Salary : $73,673.60 - $113,464.00 Annually
Location : Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 27-00552
Agency: 400 Health & Human Services - Behavioral Health
Opening Date: 08/25/2026
Closing Date: 9/4/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-POST
Point of Contact: Pamela Dolezal - [click to reveal email address]pamela.dolezal@hhs.iowa.gov

Job Description

Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and all selective requirements will be placed on the eligible list.
Mission: Iowa HHS protects and improves the health and resiliency of individuals, families, and communities through services that support all Iowans.

Vision: A healthier, more vibrant Iowa where every person can thrive and live a safe, stable, and fulfilling life.

Join a team that's passionate, energetic, and committed to making meaningful change across our state. At HHS, your work directly strengthens communities and helps save lives.
Position Overview
Ready to make an impact? We're seeking a motivated, curious, and forward-thinking Epidemiologist to help shape Iowa's overdose prevention and response strategies. As part of our OD2A-S surveillance team, you'll transform data into powerful insights that support public health action statewide.

This role offers the chance to contribute to innovative projects, collaborate with dedicated partners, and engage in work that truly matters to the health and safety of Iowans.
Key Responsibilities

Explore overdose trends and identify emerging risks across Iowa
Analyze fatal and nonfatal overdose data using SAS and advanced epidemiologic methods
Support creative surveillance projects, including the rapid opioid death detection (RODD) initiative
Produce engaging dashboards, fact sheets, briefs, and visualizations
Provide technical assistance to SUDORS abstractors and DOSE reporting sites
Conduct literature reviews to strengthen surveillance and inform public health actions
Collaborate with the OD2A-S team, contractors, and statewide partners
Present data clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
Participate in CDC grantee meetings, Iowa OD2A workgroups, and national collaborations
Support Division-wide data quality standards and epidemiologic reviews
- What Makes an Ideal Candidate?
- We're excited to find someone who is:
Passionate about public health and energized by work that helps communities thrive
Analytical, curious, and eager to dive into complex datasets
Innovative and comfortable exploring new surveillance approaches
A strong communicator who can make complex data understandable
Collaborative, team-oriented, and enthusiastic about partnership work
Organized and detail-focused with a commitment to accuracy
Flexible, adaptable, and ready to respond to emerging trends
Inspired by the mission to make Iowa healthier and safer for all

Benefits

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:

Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.

For additional information on benefits

to see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.

Background Checks

Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.

The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer

HHS values those with "lived experience" and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired - Relay Iowa [click to reveal phone number]1-800-735-2942 TDD).

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit

All work performed on behalf of Iowa Health and Human Services must occur in the State of Iowa.

If you're excited about data, passionate about public health, and ready to make a real difference, join us!

We'd love to welcome you to our team and work together to improve the health and safety of Iowans.

Selectives
Public Health
6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both related to improving, maintaining, and protecting the general condition of health within society, either on a personal, institutional, organizational, or community basis. Experience may be gained from direct provision of health care or from other ancillary programs and support mechanisms such as government public health departments.

AND

Mental Health
6 months' experience in providing service, treatment or assessment to those affected by mental health challenges, either in a private setting, group homes, local assistance agencies, or state or privately-run treatment institutions. Application must demonstrate that applicant has received a general orientation to the symptoms and treatment protocols for mental illness or public policies, procedures, or applicable laws related to the topic, or assistance programs for those affected by mental illness. Experience may come from public, private or non-profit organizations.

AND

Substance Abuse Programs
6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in prevention programs, clinical substance abuse, or preventative abuse (counselors, treatment workers) that includes: • Applicants who develop and/or present programs designed to inform a population on the use, abuse, and dependency of alcohol or other drugs. • Initiation, design and/or review of education curriculums, which include alcohol/drug, related information (pharmacology, reasons for use, chemical dependency, etc.). • Presentations to professionals, community organizations, youth in school, on chemical dependency. • Preparation of media campaigns, including newspaper articles and public service announcements on prevention of substance abuse. • Training of youth, parents, and professionals in assertiveness training ("saying no" strategies), communication skills, assertive discipline, decision-making, peer helping, employee assistance programming, and/or student assistance programming. • Consultation with community organizations or other human service providers to develop prevention programming. • Provide OWI classes to first-time offenders. • Inform the public of the effects of chemical dependency on families.

AND

185 Epidemiology:
6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in epidemiology, which involves:

The surveillance for respiratory diseases, vector-born diseases, enteric diseases, antimicrobial-resistant agents, or other infectious or non-infectious diseases
The development of protocols and procedures for data collection and analysis, ongoing analysis of data using a variety of databases and statistical analysis programs
The development and dissemination of written reports, graphs, tables, etc.

AND

576 Quantitative Social Science Research:
6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in quantitative social science research in sociology, psychology, economics, government, public administration, or criminal justice, which includes the following:

Developing research methodologies and data collection methods
Using statistical software such as SPSS and SAS
Calculating statistical data and analyzing and drawing conclusions from it
Compiling statistical data and writing books and reports

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1) Graduation from an accredited college or university with a graduate degree in public health with at least two courses related to the principles and practice of epidemiology. Attach an unofficial transcript for verification.
2) All of the following (a and b):
a. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a non-public health graduate degree with at least two courses related to the principles and practice of epidemiology; (attach an unofficial transcript) and
b. Three years of experience in applied epidemiology in an infectious, noninfectious, or chronic diseases; environmental poisonings or conditions; injury prevention; or a substance misuse related epidemiology program.

For additional information, please click on this
Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyGain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!
01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely. Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

Yes - I understand and agree.
No

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

Have you graduated from an accredited college or university with a graduate degree in public health with at least two courses related to the principles and practice of epidemiology?

Have you graduated from an accredited college or university with a non-public health graduate degree with at least two courses related to the principles and practice of epidemiology? IF YES- How many years of experience do you have in applied epidemiology in an infectious, noninfectious, or chronic diseases; environmental poisonings or conditions; injury prevention; or a substance misuse related epidemiology program?

N/A - I do not have a degree AND/OR at least two courses related to the principles and practice of epidemiology
Less than three years or no experience in applied epidemiology in an infectious, noninfectious, orchronic diseases; environmental poisonings or conditions; injury prevention; or in a substance misuse related epidemiology program.
Three or more years of experience in applied epidemiology in an infectious, noninfectious, orchronic diseases; environmental poisonings or conditions; injury prevention; or a substance misuse related epidemiology program.

Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in epidemiology, which involves:

The surveillance for respiratory diseases, vector-born diseases, enteric diseases, antimicrobial-resistant agents, or other infectious or non-infectious diseases
The development of protocols and procedures for data collection and analysis, ongoing analysis of data using a variety of databases and statistical analysis programs
The development and dissemination of written reports, graphs, tables, etc.?

If you answered "Yes" to the question above - please list exactly HOW you meet it: list exact classes and credit hours, employer, dates and hours per week and exact duties. Please do not paste or state - See application or resume. If you answered no to the question above please type in "No" in the box below.
07

Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in quantitative social science research in sociology, psychology, economics, government, public administration, or criminal justice, which includes the following:

Developing research methodologies and data collection methods
Using statistical software such as SPSS and SAS
Calculating statistical data and analyzing and drawing conclusions from it
Compiling statistical data and writing books and reports?

Selective 535 (Public Health)
Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both related to improving, maintaining, and protecting the general condition of health within society, either on a personal, institutional, organizational, or community basis? (Experience may be gained from direct provision of health care or from other ancillary programs and support mechanisms such as government public health departments).

Selective 397 (Mental Health)
Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months' experience in providing service, treatment or assessment to those affected by mental health challenges, either in a private setting, group homes, local assistance agencies, or state or privately-run treatment institutions? Application must demonstrate that applicant has received a general orientation to the symptoms and treatment protocols for mental illness or public policies, procedures, or applicable laws related to the topic, or assistance programs for those affected by mental illness. Experience may come from public, private or non-profit organizations.

Selective 663 (Substance Abuse Programs)
Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in prevention programs, clinical substance abuse, orpreventative abuse (counselors, treatment workers) that includes:

Applicants who develop and/or present programs designed to inform a population on the use, abuse, and dependency of alcohol or other drugs.
Initiation, design and/or review of education curriculums, which include alcohol/drug, related information (pharmacology, reasons for use, chemical dependency, etc.).
Presentations to professionals, community organizations, youth in school, on chemical dependency.
Preparation of media campaigns, including newspaper articles and public service announcements on prevention of substance abuse.
Training of youth, parents, and professionals in assertiveness training ("saying no" strategies), communication skills, assertive discipline, decision-making, peer helping, employee assistance programming, and/or student assistance programming.
Consultation with community organizations or other human service providers to develop prevention programming.
Provide OWI classes to first-time offenders.
Inform the public of the effects of chemical dependency on families?

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologist

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