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Prevention Science Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$52K/yr

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as Prevention Specialist at an Air or Space Force ... Degree: behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position. NOTE: YOU ...

$52K/yr

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as Prevention Specialist at an Air or Space Force ... Degree: behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position. NOTE: YOU ...

$61K/yr

Examples of specialized experience includes performing limited duties relating to violence prevention and the multiple uses of systems and performing duties in behavioral, social science and/or ...

$61K/yr

Examples of specialized experience includes performing limited duties relating to violence prevention and the multiple uses of systems and performing duties in behavioral, social science and/or ...

VA

$61K/yr

Examples of specialized experience includes performing limited duties relating to violence prevention and the multiple uses of systems and performing duties in behavioral, social science and/or ...

VA · On-site

$61K/yr

Examples of specialized experience includes performing limited duties relating to violence prevention and the multiple uses of systems and performing duties in behavioral, social science and/or ...

$75K/yr

... prevention programs and related program management activities for the installation and tenant ... Successfully completed a behavioral or social science degree, or a degree in a related discipline ...

$75K/yr

... prevention programs and related program management activities for the installation and tenant ... Successfully completed a behavioral or social science degree, or a degree in a related discipline ...

$75K/yr

... prevention programs and related program management activities for the installation and tenant ... Successfully completed a behavioral or social science degree, or a degree in a related discipline ...

$75K/yr

... prevention programs and related program management activities for the installation and tenant ... Successfully completed a behavioral or social science degree, or a degree in a related discipline ...

$75K/yr

... prevention programs and related program management activities for the installation and tenant ... Successfully completed a behavioral or social science degree, or a degree in a related discipline ...

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Prevention Science information

See Virginia salary details

$32.2K

$58K

$92.7K

How much do prevention science jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for prevention science in Virginia is $57,967.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,200.00 and $77,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is prevention science?

Prevention science is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on identifying risk and protective factors and developing, evaluating, and implementing interventions to prevent negative health, social, and behavioral outcomes. It draws from fields like psychology, public health, sociology, and education to create evidence-based strategies that promote well-being and prevent problems before they occur. Prevention scientists work to address issues such as substance abuse, mental health disorders, violence, and chronic diseases by using research to inform policy and practice.

What does collaboration typically look like for prevention science professionals within multidisciplinary teams?

Prevention Science professionals often work closely with experts in public health, social work, education, and community organizations to design, implement, and evaluate programs aimed at reducing risk factors and promoting healthy behaviors. Regular collaboration includes joint meetings, data sharing, and coordinated planning sessions to ensure interventions are evidence-based and tailored to the specific population. This multidisciplinary approach fosters a dynamic work environment and provides opportunities to learn from colleagues with diverse expertise, making teamwork and strong communication skills essential for success in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a prevention scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Prevention Scientist, you need a solid background in public health, epidemiology, and research methods, often supported by an advanced degree such as an MPH or PhD. Proficiency with data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, SAS, R), grant writing, and program evaluation tools is typically required. Excellent communication, collaboration, and cultural competence are vital soft skills for engaging stakeholders and implementing effective interventions. These skills allow prevention scientists to design, evaluate, and scale programs that reduce risk factors and improve community health outcomes.

What is the difference between Prevention Science vs Public Health Researcher?

AspectPrevention SciencePublic Health Researcher
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in Prevention Science, Public Health, or related fieldsMaster's or PhD in Public Health, Epidemiology, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, universities, government agencies focused on prevention programsPublic health departments, research institutes, NGOs working on health issues
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in prevention programs, community interventions, policy developmentInvolved in health policy, epidemiological studies, health promotion initiatives

Prevention Science and Public Health Researcher roles share similar educational backgrounds and work environments. Prevention Science focuses on developing and evaluating strategies to prevent health and social issues, while Public Health Researchers often conduct epidemiological studies and inform health policies. Both careers aim to improve community health but differ in their specific focus and application areas.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Prevention Science jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Prevention Science job openings:

Infographic showing various Prevention Science job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,967 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

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$52K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information.
The primary purpose of this position is to serve as Prevention Specialist at an Air or Space Force installation.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the basic requirement and specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for Social Sciences Series 0101 and Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Professional and Scientific Positions.
BASIC REQUIREMENT:
Degree: behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position. NOTE: YOU MUST SUBMIT A COPY OF YOUR TRANSCRIPTS.
OR
Combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field. NOTE: YOU MUST SUBMIT A COPY OF YOUR TRANSCRIPTS.
OR
Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
GS-09: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-07 or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes performing limited duties relating to violence prevention and the multiple uses of systems and performing duties in behavioral, social science and/or public health practices.
OR
EDUCATION: 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. NOTE: YOU MUST SUBMIT A COPY OF YOUR TRANSCRIPTS.
GS-11: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09 or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes performing delivery systems relating to violence prevention and the multiple uses of such systems; performing duties in behavioral, social science and/or public health practices, principles and theories relating to the prevention of violence; and training design, teaching and instructing individuals and groups.
OR
EDUCATION: 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. NOTE: YOU MUST SUBMIT A COPY OF YOUR TRANSCRIPTS.
GS-12: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-11 or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes performing delivery systems relating to violence prevention and the multiple uses of such systems; performing duties in behavioral, social science and/or public health practices, principles and theories relating to the prevention of violence; and training design, teaching and instructing individuals and groups.
GS-13: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-12 or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes managing all aspects of a complex integrated prevention programs; leading duties in behavioral, social science and/or public health practices, principles and theories relating to the prevention of violence; and analyzing, planning, organizing, and directing work operations to meet program requirements and objectives with available resources; and mentoring, leading, and appraising the staff of an organization.
GS-14: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-13 or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes directing all aspects of a complex integrated prevention programs; directing complex duties in behavioral, social science and/or public health practices, principles and theories relating to the prevention of violence; and performing strategic planning, organizing, and directing work operations to meet program requirements and objectives with available resources; mentoring, directing, and appraising the staff of an organization.
GS-15: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-14 or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes directing all aspects of a complex integrated prevention programs; directing complex duties in behavioral, social science and/or public health practices, principles and theories relating to the prevention of violence; and performing strategic planning, organizing, and directing work operations to meet program requirements and objectives with available resources; mentoring, motivating, and appraising the staff of an organization.
For additional information on qualifications, please see, https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0100/social-science-series-0101/
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
1. Knowledge of laws, regulations, and policies as well as behavioral, social science and/or public health practices principles and theories relating to the prevention of violence.
2. Knowledge of a wide range of delivery systems relating to violence prevention and the multiple uses of such systems.
3. Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
4. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
5. Ability to analyze, plan, organize, and direct work operations to meet program requirements and objectives with available resources; mentor, motivate, and appraise the staff of an organization.
6. Ability to identify individual and community risk and protective factors to determine prevention and resilience activities to meet the needs of the base populace.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience; transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.Employment Type: OTHER


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