Friday Pathways contains information about new, exciting, and possibly unique public health jobs that have been posted during the current week.
Finding that one perfect job is always a goal and many of us are always on the hunt. We can all peruse the job boards, right? But sometimes it helps to have a mentor to point out something important, something worthwhile to strive for, or perhaps something to be wary of.
Join me each week here on Friday Pathways as I present my current picks for public health job opportunities. You never know, you might just find an exciting position that perfectly aligns with your particular skills and goals.
My commentaries about the featured jobs will also be useful advice for your current or future job search. If you are a student needing to learn about future job prospects, or perhaps you are dreaming of your future perfect job, the extra commentary I provide may be useful to you.
I truly hope you find something valuable that sends you down the right public health career path!
– Dr. Reagan
Have you landed on this page on a date too late to apply for one of these jobs? A post with current job listings is available every week. Simply click on Friday Pathways to view my favorite picks of the latest public health job postings.
Disaster Epidemiologist
Job Title: Disaster Epidemiologist
Employer: Harris County
Location: Houston, Texas
Salary: not provided
Degree Required: Master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Science, Social Science, Statistics, or a closely allied health-related field from an accredited college or university
Concentration Required: Epidemiology
Description: “Under the supervision of the Chief Office of Public Health Preparedness & Response, the OPHPR Disaster Epidemiologist will provide advanced internal and external epidemiologic, consultative, and technical assistance with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. Collects and analyzes information/intelligence related to significant event/incidents occurring around the globe that may have an impact on Harris County, and produces reports for dissemination. Plans, conducts, and initiates epidemiologic assessments and analyses in the county. Serves as the lead for conducting community assessments for public health emergency response (CASPER), disaster related surveillance and epidemiologic approaches included in emergency operations documents. Serves as the point of contact within OPHPR for the Epidemiology response team members. Disseminates findings from epidemiologic investigations and lessons learned from responses to public health emergencies.”
Professor Reagan’s Comments: This would be a very interesting job if you are an epidemiologist who is also interested in emergency preparedness. It also involves grant reporting and writing. Note that this job posting requires a degree from an accredited college or university. I always recommend that students should strive to attend college at a public health program that is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). There are many reasons for this, but one big one is that some jobs require it. For more information about the importance of CEPH accreditation when choosing a public health program click here.
Public Health Data Scientist
Job Title: Public Health Data Scientist
Employer: State of New Mexico, New Mexico Department of Health
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Salary: $47,510 – $82,667 a year
Degree Required: PhD in Epidemiology, Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, Economics, Health Informatics or related PhD field as it pertains to the essential duties and responsibilities of the classification. Minimum qualification: Master degree in Epidemiology, Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, Economics, Health Informatics or related Master’s degree field as it pertains to the essential duties and responsibilities of the classification.
Description: “This position will assist in leading and coordinating health data modernization efforts in New Mexico. This will include developing the necessary data and health information systems to advance system interaction and integration at Department of Health. The data scientist will provide expertise in the use of data analytics and business intelligence techniques/methods for analyzing and presenting COVID related data to the public. The data scientist will advise upper management on issues related to data systems development and implementation; will work with staff to provide guidance in dashboard development; and will work to identify current status, gaps and opportunities for workforce capacity, capabilities, and workforce development.”
Professor Reagan’s Comments: I was once employed as the Deputy General Counsel of the New Mexico Department of Health. In that position, I advised the epidemiology and response division. View my about page here. So, I’m familiar with the department this job position would be housed in. It’s a great place to work and Santa Fe is a beautiful place to live.
Specialist IV – Health Promotion Specialist
Job Title: Specialist IV – Health Promotion Specialist
Employer: Sam Houston State University, Health Center
Location: Huntsville, Texas
Salary: $3,128 – $4,568 a month
Degree Required: Bachelor’s degree in public health, health promotion, or a related field. Master’s Degree in public health or health promotion is preferred.
Description: “This position works to mobilize, create, and sustain campus wide health promotions practices in order to create an environment that promotes student success and personal development. “Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), Certified in Public Health (CPH), or eligible and intent to become certified. Knowledge of the ACHA Standards of Practice for Health Promotion in Higher Education. Demonstrated knowledge of health promotion, behavior change, and population-based theories and models and implementation into practice. Proficient in a variety of computer software applications (e.g., word processing, spreadsheet, PowerPoint, and statistical software).”
Professor Reagan’s Comments: This would be an excellent job position for someone with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in public health who is interested in health promotion and who wants to work in an academic setting.
HIV Medical Case Manager
Job Title: HIV Medical Case Manager
Employer: Multnomah County Health Department
Location: Multnomah County, Oregon
Salary: $31.90 – $39.17 Hourly
Degree Required: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Health Care, Counseling, Human Services or a related field. Preferred: Masters degree in Social Work, Counseling, Human Services, Public Health or a related field.
Description: “HIV Health Services Center (HHSC) is a part of Primary Care. HHSC serves persons living with HIV. HHSC provides ambulatory outpatient medical care and supportive services including mental health and substance abuse counseling, medical case management, patient navigation, health education, HIV prevention and risk reduction, harm reduction and treatment adherence counseling.”
Professor Reagan’s Comments: Common job sources for jobs for graduates of undergraduate and graduate degrees in public health are at local or county departments of health. This is a good example of one of those jobs. If you are interested in HIV/AIDS this would be an exciting opportunity.
Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program Manager
Job Title: Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program Manager
Employer: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Salary: $24.44 Hourly
Degree Required: Preferred Master’s degree
Description: “Under administrative direction, manages the Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Program including planning, organization, implementation and evaluation of program components; directs and monitors the technical operations and activities necessary to support the program; coordinates services with other State, partners, local, and Federal agencies; coordinates the collection and compilation of administrative data related to the program; develops grant applications and budget proposals/justification; and performs related work as assigned. Resolves problems that impair the effectiveness of the program and maintains regular communication with Unit Administrator regarding expenditures, issues, and solutions. Oversees the Public Health Preparedness sub grants with Nebraska’s local health departments: drafts sub grants in accordance with the Federal Grant requirements and priorities of the Division; identifies sub grants deliverables and assigns payments for completion of deliverable; receives and reviews quarterly progress reports; provides technical assistance to local health departments related to preparedness planning and response; participates in sub-recipient monitoring process (e.g. desk reviews and on-site visits); and verifies compliance with federal grant guidance, including Code of Federal Regulations and Uniform Grant Guidance. Develops templates, protocols, policies, and procedures related to public health emergencies. Participates on state, regional, and local preparedness work groups and committees. Works in the DPH and Nebraska Emergency Management Agency incident command centers during public health emergencies or other events. Serves as a bridge between the local public health staff and the state/federal guidelines and policies. Potential for travel or overnight stays around 5% of total time.”
Professor Reagan’s Comments: I have several items to note about this job. (1) Note that this job posting does not specifically state that they are seeking someone with a public health degree. The posting just says “Master’s degree.” When you go to look for potential jobs, be aware that a public health degree is broad enough to make you eligible for other types of positions. If the subject matter of the job fits within the realm of public health, go for it! (2) Note the reference to the Code of Federal Regulations. The Code of Federal Regulations are rules applicable to federal agencies. Course curricula for public health degrees will usually require a “policy” or health law type of course where you will learn about state and federal laws and regulations. The knowledge you would gain from such a course would be extremely helpful in this position. (3) This job involves grant writing and grant administration. The coursework for a public health degree, especially at the bachelors and masters levels, won’t include education in grant writing. However, there are usually opportunities during school for you to take courses in grant writing to augment your education. Take advantage of those opportunities!