State Epidemiologist

at State of Vermont in Waterbury, Vermont, United States

Job Description

The Vermont Department of Health’s Division of Laboratory Sciences and Infectious Disease is looking for our next State Epidemiologist!

The State Epidemiologist is a critical position within the Department. They are an important leader and infectious disease subject matter expert, routinely providing high-level consultation to their staff, the Commissioner of Health, and other state and national colleagues. The State Epidemiologist oversees our Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit, which is a high-functioning team of dedicated infectious disease specialists whose work addresses HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and Hepatitis C; tuberculosis; healthcare-associated infections; vaccine preventable disease, vectorborne disease, zoonotic disease, and more. 

Our ideal candidate is a strong communicator and strategic thinker. They are a courageous and considerate expert in infectious disease epidemiology who can provide calm, credible, and decisive leadership, particularly during highly sensitive infectious disease responses. Importantly, they have the leadership and management experience required to foster a culture that reflects our vision, mission, and core values.

Our Department’s Vision: All people and communities in Vermont have equitable opportunities to achieve their highest level of health and well-being.   

Our Division’s Mission: To detect, monitor, and prevent infectious disease, environmental, and other threats to public health, equitably for all Vermonters. 

Our Division’s Core Values: 
•    Integrity
•    Equity
•    Collaboration
•    Collective Resilience

We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Vermont Department of Health is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the department's diversity and commitment to fostering an environment of mutual respect, acceptance, and equal opportunity. We're seeking people of all genders and backgrounds who are dedicated to improving economic, social, and health conditions for all Vermonters, and are committed to a vision of Vermont that embraces all the people who live here. Our work is best when a rich array of voices is included, and a shared mission and values exist. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, immigrants, and people from all economic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Location: This position is stationed in Waterbury, and there is potential for this position to work a hybrid remote schedule. Some regular in-office days will be required and will be coordinated with the supervisor. Occasional travel to the Public Health Laboratory in Colchester may also be required.

Telework: The Vermont Department of Health supports a hybrid work environment. We believe a hybrid work environment promotes autonomy and allows for increased flexibility and better work-life balance. Upon hire, employees work with their supervisor to create a schedule that aligns with the business needs of the unit. 

•    Managing infectious disease epidemiology staff and resources to conduct infectious disease surveillance, prevention, and containment efforts. 
•    Participating in emergency preparedness, planning, and response; serve as an infectious disease epidemiology subject matter expert during public health emergency responses.
•    Coordinating closely with colleagues at the Public Health Laboratory and in other divisions of the Health Department. 
•    Representing Vermont on the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists and other organizations to enhance collaboration with other jurisdictions.
•    Consulting with federal and private medical authorities regarding potential health hazards and disease identification and response. 
•    Serving as Principal Investigator on federal grants; write grant proposals and budgets for Infectious Disease Epidemiology program work.
•    Serving as a spokesperson in response to media inquiries and at press conferences.
•    Providing after-hours call coverage.
•    Serving on the division’s Leadership Team and contributing to the overall strategy and direction of our division. 

Duties are performed in both office and field settings. Some evening and weekend work may be required as well as some travel for which private means of transportation must be available. Adversarial situations may be encountered in dealing with the public as well as with health care providers. The nature of the role may involve risk of potential exposure to communicable disease situations.