Description
Spatial Environmental Epidemiologist (EPI 2 Non-Medical)
Office of Environmental Public Health Sciences
Non-Permanent · Full-time · Home-based
This non-permanent opportunity is funded until 7/31/26
The Opportunity
Join the Department of Health’s Environmental Public Health Division and help advance equity, innovation, and engagement across Washington state. This role sits within the Office of Environmental Public Health Sciences (OEPHS) and supports the Environmental Justice, Equity and Health Section by producing high-quality environmental health data, tools, and visualizations that drive data-informed decisions and improve health equity.
Key Responsibilities
- Create and update clear, compelling data visualizations (Power BI, R, ArcGIS) for health, environmental, demographic, and geographic data, including content to share on the Washington Tracking Network (WTN).
- Maintain public health, environmental, and demographic datasets; build data preparation and QA/QC processes using R or Python while supporting privacy-protective policies.
- Conduct spatial and non-spatial statistical analyses using ArcGIS, R, and Python to explore environmental exposures, geographic disparities, racial equity metrics, and trends.
- Lead and contribute to epidemiologic investigations and prepare reports translating complex findings into accessible insights.
- Provide expert spatial analysis support to internal and external partners.
- Prepare and submit required environmental health datasets to CDC’s National Environmental Health Tracking Network.
- Apply an equity lens to environmental health data; partner with Tribal staff and communities to improve data quality, relevance, and representation.
Why You’ll Love This Role
You’ll help shape the future of environmental public health in Washington—translating complex data into meaningful stories, working with passionate partners statewide, and contributing directly to environmental justice and health equity efforts. Your work will strengthen community decision-making and elevate equity at every step.
The Ideal Candidate
- Skilled in data visualization using Power BI, R, and/or ArcGIS.
- Proficient in statistical coding (R or Python) for data cleaning, analysis, and reproducible workflows.
- Experienced in environmental health, epidemiology, spatial analysis, or related fields.
- Adept at balancing analytic rigor with clear communication and data storytelling.
- Committed to environmental justice and culturally responsive approaches to community and Tribal data.
- Collaborative, detail-oriented, and comfortable working across multidisciplinary teams.
Location and Flexibility
We value work-life balance and offer the convenience of remote work with occasional in-person collaboration opportunities. Attending events or working in person is rarely required and would be scheduled in advance. This is a remote/home-based position available to applicants residing anywhere in Washington State, as well as those living near the Oregon/Washington border and the Idaho/Washington border.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
We value all relevant experience (paid or unpaid) and encourage applicants from all backgrounds. You must meet at least ONE of the options provided and any additional criteria listed. Experience may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities. While “Preferred Experience” is not required, these skills or experiences can help you stand out as a candidate.
Option 1: Seven (7) years of experience in epidemiology, which includes:
- The analysis of environmental and public health data using dedicated statistical and spatial analytical software applications (R, ArcGIS, and/or Python) in the conduct of epidemiological analyses.
- Using geographic information system (GIS) applications, specifically Esri’s ArcGIS, in the performance of spatial analyses and geovisualization of data.
- Developing visualizations for the display of public health and environmental data through maps, tables, and charts with ArcGIS or Power BI.
Option 2: Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Geography, Science, Epidemiology, Statistics, Public Policy or Health Policy, Health Services Research, Health Information Sciences, Computer Science, or a closely related field. Three (3) years of experience in epidemiology, which include:
- The analysis of environmental and public health data using dedicated statistical and spatial analytical software applications (R, ArcGIS, and/or Python) in the conduct of epidemiological analyses.
- Using geographic information system (GIS) applications, specifically Esri’s ArcGIS, in the performance of spatial analyses and geovisualization of data.
- Developing visualizations for the display of public health and environmental data through maps, tables, and charts with ArcGIS or Power BI.
Option 3: Master’s degree or higher from an accredited graduate school with a focus on Public Health, Geography, Science, Epidemiology, Statistics, Public Policy or Health Policy, Health Services Research, Health Information Sciences, Computer Science, or a closely related field. One (1) year of experience in epidemiology, which includes:
- The analysis of environmental and public health data using dedicated statistical and spatial analytical software applications (R, ArcGIS, and/or Python) in the conduct of epidemiological analyses.
- Using geographic information system (GIS) applications, specifically Esri’s ArcGIS, in the performance of spatial analyses and geovisualization of data.
- Developing visualizations for the display of public health and environmental data through maps, tables, and charts with ArcGIS or Power BI.
Preferred/Desired Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Experience:
- Knowledge of database design principles and experience performing complex statistical and spatial analyses to identify linkages between environmental exposures and health outcomes.
- Experience using Git and GitHub for version control.
- Lead projects focused on data, reporting, and evaluation that may include managing tasks, directing others, and reporting progress.
- Collaborate with health agencies, healthcare professionals, data experts, and the public to share technical information that can be understood at different levels.
We are the Washington State Department of Health (DOH)
We're nearly 2,000 professionals across Washington working together to protect and improve community health. Guided by our values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, we address health disparities, respond to emerging challenges, and strengthen systems that support resilience. At DOH, we help reduce barriers, collaborate with diverse communities, and champion equitable health outcomes. We’re passionate people who are driven to make a difference in public health. To learn more about the DOH, please visit doh.wa.gov and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and our blog, Public Health Connections.
Benefits and Lifestyle
We prioritize your work-life balance and offer one of the most competitive benefits packages nationwide, tailored to support your lifestyle. Discover more about "Why DOH" by visiting Work@Health.
This non-permanent position is to be funded through 7/31/26. As a result, this position is not eligible for a Department of Retirement Services benefit for the duration of the placement. There may be an exception for existing state employees, please contact your Human Resources Business Partner for more information.
Conditions of Employment:
This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
I am prepared, with or without accommodations, to do the following:
- Commit to a full-time 40-hour workweek schedule (flexible work schedule requests must be approved supervisor).
- Communicate through applications such as MS Teams and MS Outlook, and by phone while working remotely.
- Adjust my work schedule occasionally to align with business needs, which may entail working evenings and weekends.
- This position is eligible for teleworking
- Perform my job duties either remotely from home or in person at the designated DOH site location.
- Occasional travel may be necessary, sometimes requiring overnight stays or trips out of state. You must be able to legally drive a vehicle or arrange alternative transportation for state business.
- Engage in emergency response exercises and high-priority assignments as assigned during emergency events.
APPLICATION DIRECTIONS:
To apply, click "Apply" and complete the application. Attach your resume, and cover letter.
In your Applicant Profile, include at least three professional references (including a supervisor, a peer, and someone you’ve supervised or led, if applicable). Please do not include private information such as social security number or year of birth.
Do attach the following:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- DD-214 (if applicable)
Veterans Preference: Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or a signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and birth year
Do not include or attach the following – these documents or details will not be reviewed:
- REMOVE personal photos – do not submit any documents containing personal photos.
- Transcripts (unless specifically requested in the Application Directions)
- Certifications or Diplomas
- Projects or Portfolios
- Letters of Recommendation
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve.
DOH is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran’s status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity.
Questions and Accommodations: If you have questions, need assistance with the application process, require an accommodation, or would like to request this posting in an alternative format, please contact Andrea Thieme at employment@doh.wa.gov and reference the assigned “DOHXXXX” recruitment number.
Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.
Supplemental Information
This recruitment may be used to fill positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment are filled, the candidate pool may be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.
Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process in full will have their responses reviewed for consideration.
Experience and education selected, listed, or detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable on the submitted applicant profile.