Field Epidemiologist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of global health awareness, the role of field epidemiologists has never been more critical.

As health threats evolve, the demand for skilled professionals who can track, contain and prevent disease outbreaks continues to grow.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a field epidemiologist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager designing the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of field epidemiology,

You’ve come to the right place.

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

Let’s dive right into it.

Field Epidemiologist Duties and Responsibilities

Field Epidemiologists play a crucial role in disease control and prevention.

They work on the frontline of public health, investigating patterns and causes of diseases and injuries in humans.

They use this information to limit the spread of diseases and strategize on preventative measures.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Conducting field investigations of public health concerns, which include disease outbreaks and public health emergencies
• Collecting and analyzing data through field surveys and studies
• Developing methods to find and collect data related to public health issues
• Monitoring and forecasting health trends and disease outbreaks
• Designing and implementing public health programs and strategies
• Communicating findings to health practitioners, policymakers, and the public
• Developing public health intervention programs to control or prevent disease outbreaks
• Collaborating with health departments and international health agencies
• Providing education and guidance on disease prevention to communities
• Preparing technical reports and scientific articles on findings and investigations

 

Field Epidemiologist Job Description Template

Job Brief

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

As a Field Epidemiologist, you will conduct complex disease investigations, analyze epidemiological data, and implement disease control strategies.

The ideal candidate will have experience in public health, and a strong background in statistical analysis, disease surveillance, and epidemiologic investigations.

The ultimate goal is to reduce the risk and occurrence of negative health outcomes through research, community education, and health policy.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct field studies and surveys to determine the cause and pattern of diseases or injury.
• Collect, analyze and interpret data on diseases and health conditions.
• Implement and manage disease surveillance systems.
• Design, implement, and evaluate health promotion and disease prevention programs.
• Prepare technical and research reports for stakeholders.
• Collaborate with health care professionals, community groups, and government agencies.
• Provide expertise in the development of public health policies and programs.
• Conduct training and educational seminars on disease prevention and control.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Field Epidemiologist or similar role in public health.
• Advanced knowledge of epidemiological methods and statistical analysis.
• Experience with disease surveillance systems and databases.
• Strong ability to analyze and interpret complex data.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Master’s degree in Epidemiology or related field.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Field Epidemiologist
• Work Environment: This role may require travel to various locations for field studies. The rest of the time will be spent in an office environment.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Epidemiology.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $110,000 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 a Field Epidemiologist Do?

Field Epidemiologists, also known as disease detectives, primarily work in the public health sector, often employed by government agencies, healthcare organizations, or non-profit organizations.

They can also be found in international organizations such as the World Health Organization.

Their primary role is to investigate patterns and causes of diseases and injuries in humans by collecting and analyzing data.

They identify and monitor disease outbreaks, determine who is at risk, and implement measures to control the spread of diseases.

They conduct field investigations, often in response to outbreaks of diseases, and work closely with other health professionals to collect samples, interview patients, and review medical records.

They use statistical analysis techniques to make sense of the collected data.

Field Epidemiologists also design and implement public health studies to investigate possible risk factors for diseases.

They often conduct surveys and interviews to gather data on people’s behaviors and knowledge of health issues.

Moreover, they communicate their findings to health practitioners, policymakers, and the public, providing guidance on how to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks.

They play a crucial role in emergency response efforts by providing recommendations on actions such as isolation, quarantine, and vaccination strategies.

 

Field Epidemiologist Qualifications and Skills

A competent field epidemiologist should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Strong analytical skills to interpret data about diseases and health conditions and use it to develop public health strategies
• Excellent research skills to conduct comprehensive field studies and investigations about health concerns and epidemics
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to interact with diverse communities, medical professionals and health department officials
• Proficiency in statistical software and database management for the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data
• Effective communication skills to convey complex health information clearly to both professionals and the general public
• Problem-solving abilities to detect public health issues and devise practical solutions
• Detail-oriented to ensure the accuracy of collected data and to identify patterns or trends
• Flexibility and adaptability to respond to outbreaks and other public health emergencies, which might require working under difficult conditions
• Knowledge of disease prevention methods and public health laws and regulations

 

Field Epidemiologist Experience Requirements

Starting a career as a Field Epidemiologist typically requires a Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) or a related field with an emphasis on epidemiology.

This often includes an internship or a practicum which provides practical experience in the field.

Entry-level Field Epidemiologists generally have 1 to 2 years of experience, usually gained through their internship or practicum and other practical field experiences.

These professionals may also gain relevant experience in roles such as Clinical Research Associate, Health Analyst, or Data Scientist.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often have developed their skills in data collection, disease surveillance, and data analysis, often working in health departments, laboratories, or universities.

They may have expertise in specific diseases or public health issues.

Field Epidemiologists with more than 5 years of experience often have a significant amount of fieldwork experience, have worked with multiple disease types and have developed strong data analysis and interpretation skills.

At this level, they may have some leadership experience and may be ready for positions such as Senior Epidemiologist or Epidemiology Program Manager.

In addition, Field Epidemiologists may also need to complete specific training programs or certification courses related to disease control and prevention to further enhance their skills and knowledge in the field.

 

Field Epidemiologist Education and Training Requirements

A Field Epidemiologist typically has a master’s degree in public health (MPH) with a focus on epidemiology.

However, some may even have a doctoral degree.

The initial step to become a Field Epidemiologist is to obtain a bachelor’s degree.

The undergraduate degree can be in a variety of disciplines, but courses in biology, chemistry, math, health sciences, and statistics would be beneficial.

Subsequently, the aspirant should pursue a master’s degree in public health (MPH) or a similar degree with a concentration in epidemiology.

This program provides the necessary knowledge about disease patterns and public health issues.

Field Epidemiologists also need strong analytical skills and should be trained in data analysis software like SAS or SPSS.

Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can also be beneficial as they often track disease spread geographically.

Some positions may require Field Epidemiologists with a doctoral degree in epidemiology or a related field, especially those involved in research or teaching.

There are also certifications available such as the Certified in Public Health (CPH) and the Board Certified in Infection Control (CIC) which can enhance a candidate’s appeal to employers.

Field Epidemiologists should also have good communication skills as their role often involves reporting findings to policymakers, the public, and other health professionals.

They need to be competent at both written and oral communication.

They must also demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning due to the ever-evolving nature of disease patterns and epidemiological research.

 

Field Epidemiologist Salary Expectations

A Field Epidemiologist earns an average salary of $70,990 (USD) per year.

The actual income can fluctuate depending on factors such as work experience, educational background, and the location of employment.

 

Field Epidemiologist Job Description FAQs

What is the educational requirement for a Field Epidemiologist?

The typical educational path to becoming a Field Epidemiologist includes a Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field and a Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) or Epidemiology.

Some roles may require a Doctoral degree in Epidemiology or related field.

 

What skills are needed to be a successful Field Epidemiologist?

Field Epidemiologists need strong analytical skills to interpret complex data and find patterns and trends in disease outbreaks.

They also need excellent communication skills to effectively convey their findings to health professionals, policy makers, and the public.

Additionally, they should have good problem-solving skills to design and implement strategies for preventing and controlling disease outbreaks.

 

What are some daily tasks for a Field Epidemiologist?

On a typical day, a Field Epidemiologist might analyze health data to track the spread of diseases, design and implement studies to understand the causes and patterns of diseases, work in the field to collect data and samples for analysis, and advise on public health policy and planning based on their findings.

 

What makes a good Field Epidemiologist?

A good Field Epidemiologist is analytical, detail-oriented and able to draw conclusions from complex data.

They’re also adaptable and able to work in a variety of settings, from offices to field sites.

They possess strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with other health professionals and communicate their findings effectively.

 

Is it challenging to hire Field Epidemiologists?

Hiring Field Epidemiologists can be challenging due to the specialized skills and education required for the job.

It is essential to offer competitive salaries and benefits, opportunities for professional development, and a supportive and inclusive work environment to attract and retain top talent.

 

Conclusion

There we have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the complex world of a field epidemiologist.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about studying diseases.

It’s about safeguarding public health, one epidemiological study at a time.

With our handy field epidemiologist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why pause here?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ideal aid for creating spot-on job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Keep in mind:

Each epidemiological study contributes to the broader public health picture.

Let’s safeguard our health. Together.

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