Title: State Epidemiologist

Application Deadline Date: 08/19/2025

Req ID: 53069

Department: Health

Location:

Waterbury, VT, US

Position Type: Permanent

Schedule Type: Full Time

Minimum Salary: $59.16

Maximum Salary: $93.20

Overview

The Vermont Department of Health’s Division of Laboratory Sciences and Infectious Disease is looking for our next State Epidemiologist!

The State Epidemiologist is a critical position within the Department. They are an important leader and infectious disease subject matter expert, routinely providing high-level consultation to their staff, the Commissioner of Health, and other state and national colleagues. The State Epidemiologist oversees our Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit, which is a high-functioning team of dedicated infectious disease specialists whose work addresses HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and Hepatitis C; tuberculosis; healthcare-associated infections; vaccine preventable disease, vectorborne disease, zoonotic disease, and more.

Our ideal candidate is a strong communicator and strategic thinker. They are a courageous and considerate expert in infectious disease epidemiology who can provide calm, credible, and decisive leadership, particularly during highly sensitive infectious disease responses. Importantly, they have the leadership and management experience required to foster a culture that reflects our vision, mission, and core values.

Our Department’s Vision: All people and communities in Vermont have equitable opportunities to achieve their highest level of health and well-being.

Our Division’s Mission: To detect, monitor, and prevent infectious disease, environmental, and other threats to public health, equitably for all Vermonters.

Our Division’s Core Values:
• Integrity
• Equity
• Collaboration
• Collective Resilience

We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Vermont Department of Health is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the department's diversity and commitment to fostering an environment of mutual respect, acceptance, and equal opportunity. We're seeking people of all genders and backgrounds who are dedicated to improving economic, social, and health conditions for all Vermonters, and are committed to a vision of Vermont that embraces all the people who live here. Our work is best when a rich array of voices is included, and a shared mission and values exist. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, immigrants, and people from all economic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Location: This position is stationed in Waterbury, and there is potential for this position to work a hybrid remote schedule. Some regular in-office days will be required and will be coordinated with the supervisor. Occasional travel to the Public Health Laboratory in Colchester may also be required.

Telework: The Vermont Department of Health supports a hybrid work environment. We believe a hybrid work environment promotes autonomy and allows for increased flexibility and better work-life balance. Upon hire, employees work with their supervisor to create a schedule that aligns with the business needs of the unit.

Examples of work include:

• Managing infectious disease epidemiology staff and resources to conduct infectious disease surveillance, prevention, and containment efforts.
• Participating in emergency preparedness, planning, and response; serve as an infectious disease epidemiology subject matter expert during public health emergency responses.
• Coordinating closely with colleagues at the Public Health Laboratory and in other divisions of the Health Department.
• Representing Vermont on the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists and other organizations to enhance collaboration with other jurisdictions.
• Consulting with federal and private medical authorities regarding potential health hazards and disease identification and response.
• Serving as Principal Investigator on federal grants; write grant proposals and budgets for Infectious Disease Epidemiology program work.
• Serving as a spokesperson in response to media inquiries and at press conferences.
• Providing after-hours call coverage.
• Serving on the division’s Leadership Team and contributing to the overall strategy and direction of our division.

Who May Apply

This position, State Epidemiologist (Job Requisition #53069), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact Helen.Reid@vermont.gov
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS: Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Environmental Factors

Duties are performed in both office and field settings. Some evening and weekend work may be required as well as some travel for which private means of transportation must be available. Adversarial situations may be encountered in dealing with the public as well as with health care providers. The nature of the role may involve risk of potential exposure to communicable disease situations.

Minimum Qualifications

M. D. or Doctor of Osteopathy degree AND three (3) years experience in epidemiology INCLUDING eligibility for licensure to practice medicine in Vermont. Licensure must be obtained within one (1) year of hire.

OR

Doctoral degree in Epidemiology AND five (5) years experience in public health.

OR

DVM, DDS, or DMD degree AND five (5) years experience in epidemiology INCLUDING eligibility for licensure to practice veterinary medicine or dentistry in Vermont. Licensure must be obtained within one year of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in a public health setting.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
Tuition Reimbursement
Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
Low cost group life insurance
Incentive-based Wellness Program
Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.