PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATICS SPECIALIST

Two years of full-time experience in health informatics and analysis in a public health, human services, or closely related agency AND a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in computer science, data sciences, informatics, or a closely related field; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.
 
License Or Certificate
A valid driver's license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained for continued employment in this classification.

Ideal Candidate Criteria
Reporting to the Statistics and Informatics Supervisor in the Population Health Division, the Public Health Informatics Specialist performs advanced quantitative analysis and manages complex health information systems. The role requires hands-on experience with statistical programming, database management, and data visualization to support critical public health surveillance and decision-making.

Desired Technical Skills:

• Demonstrated experience performing health informatics and statistical analysis (analyzing data, not just collecting or entering it)
• Proficiency with SQL for database querying and management
• Hands-on experience with statistical programming languages (R and/or Python)
• Experience with data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau, or similar platforms)
• Ability to independently analyze large, complex datasets and identify meaningful trends and patterns
• Knowledge of health data standards (HL7, FHIR, ICD-10) and data governance principles

• Strong problem-solving and technical troubleshooting skills
• Ability to translate complex statistical findings into actionable insights for non-technical audiences
• Experience with disease surveillance systems, public health reporting, or epidemiological analysis
• Detail-oriented approach with commitment to data quality and accuracy

The Washoe County Employees Association (WCEA) Non-Supervisory Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) covers the Public Health Informatics Specialist position.

Selected candidates are required to meet the Health District (NNPH) immunization requirements and complete 2 TB Skin Tests at time of appointment, or provide documentation of a prior QuantiFERON test done within the last 12 months.
  
Background checks will be conducted on selected applicants through the State of Nevada and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
 
Per the Washoe County Background and Reference Checks Policy, new and rehired employees are required to submit to a fingerprint based background investigation. Effective January 1, 2025, the $39.00 fee associated with this background investigation will be paid by the employee (if applicable) and deducted automatically from the first paycheck. Employment is contingent upon the results of the background check, although a record of conviction will not necessarily bar an applicant from employment.

Washoe County requires its employees to reside in the state of Nevada or neighboring California communities such as Truckee, South Lake Tahoe or Susanville as of their first day of work.

Washoe County hires all new employees at the minimum rate of the salary range and eligible employees may receive an annual merit increase of 5% until they reach the maximum salary for the classification.  Upon promotion, current Washoe County employees are placed at the minimum rate of the salary range for the higher classification of the new position OR a promotional calculation, whichever is greater. 

1. After your application is screened, you will be notified via the email you provided whether you have met the minimum requirements for the position. Those applicants who do not meet the qualifications have one (1) business day to file an appeal and request a review of their qualifications.

2. Applicants who meet the minimum requirements will receive an email invitation to take the Professional Level online exam administered remotely; notices will be delivered within 1 week from the closing of the recruitment. 
 
This exam link will tentatively be delivered via email the week of February 9, 2026, and qualified candidates will have a time limit to complete the exam, within 4 calendar days. **You will be notified if you are eligible to transfer an exam score within 1 week following the closing date of the recruitment.

The exam will evaluate your expertise, knowledge, skills and abilities in the following areas:

• Reading Comprehension 
• Written Communication 
• Analytical Ability
• Business Math
• Interpersonal and Customer Service Skills

Pursuant to the Washoe County Personnel Handbook, the Department of Human Resources does not administer an exam when there are less than 20 qualified candidates.  Once the recruitment has closed, if there are less than 20 qualified candidates, the exam will be waived and all qualifying candidates will be placed on an unranked eligible list which will be referred to the hiring department. If the exam is scheduled to move forward and less than 20 candidates take the exam as determined by the Department of Human Resources, the exam will be waived.  Only those candidates who took the exam or have a transfer score will be placed on an unranked eligible list which will be referred to the hiring department.

3. After the exam is completed, you will receive an additional email notifying you of the results. If you pass the examination, you will receive your score and rank. This rank will be used to determine which candidates will be interviewed by departments trying to fill a vacancy.

4. Hiring departments schedule interviews from a list of top scoring candidates. If your name is not sent to the hiring department, it will remain on the list for future opportunities as they become available.

5. Please be advised you can log in to your NeoGov account and select:

• “Applications” to view a list of the recruitments which you have applied for, your submitted application for each recruitment, a copy of the job listing, and your applicant history for each recruitment.
• “Inbox” to view the notices which have been sent to you for each recruitment
• “Account” to update your contact information. Please note to update your phone number on previously submitted applications you must contact careers@washoecounty.gov.

If you have any questions regarding the Online Application Process you can find additional information at the following link: https://www.washoecounty.gov/humanresources/faq/online/index.php

Questions: Jessica Gutierrez
jgutierrez@washoecounty.gov
775-328-2096

Veteran Point

Eligible veterans who were honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces shall receive one (1) bonus point upon passing Open Competitive examinations only. In order to be given a bonus point, applicants must attach proof of Honorable Discharge (DD-214 with Classification of Discharge) to the Online Application at time of submission.

Washoe County is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce that creates a sense of belonging for all employees and citizens, thereby encouraging persons from all backgrounds and experiences to apply for employment.

Washoe County will recruit, hire, train and promote into all job levels without regard to race, religion or belief, gender, marital status or domestic partnership, familial status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, genetic information (GINA), veteran status, political affiliation, membership in an employee association or union or any other protected class under applicable federal or state law.