Syndromic Surveillance Epidemiologist

Agency

Dept of Health and Human Services

Division

Public Health

Job Classification Title

Publ Hlth Epidemiologist (NS)

Position Number

60039781

Grade

MH15

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.

Description of Work

The Syndromic Surveillance Epidemiologist supports the Communicable Disease Branch by conducting monitoring, analysis, and interpretation of near real‑time data to detect emerging public health concerns. The role provides expert assistance to public health professionals by evaluating data from established Early Event Detection Systems and identifying meaningful trends.

Work includes overseeing system access, training, and data request processes to maintain effective syndromic surveillance operations. The position also contributes to internal business processes by assisting with contract management, including budget review and reconciliation.

This role is based at the RTP Durham location, with hybrid teleworking options available.



Key Duties Include:
– Monitor near real‑time syndromic surveillance data daily using Early Event Detection Systems such as NC DETECT and NSSP.

– Analyze and interpret surveillance data to identify trends, anomalies, or emerging public health issues.

– Provide expert assistance to public health professionals by translating analytical findings into actionable guidance.

– Oversee access to syndromic surveillance systems, ensuring proper credentialing, training, and compliance with data use procedures.

– Conduct and update training for users of surveillance systems to support accurate data interpretation and reporting.

– Manage and fulfill data requests by reviewing needs, preparing datasets, and ensuring secure and appropriate data transfer.

– Assist the branch business administrator in contract management activities, including budget review, tracking, and reconciliation.

– Review and evaluate system performance and data quality to maintain reliability across surveillance platforms.

– Support program operations by documenting analytical processes and contributing to ongoing improvement of surveillance workflows.

– Coordinate with branch staff to ensure timely communication of surveillance insights and operational needs.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Grade Range: $61,177.00 - $91,767.00

Recruitment Range: $61,177.00 - $66,233.00

Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. 
 
The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred: 

• Expert proficiency monitoring and interpreting near real‑time surveillance data, demonstrated through daily use of systems such as NC DETECT or NSSP to identify anomalies and emerging trends.

• Advanced skill analyzing syndromic surveillance datasets using established epidemiologic methods, supported by experience generating actionable insights for public health professionals.

• Intermediate proficiency overseeing user access, training, and data request workflows within surveillance platforms, including verifying permissions and ensuring accurate system utilization.

• Demonstrated experience producing clear, data‑driven guidance through written and verbal communication with internal and external public health partners.

• Strong capability supporting contract management processes, including reviewing budgets, reconciling expenditures, and coordinating with administrative staff to maintain accurate financial documentation.

The Posting Will Close At 11:59 P.M. The Night Before The End Date

This Position Is 100% Federally Funded

This Position Is Eligible For A Hybrid Work Option

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work independently in non-handicapped accessible areas.

About the NC Division of Public Health (DPH):
The NC Division of Public Health works to promote and contribute to the highest possible level of health for the people of North Carolina. Our entire statewide system of public health has dedicated professionals who carry out our mission every day through a wide range of essential and activities touching the lives of everyone in our state.

About the Communicable Disease Branch:
The Communicable Disease Branch strives to protect and improve the health of people in North Carolina through disease detection, tracking, investigation, control, education, prevention and care activities to reduce morbidity and mortality resulting from communicable diseases that are a significant threat to the public. The Communicable Disease Branch works with the public, local health departments and other public health agencies, healthcare professionals, educators, businesses, communities and healthcare facilities to ensure that North Carolina is prepared to respond to any communicable disease situation that affects the people who live, work and visit here.

Compensation and Benefits: 

The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees. Visit the website for State Benefits. 

Supplemental Contact Information: 

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy, which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders.  We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job.  For more information about DHHS:  https://www.ncdhhs.gov/. 

DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals.  Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position. 

In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice-involved.  We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified. 

               

Application Process 

Be sure to complete the application in its entirety.   Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application. 

• Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information. 

• Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application to support your answers. 

• If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted.  Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the closing date. 

• Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check. All candidates selected for positions considered "Positions of Trust" will be subject to a criminal background check. 

• Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account.  Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for qualified applicants. The hiring process may take several weeks. 

• Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.  Transcripts and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. The State of North Carolina/Office of State Human Resources uses the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) as a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent. 

• For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service, please visit the NACES membership website at https://www.naces.org/members. 

Degree/College Credit Verification 

Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, degree evaluations, and cover letters may be uploaded with your application. 

Veterans’ and National Guard Preference 

• Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214 Member-4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications. 

• Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application, if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.  

• Applicants who are former members of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service, must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application. 

ADA Accommodations 

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DHHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DHHS will ensure that people with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided with reasonable accommodation.  If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below. 

CONTACT INFORMATION  

If there are any questions about this posting, please contact Talent Acquisition at [email protected]. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application. 

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Master's degree in Epidemiology or closely related health field from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of related experience

OR

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Tresha Walker

Email:

[email protected]