveillance software and data entry standards.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in writing and formatting sections of scientific manuscripts, grant proposals, and annual program reports for dissemination.
  • Provide administrative support to the epidemiology team, such as scheduling multi-agency meetings, preparing minutes, and organizing project files.
  • Maintain inventory of field investigation supplies, educational materials, and specimen collection kits to ensure team readiness.
  • Participate in ongoing professional development and public health training to stay current with epidemiological best practices, new technologies, and methods.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Data Management: Proficiency in entering, cleaning, and managing large datasets with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, formulas, charts), Word, and PowerPoint for data manipulation, reporting, and presentations.
  • Statistical Software (Preferred): Familiarity with at least one statistical package such as SAS, R, SPSS, or Stata for basic data analysis and reporting.
  • Surveillance Systems: Experience or ability to quickly learn public health surveillance systems like REDCap, NEDSS (National Electronic Disease Surveillance System), or other state/local databases.
  • Medical Terminology: Solid understanding of medical and clinical terminology related to infectious diseases, symptoms, and laboratory testing.
  • Database Querying (A Plus): Basic knowledge of SQL for extracting data from relational databases is highly desirable.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous ability to ensure the accuracy and integrity of data, reports, and all communications.
  • Communication Skills: Excellent verbal skills for conducting sensitive interviews and strong written skills for preparing clear, concise reports.
  • Discretion and Confidentiality: Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential health information with the utmost professionalism and in compliance with HIPAA.
  • Organizational & Time Management: Strong capacity to prioritize multiple competing tasks, manage deadlines, and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build rapport and communicate effectively and empathetically with diverse populations, including patients, healthcare professionals, and team members.
  • Problem-Solving: Proactive and critical thinking skills to identify issues in data or processes and propose effective solutions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Associate's Degree in a related field, OR a high school diploma/GED with significant relevant experience (e.g., 2-4 years in a public health or clinical setting).

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Biostatistics
  • Biology
  • Health Sciences

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1-3 years of experience in a public health agency, clinical research environment, hospital, or laboratory setting.

Preferred:

Direct experience with infectious disease investigation, contact tracing, or working within a government (state or local) public health department is highly preferred.

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