Overview
TAHC – Temporary Program Specialist – Ectoparasite Jobs in Austin, TX at Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC)
Title: TAHC – Temporary Program Specialist – Ectoparasite
Company: Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC)
Location: Austin, TX
Please paste the following URL into a browser to view the entire job posting on the CAPPS Careers page.https://erphcmprd.cpa.texas.gov/psp/candidateportal/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FLandAction=UandFOCUS=ApplicantandSiteId=1andJobOpeningId=100422andPostingSeq=1Job DescriptionPosition Title: Temporary Program Specialist – Ectoparasite ResponseState Classification/Title/Salary Group: 1573 / Program Specialist IV / B20Monthly Salary: $4,263.16 – $6,250 / per month, plus benefitsPosition Location: Central Office – 2105 Kramer Lane, Austin, TexasFLSA Status: Exempt Openings: 2 *This is a fulltime, temporary position currently funded through August 31, 2027. Continuation beyond this date is dependent on the availability of permanent funding. General Description: Performs highly complex (senior-level) consultative services, technical assistance, research, and field work as it relates to ectoparasite response (i.e. New World Screwworm) and the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases. Work involves serving as an epidemiological expert for the New World Screwworm emergency response, conducting rapid epidemiological investigations, analyzing outbreak patterns and transmission dynamics, supporting surveillance system design and implementation, providing evidence-based recommendations for containment and eradication strategies, and communicating complex epidemiological findings to agency management, livestock producers, and stakeholders. Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Essential Duties: Coordinates with staff on conducting epidemiological field investigations for suspected and confirmed screwworm cases, including case identification, contact tracing, exposure assessment, and transmission pathway analysis.Collaborates with staff to design and implement surveillance systems for ongoing monitoring of new world screwworms, including data management strategies.Conducts statistical and epidemiological analyses to identify and document spread, assess risk factors, and generate models for geographic progression.Prepares detailed epidemiological reports and situation assessments for executive leadership, veterinarians, and external partners as needed, including disease timeline, transmission networks, and case summaries. Evaluates effectiveness of control measures and response interventions through epidemiological analysis of case trends, outcomes, and surveillance data.Develops and modifies surveillance and response protocols based on real-time epidemiological findings and evolving outbreak scenarios.Collaborates with laboratory partners to ensure appropriate specimen collection, transport, and diagnostic support for outbreak investigations.Provides advice and guidance regarding epidemiological information to emergency coordinators regarding quarantine zones, movement restrictions, and containment area determination.Monitors and maintains epidemiological databases and information systems for recording case details, geographic location, animal demographics, clinical findings, and investigation outcomesParticipates in national and international disease surveillance information sharing networks and reporting systemsReviews epidemiology operations for communicating data and information to executive leadership, veterinarians, and external partners, etc. May assists with containment and eradication activities, including sterile insect technique (SIT) coordination, quarantine enforcement, and movement restrictions for emergency management. Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications:Masters Degree, PhD, MD, OR DVM in Public Health, Veterinary Epidemiology, Science or related field OR equivalent certification in Public Health (CPH) by National Board of Public Health Examiners. Education and experience may be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis. Three (3) years experience in the field of epidemiology, eterinary disease surveillance, and/or veterinary regulatory/foreign animal disease control and prevention. Experience investigating infectious disease outbreaks in livestock or wildlife populations. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to the program area; public administration techniques; training and marketing techniques; and program management processes and techniques. Skill in identifying measures or indicators of program performance and in the use of a computer and applicable software. Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts; to devise solutions to problems; to market programs; to prepare reports; to develop, evaluate, and interpret policies and procedures; and to communicate effectively. Knowledge of management techniques; statistical analysis processes; budget processes; and research techniques. Ability to provide guidance to others. Other Requirements: Must have a valid Texas drivers license and safe driving record. Employment of selected candidate is contingent upon the receipt of an acceptable criminal background check and an acceptable moving violation record from the Texas Department of Public Safety. Must have reliable transportation. Mileage reimbursed at current allowance rate. At time of hire, selected applicants must show proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. will be confirmed using E-Verify. All males who are age 18 through 25 and required to register with the Selective Service must present proof of registration or exemption from registration upon hire. IMPORTANT: The TAHC is an emergency response agency. This position plays a key role in the agencys emergency management
