Environmental Epidemiologist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of increasing environmental concerns, the role of environmental epidemiologists has become more significant than ever.

As the planet continues to face challenges, the demand for adept professionals who can study, understand, and provide solutions to environmental health issues escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an environmental epidemiologist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager creating a profile for the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the field of environmental epidemiology,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable environmental epidemiologist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Environmental Epidemiologist Duties and Responsibilities

Environmental Epidemiologists are involved in the study of diseases and health conditions caused by environmental factors.

They utilize their scientific expertise to understand how these factors affect the health of communities and populations.

Their key duties and responsibilities include:

• Designing and implementing scientific studies to identify environmental risk factors for diseases
• Collecting data and conducting fieldwork to gather environmental samples for analysis
• Interpreting data and communicating findings to stakeholders, policy makers, and the public
• Collaborating with other health scientists, environmental agencies, and public health departments
• Developing strategies and interventions to prevent and control diseases related to environmental exposures
• Evaluating the effectiveness of interventions and policies aimed at reducing environmental health risks
• Publishing research findings in scientific journals and presenting results at scientific meetings and conferences
• Advising on public health policy and regulation in relation to environmental health risks
• Staying updated on the latest research and advancements in environmental epidemiology

 

Environmental Epidemiologist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Environmental Epidemiologist to join our team.

The primary role will be to study the relationship between environmental exposure and human health.

The Environmental Epidemiologist will be tasked with designing and conducting studies, collecting and analyzing data, and developing public health strategies.

Knowledge of environmental health issues, epidemiological research methods, and data analysis is crucial for this role.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in epidemiology and a keen interest in environmental health.

 

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct epidemiological studies related to environmental exposures and human health
• Collect and analyze data using various statistical methods
• Identify environmental risks that may impact public health
• Create and implement public health strategies based on findings
• Communicate research findings to public health organizations, government bodies, and the general public
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to address complex environmental health issues
• Stay updated on the latest research and developments in environmental health and epidemiology
• Contribute to grant writing and funding applications
• Ensure compliance with ethical guidelines in conducting research

 

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Epidemiology or a related field
• Proven experience in environmental epidemiology
• Strong understanding of research methods and data analysis
• Experience with statistical software such as SAS, SPSS, or R
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work well in a team and independently

 

Benefits

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Wellness programs

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Environmental Epidemiologist
• Work Environment: Primarily office-based with occasional field work. Some travel may be required for conferences or research.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Epidemiology or Research Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $80,000 minimum to $140,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Environmental Epidemiologist Do?

Environmental Epidemiologists are public health professionals who investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury in humans from an environmental perspective.

They seek to reduce the risk and occurrence of negative health outcomes through research, community education, and health policy.

They conduct studies to understand how various environmental factors like pollution, occupational hazards, climate change, and exposure to toxic substances, influence the incidence and distribution of diseases and health conditions in a population.

Their role also includes designing and executing complex research studies, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting the results.

These findings are then used to inform public health policies and interventions.

Environmental Epidemiologists often collaborate with other health professionals, policymakers, and community organizations to develop strategies for preventing the spread of diseases and improving public health.

They may also provide education and raise awareness about environmental risks and health outcomes.

Additionally, they are responsible for writing research proposals, securing funding for their studies, and publishing their findings in scientific journals or presenting them at conferences.

Their work can have a significant impact on public health policies and programs.

 

Environmental Epidemiologist Qualifications and Skills

An Environmental Epidemiologist should possess a combination of technical and interpersonal skills, along with a strong knowledge of public health and environmental studies, such as:

• Strong research and analytical skills for studying patterns and causes of diseases in human populations due to environmental exposures.
• Excellent understanding of epidemiological techniques and statistical methods to collect and interpret data, and to formulate health recommendations.
• Ability to use specific software and statistical programs for data analysis and disease modeling.
• Excellent communication skills to convey study findings to health practitioners, policy makers, and the general public in both written and oral forms.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other public health professionals, including toxicologists, biostatisticians, and other epidemiologists.
• Problem-solving skills to identify public health issues related to environmental exposures and to develop strategies for disease prevention and control.
• Knowledge of public health laws, regulations and policies, especially as they pertain to environmental health.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure data accuracy and validity of study conclusions.

 

Environmental Epidemiologist Experience Requirements

Entry-level Environmental Epidemiologists typically have a minimum of a Master’s degree in Epidemiology, Environmental Health, or a related field.

They may gain practical experience through research projects, internships, or assistantships during their studies.

This equips them with a foundational understanding of environmental health risks, disease patterns, and research methodologies.

Candidates with 1 to 3 years of experience may have worked in public health departments, research institutions, or environmental agencies.

They are expected to have hands-on experience in designing and conducting epidemiological studies, collecting and analyzing health data, and using statistical software.

Those with more than 3 years of experience are usually adept in handling complex research projects and have a solid understanding of environmental and occupational hazards, toxicology, and disease prevention strategies.

They may also have experience in policy development and public health advocacy.

Candidates with over 5 years of experience and a Doctoral degree are typically considered for senior or leadership roles.

These individuals may have a history of published research, teaching experience, and have contributed significantly to the field of environmental epidemiology.

Regardless of the level, all Environmental Epidemiologists are expected to continuously update their knowledge and skills to keep up with advancements in the field.

 

Environmental Epidemiologist Education and Training Requirements

Environmental Epidemiologists typically require a master’s degree in epidemiology, environmental health, or a closely related field.

In these programs, students gain a strong foundation in biostatistics, environmental disease, environmental toxicology, and research methods.

They learn to apply these concepts to study the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in defined populations.

Most Environmental Epidemiologists start their journey with a bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, public health, or other natural sciences.

Some positions may require a doctorate degree, especially for roles that involve leading research projects or teaching at the university level.

These advanced programs focus on complex topics like genetic epidemiology, molecular epidemiology, and advanced biostatistics.

In addition to education, Environmental Epidemiologists should acquire certain skills such as strong analytical skills, critical thinking, problem-solving ability, and proficiency in using statistical software.

Certification, although not always necessary, can also be beneficial.

The Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) offers an optional certification that demonstrates an individual’s proficiency in infection control and epidemiology.

Ongoing education is also important in this field, as it keeps professionals up-to-date with the latest findings and technologies.

This can be achieved through attending seminars, workshops, and conferences related to environmental epidemiology.

 

Environmental Epidemiologist Salary Expectations

The average salary for an Environmental Epidemiologist is approximately $92,600 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can fluctuate based on factors such as level of experience, educational background, and the location of the job.

Certain sectors may also offer higher compensation, such as government agencies or research institutions.

 

Environmental Epidemiologist Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Environmental Epidemiologist need?

Environmental Epidemiologists need strong skills in statistics and data analysis, as they often work with large data sets to understand health trends.

They also require knowledge in toxicology, environmental health, and disease mechanisms.

Communication skills are vital, as they must present their findings to a variety of audiences.

Additionally, they should have good problem-solving skills and be able to think critically to analyze and interpret data.

 

Do Environmental Epidemiologists need a degree?

Yes, Environmental Epidemiologists typically need a master’s degree in public health (MPH) or a similar field, with a focus on epidemiology or environmental health sciences.

Some roles may require a doctoral degree (PhD) or a medical degree (MD) with specialization in epidemiology.

 

What should you look for in an Environmental Epidemiologist resume?

Experience with research design, data collection, and analysis should be present on an Environmental Epidemiologist’s resume.

It’s also important to look for knowledge in specific areas related to the role, such as environmental toxicology, biostatistics, or disease control.

Publications in peer-reviewed journals can also indicate a candidate’s research skills and contribution to the field.

 

What qualities make a good Environmental Epidemiologist?

A good Environmental Epidemiologist is detail-oriented and has a deep interest in public health and disease prevention.

They should be able to work independently, but also collaborate effectively with a team of scientists and health professionals.

Patience and persistence are also key qualities, as conducting and analyzing epidemiological studies can be a long and meticulous process.

 

What are the daily duties of an Environmental Epidemiologist?

An Environmental Epidemiologist’s daily duties can vary greatly depending on their current projects.

However, typical tasks may include designing and conducting studies, collecting and analyzing health and environmental data, interpreting results to determine potential health risks, and presenting findings to policymakers, health professionals, and the public.

They may also spend time writing research proposals or grant applications.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the essential nuances and complexities of being an environmental epidemiologist.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about studying diseases.

It’s about safeguarding our planet and ensuring public health, one careful analysis at a time.

With our definitive environmental epidemiologist job description template and real-world examples, you’re all geared up to make a difference.

But why stop there?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your golden ticket to meticulously constructed job postings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every research, every analysis, contributes to a healthier and safer world.

Let’s create that world. Together.

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