Epidemiologist 1

About Us

The Department of Health and Wellness offers opportunities to grow and advance in a dynamic sector that touches the lives of all Nova Scotians. Along with our partners, including the Nova Scotia Health Authority and the IWK Health Centre, we're committed to continually improving our health care system. With a focus on continual improvements within the Health System, the department is thinking differently about how to plan, fund, legislate and monitor to improve access and service delivery. To do this, we need leaders at all levels of the organization who embrace a challenge and believe in their ability to make a difference.

About Our Opportunity

As an Epidemiologist with the department, you will provide epidemiological support to the planning, design, and implementation of surveillance projects. You will participate in multi-disciplinary teams and collaborate extensively with local and provincial public health officials to assess population health and monitor communicable and non-communicable diseases and the related risk factors and impacts of these diseases.

Primary Accountabilities

Reporting to the Director, Public Health Surveillance, you will provide epidemiological support to the planning, design, and implementation of surveillance projects. You will participate in multi-disciplinary teams and collaborate extensively with local and provincial public health officials and other stakeholders to support surveillance initiatives.

This position contributes to policy and decision making within the Department of Health and Wellness, and the planning and management of Nova Scotia's health system, through:

• The collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of epidemiological data;
• Identification and assessment of appropriate data sources to support the Department and NS health system needs;
• Literature reviews and statistical analysis;
• The production of epidemiology products suitable for the Department, the health system, and the public;
• Monitoring of current regional, provincial, national, and international trends in communicable and chronic disease activity; and
• Synthesis of information, which contributes to the formulation and implementation of evidence-based policies, standards, and practices.
  

Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor's degree in science or social science plus three years of related experience, or a Master's degree and one year of related experience, preferably in a public health or epidemiology setting.

Knowledge of statistics (quantitative and qualitative analyses); in-depth knowledge of research methods and techniques to support public health and population health activities are required. Public Health knowledge and experience considered an asset.

Excellent interpersonal skills to support networking with stakeholders, and communication skills (verbal and written) are essential to the preparation of presentations, reports and correspondence. The ability to build strong partnerships will be key as well as strong collaboration skills.

Experience with literature reviews and techniques to process and synthesize analysis into meaningful modes of presentation is required.

The incumbent requires good working knowledge of statistics and statistical applications such as R.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

Located in a comfortable office environment, occasionally must travel by car or plane.

Additional Information

This position is currently eligible for a Market Adjustment of 8% bi-weekly (up to $269.19). Eligibility for a Market Adjustment is reviewed periodically and may be adjusted from time to time.

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless Career Paths.
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.