Epidemiologist Intern-HRL

Overview & Benefits Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan's leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents. When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward. For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit: https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire General Summary $18.61-$21.71/hr Hybrid, Pontiac, MI May to August Epidemiologist Intern Oakland County Government - Health & Human Services / Health Division Protect Public Health. Gain Real-World Experience. Make an Impact. Are you passionate about public health, data, and disease prevention? As an Epidemiologist Intern with Oakland County Government, you won't just observe public health work - you'll actively contribute to protecting the health of our communities. This hands-on internship offers valuable experience in disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, and data-driven decision-making while working alongside experienced epidemiologists and public health professionals. What You'll Do Under the guidance of a supervising Epidemiologist, you'll support the daily operations of the Epidemiology Unit and contribute to meaningful public health initiatives.

You may:

• Collect, organize, and analyze data related to communicable diseases, chronic diseases, injuries, and population health trends
• Assist in maintaining disease reporting systems and preparing reports for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and other state agencies
• Participate in field investigations of communicable disease outbreaks at community locations such as hotels or food establishments
• Help identify causes of epidemic situations through data analysis and interpretation
• Support implementation of disease and injury prevention strategies
• Assist in preparing written and statistical reports and presentations for Health Division leadership
• Utilize countywide and department-specific software systems to support epidemiological tracking and reporting
• Contribute to special studies and public health projects as assigned This role provides exposure to real-time public health response and data systems that inform policy and community health decisions. Why You'll Love It

Real-World Impact:

Your work supports disease control and prevention efforts that directly affect community health.

Hands-On Learning:

Go beyond the classroom and apply epidemiology concepts in active investigations and reporting.

Career Exploration:

Ideal for students pursuing public health, epidemiology,, health sciences, or related fields. Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Possess a Master's of Public Health (MPH) or a Master's of Science in Public Health (MSPH) degree with at least six (6) credit hours in epidemiology.

NOTE:

Applicants possessing transcripts from a college or university outside of the United States will be required to provide documentation of degree equivalency from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services ( http://naces.org/members.html ). The degree evaluation will be required for application processing. Possess a valid United States motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur's license. Out of country driver's license holders will be required to obtain the appropriate valid State of Michigan driver's license before the hire date. Pass the complete examination, including the employment physical, established for this classification. Successfully complete the six month probationary period.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May function as a team leader over students, interns and other professional special placements. Instructs, assigns, schedules, checks and appraises performance. Participates in decisions to hire, discipline, discharge and award pay increases and/or promotions.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Determines the cause of disease outbreaks by attempting to ascertain the type and source of outbreaks. Participates in field investigations of epidemic situations involving analysis and interpretation of data collected to determine the origin and cause of the disease(s). Institutes control measures to limit spread. Coordinates a variety of activities performed by Health Division personnel. Acts as a consultant to the general public, physicians, hospitals, community agencies, medical laboratories and Health Division personnel by providing technical information on the various aspects of disease control, evaluation, and prevention. Develops, coordinates and implements disease and injuries control policy relative to ongoing and projected disease control activities for the various service areas of the Health Division and for concerned community agencies and officials. Arranges for laboratory testing and the use of laboratory resources of local health and medical agencies for monitoring and controlling the spread of disease. Establishes surveillance systems for monitoring specific diseases and injuries including communicable and chronic diseases. Evaluates disease and injury data for county wide and specific target populations in order to determine possible causal relationships. Prepares written and statistical reports for submission to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and other state agencies and Health Division personnel and completes reports as requested by Health Division administrators on specific disease investigations. Collects and retains statistical information on communicable diseases, chronic diseases and injuries and population statistics from various records, MDHHS reports, and Health Division files for future health planning. Supervises submission of reportable diseases to MDHHS. Confers with Information Technology representative and Health Division administration in the development and implementation of a computerized system for the management of epidemiological information to enable a more efficient and effective storage system for future use. Provides advice and consultation to physicians or individuals involved in selected disease situations to determine need for prophylaxis. Utilizes current Countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Assists with environmental elevated blood level (EBL) investigations and clearance evaluations. Reviews epidemiological data via Michigan Disease Surveillance System (MDSS) to determine disease incidence in various locations in order to select trapping locations for mosquitoes for surveillance of emerging viruses such as West Nile and Zika. Analyze various drinking and surface water sample results to complete descriptive statistics and create county-wide mapping in conjunction with GIS staff. Review water sample results collected from public beaches that were analyzed using various testing methods using regression analysis, correlation, and cross tabulation.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to effectively communicate to accurately convey information. Ability to operate a motor vehicle and/or be a passenger.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a typical office environment and may complete assignments in an outdoor environment, health care and/or medical laboratory environment.

IMPORTANT NOTE

The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor. Additional Minimum Qualifications

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Considerable knowledge of modern theory, methods, materials, practices and specialized terminology of epidemiology. Considerable knowledge of the process and principles of communicable and chronic disease control. Considerable ability to formulate and direct field investigations and evaluation studies. Considerable ability to develop methods and formats for the collection of data relative to ongoing public health programs and of immediate problems such as suspected or proven outbreaks of disease. Considerable ability to identify public health areas in which improved data collection or procedures, or statistical analysis may be of benefit. Considerable ability to design and conduct research projects which evaluate existing community health programs to identify present and potential health problem areas. Considerable ability to estimate budgetary components of evaluation studies. Considerable ability to compile pertinent information and prepare and present oral or written reports, and act as resource consultant to supervisors, staff and the general public. Considerable knowledge of and ability to utilize current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail and Internet software. Reasonable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with administrators, Health Division personnel, officials and staff of health care institutions, local governmental and private organizations, and the general public. Reasonable ability to cope with difficult and/or emergency situations requiring immediate decisions in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must maintain a valid United States motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur's license. Must submit to immunizations as required by the Health Division and to periodic tuberculin skin test or chest X-rays at County expense. Union

• If applicable EEO Statement We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.