Alcohol Epidemiologist

Agency

Dept of Health and Human Services

Division

Public Health

Job Classification Title

Publ Hlth Epidemiologist (NS)

Position Number

65038800

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 Alcohol Epidemiologist serves as a public health specialist responsible for planning, developing, and conducting epidemiologic investigations and statistical analyses related to alcohol use and its associated harms. The position conducts ongoing surveillance using multiple population‑based data systems, interprets findings, and prepares timely reports to guide statewide prevention and intervention efforts.

Work includes evaluating and improving surveillance systems, implementing evidence‑based methods, and developing data resources that support program planning. The role provides technical expertise to partners working to reduce excessive alcohol use and engages with state and national collaborators through committee coordination and regular communication. The position operates independently within a public health framework that requires analytical rigor, collaboration, and data‑driven decision‑making.


Key Duties Include:
- Conduct routine and advanced statistical analyses of alcohol‑related data to identify patterns, burden, and emerging health concerns.

- Perform continuous public health surveillance using death certificates, emergency department data, hospital discharge information, EMS encounter data, survey datasets, and retailer licensing records.

- Evaluate and enhance surveillance systems and case definitions to strengthen data quality and relevance for public health action.

- Prepare and disseminate epidemiologic reports, briefs, and data summaries for agencies, partners, and statewide stakeholders.

- Implement evidence‑based epidemiologic methods and interventions to support statewide efforts aimed at reducing alcohol‑related harms.

- Coordinate the NC State Excessive Alcohol Advisory Committee by leading meetings, developing newsletters, and maintaining ongoing communication with partners.

- Provide technical consultation, training, and data interpretation for partners engaged in alcohol‑related prevention and policy initiatives.

- Develop prevention materials and epidemiologic resources using scientific evidence and surveillance findings to support program planning and decision‑making.

- Conduct literature reviews and incorporate evidence‑based findings into surveillance improvements and program recommendations.

- Serve as a technical expert in alcohol‑related epidemiology and collaborate with internal and external partners across North Carolina.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

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

Recruitment Range: $61,177.00 - $62,000.00

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: 

• Demonstrates expert proficiency using statistical analysis software such as SAS, R, or Python, along with data visualization tools including Power BI, Tableau, and Excel, to produce advanced epidemiologic analyses.

• Applies advanced skill in epidemiologic assessment, surveillance, and evaluation of complex datasets, integrating analytic findings into actionable public health insights.

• Utilizes intermediate proficiency in public speaking, meeting facilitation, and data presentation to effectively communicate epidemiologic findings to varied audiences.

• Demonstrates expert‑level experience establishing and maintaining collaborative partnerships with state and national organizations to support alcohol‑related prevention and policy initiatives.

• Applies advanced capability in using scientific evidence and surveillance data to develop prevention resources and guide program planning and decision‑making.

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

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 Injury and Violence Prevention Branch:
The NC Injury and Violence Prevention Branch aims to prevent injuries and violence. We collect and analyze injury data to better understand the problem. The Branch's programs provide funding, training, and/or technical assistance to health professionals working across North Carolina. The Branch works to promote the use of research and data to ensure local communities are working on initiatives that are effective. In addition to technical assistance, funding from the Branch is available to local communities working on primary prevention of sexual assault and gatekeeper trainings to prevent youth suicide.

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]