Temporary Disease Outbreak Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.
Employee Benefits:
DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.
Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.
Functional Title: MDRO/AR Epidemiologist II Job Title: Epidemiologist II Agency: Dept of State Health Services Department: HAI Quality Assurance Posting Number: 20646 Closing Date: 11/30/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science Salary Range: $4,523.16- $5,888.50 Pay Frequency: MonthlySalary Group: TEXAS-B-21 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Telework: Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 10% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt Facility Location: Job Location City: AUSTIN Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DHT) Other Locations: Austin; Arlington; Houston; San Antonio MOS Codes: 230X,43EX,43HX,43TX,4E0X1,61G,HM,SEI12
Brief Job Description:
Under the supervision of the Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI)/Antimicrobial Resistance (AR) Epidemiology Manager in the Healthcare Safety Unit, serves as subject matter expert and performs advanced (senior-level) epidemiological work related to AR and multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO). Work involves planning, coordinating and conducting epidemiological surveillance, data entry, data management, quality assurance audits, education, and providing technical assistance. The AR Epidemiologist designs and implements complex data collection systems, analyzes data expertly using epidemiological and statistical significance methods, interprets findings, and disseminates results to DSHS internal and external stakeholders, including healthcare facilities, health departments' epidemiologists and the general community through presentations, written reports, and other communication materials. Provides technical assistance to stakeholders. May participate in outbreak response, public health investigations, grant and quality improvement initiatives, and special projects. The AR Epidemiologist may be deployed to assist with emerging and infectious disease outbreak response. Initiates, plans, develops, and directs surveillance and advanced epidemiological investigations or studies. Uses strong skills in communication, project management, problem-solving, and organization. Works independently and manages multiple priorities under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. Maintains a regular presence in the office two to three days per week and responds to statewide Healthcare Safety Unit operational, programmatic, and emergency response needs both in person and remotely, as required. Supports agency priorities, emergency response activities, leadership-requested initiatives, and cross-program collaboration to ensure effective statewide public health operations.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs):
EJF1: Epidemiology and Surveillance: Serves as subject matter expert and performs advanced (senior-level) epidemiological work related to AR and multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO). Plan, coordinate and conduct epidemiological surveillance including data collection and data management for AR organisms and MDROs. Conducts data entry, quality assurance activities, and maintenance of AR and MDRO data within surveillance systems, including the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS) based system (NBS) and Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap). Reviews reporting requirements and ensures surveillance systems capture required data. Reviews laboratory reports, case investigations, and surveillance data to ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance with reporting requirements. Maintains large datasets, including a dashboard of statewide AR and MDRO data. Designs and implements data collection systems, analyzes data expertly using epidemiological and statistical significance methods. Assists to provide data to policy makers, public health practitioners, and internal and external stakeholders. Assists Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI) Epidemiologists with investigations by preparing epidemiological reports, data summaries, and recommendations based on surveillance findings. Supports continuous quality improvement of surveillance and reporting processes. (45%)
EJF 2: Leadership and Education: Provides technical assistance, consultation, and trainings to healthcare facilities, local health departments, laboratories, infection preventionists, epidemiologists, and other stakeholders. Assists in developing educational materials and training resources related to AR organisms and notifiable MDROs. Participates in staff onboarding and mentoring activities. Contributes subject matter expertise for the surveillance of AR organisms and MDROs and responds to relevant inquiries. Supports statewide surveillance efforts related to prevention, response, and quality improvement initiatives. Assists with the HAI/AR Investigations Group grants, including writing work plans, making recommendations for budgets, carrying out and tracking activities, and reporting milestones and performance measures. Manages projects and helps prioritize tasks to ensure their timely completion. (35%)
EJF 3: Communication and Collaboration: Serves as a liaison with local health departments, healthcare facilities, public health agencies, laboratories, and federal partners to support statewide antimicrobial resistance prevention and response efforts. Participates in internal and external meetings, workgroups, and collaborative projects. Assists in reviewing and updating epidemiology guidance documents. Prepares written reports, correspondence, presentations, and other communication materials. As requested by DSHS leadership, responds to legislative requests and inquiries from the DSHS Press Office. (15%)
EJF 4: Other Duties as Assigned: Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. (5%)
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge of principles and methods of epidemiology and related biostatistics necessary for public health surveillance, investigations, and research
Knowledge of principles and methods of public health disease surveillance of antimicrobial resistant organisms, multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), and other infectious diseases
Knowledge of public health informatics and electronic database surveillance systems including the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS)
Knowledge of techniques used to evaluate the effectiveness of information reporting systems
Knowledge of state statutes and rules statutes related to notifiable conditions and public health surveillance
Knowledge of data quality control and data quality management practices
Skills in managing and maintaining large databases and surveillance systems
Skills in data management and quality assurance
Skills in data analysis and interpretation of large datasets
Skills in preparing written reports
Skills in creating technical documents
Skills in preparing presentations of surveillance findings
Skills in using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Skills in stakeholder engagement
Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data
Ability to develop recommendations based on data analysis and epidemiological findings
Ability to present epidemiological and surveillance data
Ability to communicate technical information clearly, concisely, and effectively, both verbally and in writing
Ability to interpret public health laws of the State of Texas
Ability to independently analyze complex issues, draw conclusions, and initiate appropriate action
Ability to identify ineffective surveillance processes and recommend improvements
Ability to work independently and with a multidisciplinary team
Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
Ability to exercise sound judgment and adapt to changing priorities
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
Must obtain Associate-Infection Prevention and Control (a-IPC) within 15 months of hire
Initial Screening Criteria:
1. Master's degree from an accredited institution with major coursework in public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, or a related field. AND
2. Minimum two years of relevant experience (e.g., public health epidemiology, public health surveillance, data analysis).
Additional Information:
N/A
Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:
Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.
ADA Accommodations:
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.
Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 form