VPD Surveillance Unit Supervisor

Working Title: VPD Surveillance Unit Supervisor
Job Class: Epidemiologist Supervisor Senior
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 94312
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes - hybrid
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 05/18/2026
• Closing Date: 06/08/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Health Department / Health-MMA
• Division/Unit: Health Protection / IDEPC VPD Suvel Unit Supv
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: $44.24 - $63.35 / hourly; $92,373 - $132,274 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 216 – Middle Management Association (MMA)
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

The Minnesota Department of Health is seeking a highly qualified individual to oversee and coordinate the interdisciplinary teams responsible for the surveillance and response to vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs). 

Key responsibilities of this position include: 

• Plan, direct, coordinate, and evaluate statewide efforts to respond to, investigate, and develop prevention guidance for VPDs including measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, varicella, and mpox. 
• Represent VPDs on various national, state, and local advisory groups; maintain relevant grants to ensure ongoing funding of VPD surveillance activities; and advise physicians, health professionals, local public health, schools, community partners, and other sectors on VPD disease control and prevention.
• Ensure strategic planning, program evaluation, and technical solutions to guide the development of and to direct statewide surveillance and epidemiologic activities for vaccine-preventable diseases in the state.
• Oversee and guide the origination and development of investigations of outbreaks and special studies of VPDs.
• Coordinate and direct activities and functions of the VPD Surveillance Unit by supervising and evaluating individual employees' performance in accordance with labor agreements, department policies, and sound management principles; and planning, budgeting, and developing program priorities.

In accordance with HR/LR Policy #1422 Telework, this position is eligible for up to 50% telework for applicants who live in Minnesota or in a bordering state within 50 miles of the assigned work location. Candidates residing outside of Minnesota or in a bordering state within 50 miles of the assigned work location at the time of application must be able to relocate to Minnesota within 30 days of their start date. The telework policy may exempt employees who live more than 50 miles from their primary work location from the 50% in-office requirement, depending on job requirements, helping the State of Minnesota access top talent across the state.

MDH relies heavily on grant funding, in addition to state appropriated dollars. As an agency, we continually monitor funding levels and navigate some degree of uncertainty related to grant cycles and the impact of the grant funding on program priorities.

This position is currently funded and approved to be filled. While the position is funded at this time, future funding is dependent on the continuation of our funding sources. The Minnesota Department of Health works proactively to sustain programs and maintain our workforce, to avoid reductions in force to the very best of our ability. In the event of a loss of funding resulting in a necessary workforce reduction, that process is governed by our collective bargaining agreements and compensation plans.

Minimum Qualifications

The following must be clearly demonstrated on the applicant’s resume/application: 

One (1) year of supervisory level experience

AND

Four (4) years as an Epidemiology Lead that demonstrates the following: 

• Experience and the ability to conduct original epidemiologic research including designing and conducting studies, analyzing date and drafting and editing manuscripts acceptable for presentation at national scientific meetings and for publication in peer review scientific journal.
• Experience and the ability to conduct original epidemiologic research including designing and conducting studies, analyzing date and drafting and editing manuscripts acceptable for presentation at national scientific meetings and for publication in peer review scientific journal.
• Expert knowledge in public health epidemiologic concepts including disease surveillance, epidemiologic research and disease prevention and control activities.
• Knowledge of state and local public health problems and programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated expert knowledge of public health epidemiology, including disease surveillance, epidemiologic research methods, and disease prevention and control practices.
• Proven ability to clearly and effectively communicate complex technical and scientific information related to epidemiology and public health programs, both orally and in writing.
• Experience delivering professional presentations, facilitating meetings or groups, and engaging in public speaking to represent programs to diverse internal and external audiences, including partners, stakeholders, and media.
• Demonstrated supervisory or leadership ability, including setting work priorities, assigning and delegating tasks, motivating staff, and monitoring work performance and progress.
• Knowledge of state and local public health issues, programs, and systems, including an understanding of public health challenges at multiple jurisdictional levels.
• Knowledge of MDH's organizational structure, functions, policies, and procedures.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.

This employment does not require a valid driver’s license, but it does demand travel, which the candidate will be responsible for meeting.   

Under U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services regulations, the successful candidate must be able to accept work in the U.S. by the day employment begins. This agency is unable to offer H-1B sponsorship.

How to Apply 

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Megan Baer at megan.baer@state.mn.us 

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Megan Baer at megan.baer@state.mn.us.

About Health Department 

Come work for one of the best public health systems in the nation and you will contribute to our mission to protect, maintain and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission-driven work environment is a major factor in promoting a high level of employee health awareness, employee longevity and job satisfaction.

Working together to improve the state we love. 

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? 

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits 

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include: 

• Paid vacation and sick leave 
• 12 paid holidays each year 
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans 
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children 
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care 
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS 

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.