Public Health Epidemiologist I/II (Departmental Promotional Only)
Apply NowCompany: County of San Mateo, CA
Location: San Mateo, CA 94403
Description:
Salary : $7,725.47 - $10,796.93 Monthly
Location : County of San Mateo, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: F002R
Department: Public Health Policy and Planning
Division: Health Policy and Planning
Opening Date: 04/24/2025
Closing Date: 5/8/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 01A
Description
San Mateo County Health is seeking well-qualified individuals from within the organization for the position of Public Health Epidemiologist I/II.
There is currently one regular vacancy in the Public Health, Policy and Planning Division located in San Mateo, CA, but will travel/drive throughout San Mateo County and the Bay Area as needed to attend meetings, participate in trainings, or field work.
The Epidemiologist works under the guidance of a Supervising Epidemiologist and the Health Services Manager I within the Office of Epidemiology and Evaluation, and as a member of the Public Health, Policy and Planning Division (PHPP). The Epidemiologist will be the primary epidemiologist for mental health and substance use surveillance and analyses. The Epidemiologist will work on the tracking, analysis, and reporting of suicides, alcohol- and drug-related deaths, as well as non-fatal overdoses. They will also be the lead for developing reports and presentations related to mental health and substance use data. The Epidemiologist will collaborate with multiple agencies and stakeholders, such as the Coroner's Office, the Suicide Prevention Committee, and the Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Division, to investigate and report on mental health and substance use conditions.
The Epidemiologist will work in a collaborative and positive environment with a strong, diverse, and sophisticated epidemiology program that works closely across programs within San Mateo County Health, as well as with other County departments. The Office of Epidemiology and Evaluation works on epidemiological surveillance, builds informatics infrastructure to support the epidemiology program, provides creative research support to advance policy and equity agendas, and provides technical leadership across County Health and the County on public health data collection, analysis, and reporting, as well as engages in special projects led by County Health leadership.
The Public Health, Policy and Planning Division provides opportunities for professional growth and maintains a flexible and open culture that stems from a belief that staff are motivated to meet the goals of County Health, serve the public, and be good partners to colleagues, community groups, institutions, and cities. The Epidemiologist position has opportunities for telework and some scheduling flexibility based on performance.
The Ideal Candidate will have a positive attitude; work well in collaborative team environments, as well as independently; have experience in mental health and substance use epidemiology; be proficient in the use of R, SAS, or Stata; and be successful in communicating to a diversity of stakeholders.
SALARY
Epidemiologist I ($44.57 - $55.71/hour) is the entry level in the Epidemiologist series.
Epidemiologist II ($49.83 - $62.29/hour) is the journey level class in the Epidemiologist series.
Depending on qualifications, the vacancy may be filled at the Epidemiologist I or Epidemiologist II level.
NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.
Examples Of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Qualifications
County Status: Only current San Mateo County employees in San Mateo County Health with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra-help/limited-term position prior to the final filing date may apply.
Education:
Possession of a master's degree with an emphasis in epidemiology and/or analysis and assessment.
Substitutions:
Epidemiologist I: A doctoral degree in epidemiology OR a bachelor's or other non-epidemiology professional degree or certification and two years of experience performing epidemiology work under the guidance of a mid-level or senior-level epidemiologist.
Epidemiologist II: A doctoral degree in epidemiology OR a bachelor's or other non-epidemiology professional degree or certification and four years of experience performing epidemiology work under the guidance of a senior-level epidemiologist.
Experience:
Any combination of experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify at the II Level is at least two years of experience in public health epidemiology.
Knowledge of:
Skill/Ability to:
Application/Examination
Departmental Promotional Only. Only current San Mateo County employees in San Mateo County Health with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra-help/limited-term position prior to the final filing date may apply.
A supplemental application form must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire.
The examination will consist of an application screening (weight: pass/fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions, and an interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.
IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" buttonIf you are not on the County's website, please go to to apply.Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.
TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULEFinal Filing Date: Thursday, May 8, 2025, by 11:59PM PST
Application Screening: Week of May 12, 2025Panel Interviews: Week of May 19, 2025
About the County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.
The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity in order to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.
San Mateo County is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.
Talent Acquisition Analyst: Ximena Burns (04242025) (Epidemiologist I/II - F007/F002)
Please visit for a complete listing of all benefits for this classification.
Benefits are offered to eligible employees of the County of San Mateo. All benefits are subject to change.
As an additional benefit, the County offers extensive training and development programs designed to improve skills and enhance career opportunities. Most programs are offered on County time at no cost to you.
County employees are also covered by the federal Social Security system and earn benefits for retirement based on salary and time worked.
01
This recruitment is Departmental Promotional Only. Only current County of San Mateo employees in San Mateo County Health with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, extra-help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date may apply. Are you currently a San Mateo County Health employee in a classified regular, probationary, extra-help/limited term position prior to the final filing date with at least 1040 hours of continuous service? (A "No" answer will disqualify you from this recruitment.)
02
IMPORTANT: Applicants for this position are required to submit responses to the supplemental questions below. Your responses will provide detailed information about your background and experience related to this position. This information will weigh heavily in the application screening by the subject matter experts and will also be used in the selection process.Answer the questions completely, paying attention to the multi-parts of the questions. While being thorough and detailed, also be concise. Your strategic use of language as well as neatness, clarity of expression, attention to detail, proper use of grammar and the ability to follow instructions will be considered in the evaluation process. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for your responses.
03
These positions require possession of a master's degree with an emphasis in epidemiology and/or analysis and assessment.SubstitutionsEpidemiologist I: A doctoral degree in epidemiology OR a bachelor's or other non-epidemiology professional degree or certification and two years of experience performing epidemiology work under the guidance of a mid-level or senior-level epidemiologist.Epidemiologist II: A doctoral degree in epidemiology OR a bachelor's or other non-epidemiology professional degree or certification and four years of experience performing epidemiology work under the guidance of a senior-level epidemiologist.Please clearly describe how you meet this requirement.
04
Describe in detail your education, professional training, and/or experience in surveillance. Be specific.
05
Describe your experience analyzing mental health and substance use data. Include conclusions or recommendations that you provided based on the analysis or assessment. Be specific.
Required Question
Location : County of San Mateo, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: F002R
Department: Public Health Policy and Planning
Division: Health Policy and Planning
Opening Date: 04/24/2025
Closing Date: 5/8/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 01A
Description
San Mateo County Health is seeking well-qualified individuals from within the organization for the position of Public Health Epidemiologist I/II.
There is currently one regular vacancy in the Public Health, Policy and Planning Division located in San Mateo, CA, but will travel/drive throughout San Mateo County and the Bay Area as needed to attend meetings, participate in trainings, or field work.
The Epidemiologist works under the guidance of a Supervising Epidemiologist and the Health Services Manager I within the Office of Epidemiology and Evaluation, and as a member of the Public Health, Policy and Planning Division (PHPP). The Epidemiologist will be the primary epidemiologist for mental health and substance use surveillance and analyses. The Epidemiologist will work on the tracking, analysis, and reporting of suicides, alcohol- and drug-related deaths, as well as non-fatal overdoses. They will also be the lead for developing reports and presentations related to mental health and substance use data. The Epidemiologist will collaborate with multiple agencies and stakeholders, such as the Coroner's Office, the Suicide Prevention Committee, and the Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Division, to investigate and report on mental health and substance use conditions.
The Epidemiologist will work in a collaborative and positive environment with a strong, diverse, and sophisticated epidemiology program that works closely across programs within San Mateo County Health, as well as with other County departments. The Office of Epidemiology and Evaluation works on epidemiological surveillance, builds informatics infrastructure to support the epidemiology program, provides creative research support to advance policy and equity agendas, and provides technical leadership across County Health and the County on public health data collection, analysis, and reporting, as well as engages in special projects led by County Health leadership.
The Public Health, Policy and Planning Division provides opportunities for professional growth and maintains a flexible and open culture that stems from a belief that staff are motivated to meet the goals of County Health, serve the public, and be good partners to colleagues, community groups, institutions, and cities. The Epidemiologist position has opportunities for telework and some scheduling flexibility based on performance.
The Ideal Candidate will have a positive attitude; work well in collaborative team environments, as well as independently; have experience in mental health and substance use epidemiology; be proficient in the use of R, SAS, or Stata; and be successful in communicating to a diversity of stakeholders.
SALARY
Epidemiologist I ($44.57 - $55.71/hour) is the entry level in the Epidemiologist series.
Epidemiologist II ($49.83 - $62.29/hour) is the journey level class in the Epidemiologist series.
Depending on qualifications, the vacancy may be filled at the Epidemiologist I or Epidemiologist II level.
NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.
Examples Of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Conduct epidemiologic surveillance of mental health and substance use conditions, including but not limited to the following data: emergency department visits and hospitalizations, deaths, 911 calls, poisonings, and crime lab specimens.
- Collect, clean, analyze, interpret, and present mental health and substance use data.
- Design, conduct, and analyze epidemiological surveys and prepare reports based on data.
- Consult with persons working on special projects related to mental health & substance use; assist with epidemiological aspects of planning, design, methodology, and data collection.
- Make technical and informational presentations to professional and lay groups in the community.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
County Status: Only current San Mateo County employees in San Mateo County Health with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra-help/limited-term position prior to the final filing date may apply.
Education:
Possession of a master's degree with an emphasis in epidemiology and/or analysis and assessment.
Substitutions:
Epidemiologist I: A doctoral degree in epidemiology OR a bachelor's or other non-epidemiology professional degree or certification and two years of experience performing epidemiology work under the guidance of a mid-level or senior-level epidemiologist.
Epidemiologist II: A doctoral degree in epidemiology OR a bachelor's or other non-epidemiology professional degree or certification and four years of experience performing epidemiology work under the guidance of a senior-level epidemiologist.
Experience:
Any combination of experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify at the II Level is at least two years of experience in public health epidemiology.
Knowledge of:
- Basic principles and foundations of epidemiology.
- Basic principles and foundations of biostatistics.
- Basic use of geographic information systems (GIS).
- Principles of epidemiological investigation and disease control and prevention in the community.
- Analysis of variety of public health and other data from secondary sources.
- Sources of secondary public health and other social and demographic data.
- State and local laws, regulations and policies governing the investigation and reporting of communicable and other diseases.
Skill/Ability to:
- Identify potential communicable or other acute health conditions and take appropriate action.
- Collect, interpret and analyze health data and draw valid conclusions and prepare statistical and narrative reports.
- Work effectively with a wide range of health professionals and the public regarding sensitive health issues.
- Present findings and analysis using mapping and spatial analysis.
- Communicate orally and in writing to professional and lay audiences.
- Collect, interpret and evaluate health data and draw valid conclusions.
- Organize and evaluate disease prevention and control programs.
- Assist in instructing and training others.
Application/Examination
Departmental Promotional Only. Only current San Mateo County employees in San Mateo County Health with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra-help/limited-term position prior to the final filing date may apply.
A supplemental application form must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire.
The examination will consist of an application screening (weight: pass/fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions, and an interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.
IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" buttonIf you are not on the County's website, please go to to apply.Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.
TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULEFinal Filing Date: Thursday, May 8, 2025, by 11:59PM PST
Application Screening: Week of May 12, 2025Panel Interviews: Week of May 19, 2025
About the County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.
The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity in order to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.
San Mateo County is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.
Talent Acquisition Analyst: Ximena Burns (04242025) (Epidemiologist I/II - F007/F002)
Please visit for a complete listing of all benefits for this classification.
Benefits are offered to eligible employees of the County of San Mateo. All benefits are subject to change.
As an additional benefit, the County offers extensive training and development programs designed to improve skills and enhance career opportunities. Most programs are offered on County time at no cost to you.
County employees are also covered by the federal Social Security system and earn benefits for retirement based on salary and time worked.
01
This recruitment is Departmental Promotional Only. Only current County of San Mateo employees in San Mateo County Health with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, extra-help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date may apply. Are you currently a San Mateo County Health employee in a classified regular, probationary, extra-help/limited term position prior to the final filing date with at least 1040 hours of continuous service? (A "No" answer will disqualify you from this recruitment.)
- Yes
- No
02
IMPORTANT: Applicants for this position are required to submit responses to the supplemental questions below. Your responses will provide detailed information about your background and experience related to this position. This information will weigh heavily in the application screening by the subject matter experts and will also be used in the selection process.Answer the questions completely, paying attention to the multi-parts of the questions. While being thorough and detailed, also be concise. Your strategic use of language as well as neatness, clarity of expression, attention to detail, proper use of grammar and the ability to follow instructions will be considered in the evaluation process. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for your responses.
- I have read and understand this important information. Proceed to supplemental questions.
03
These positions require possession of a master's degree with an emphasis in epidemiology and/or analysis and assessment.SubstitutionsEpidemiologist I: A doctoral degree in epidemiology OR a bachelor's or other non-epidemiology professional degree or certification and two years of experience performing epidemiology work under the guidance of a mid-level or senior-level epidemiologist.Epidemiologist II: A doctoral degree in epidemiology OR a bachelor's or other non-epidemiology professional degree or certification and four years of experience performing epidemiology work under the guidance of a senior-level epidemiologist.Please clearly describe how you meet this requirement.
04
Describe in detail your education, professional training, and/or experience in surveillance. Be specific.
05
Describe your experience analyzing mental health and substance use data. Include conclusions or recommendations that you provided based on the analysis or assessment. Be specific.
Required Question