Public Health Intern-Disease Surveillance & Investigations

 Under general direction of Black Hawk County Public Health Disease Surveillance team, Supports program staff through fieldwork, public health communication, data entry, and community outreach. 

Essential Duties

 Must be capable of regular and predictable attendance at a specified location in order to perform assigned tasks. 

Assists the Black Hawk County Public Health personnel with the following: 

Data collection and entry. 

Compare and contrast public health ordinances and regulations. 

Support community education and engagement activities. 

Conduct basic research for program needs. Prepare reports, visuals, and communication materials. 

Develop SOP (Standard Operating Procedures), reference guide and contingency plan. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Administrative and functional Supervision is received from the Disease Prevention Specialists and Epidemiologists.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: No functional or administrative supervision exercised. 

Qualifications 

Must be a current undergraduate student with at least 2 years of college level education in public health, natural sciences, physical sciences, or social sciences. 

Relevant introductory coursework is preferred. 

Examples of coursework that supports this project include: 

Public health: Introduction to public health, epidemiology, environmental health, health policy, health communication, or healthcare systems. 

Natural sciences: Biology, microbiology, zoology, ecology, or other courses emphasizing scientific research and the relationship between human, animal, and environmental health. 

Physical sciences: Chemistry, environmental science, data analysis, or laboratory courses emphasizing accurate documentation, safety protocols, and technical writing. 

Social sciences: Psychology, sociology, public policy, public administration, research methods, or courses addressing community systems, access to services, and communication. 

Requires Basic computer proficiency, including word processing, spreadsheets, and online research. 

Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to summarize information clearly and communicate professionally with community partners. 

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with an interest in public health research and procedure development. 

Ability to work under supervision, accept feedback, and maintain confidentiality in handling information. Ability to follow oral and written instructions and maintain good public relations. 

Supplemental Information

 Other Necessary Requirements 

The work environment and physical demand characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Refer to the “Essential and Marginal Function Analysis” statement for a complete description of essential functions and functional requirements. 

Work is performed in a standard office environment and in community or field settings. 

Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods and operate a computer and other office equipment. 

Must be able to move about the office, attend meetings, and travel to community locations as required. 

Must be able to lift, carry, and transport materials or equipment up to 20 pounds occasionally. 

Must have sufficient vision, hearing, and manual dexterity to perform essential job functions, including data entry, document review, and communication with staff and partners. 

Must be able to bend, reach, and perform light physical tasks associated with fieldwork and outreach activities. 

Must be able to work both indoors and outdoors while conducting program‑related duties.