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Epidemiologist

Position Description

Introduction

The purpose of this position is to act as an advisor and technical specialist in the assessment and identification of current or potential situations which could cause infection or illness in first responders, park incumbents, or visitors as the result of an all-hazard incident.

Duties

  • Performs preliminary evaluation of the incident to determine the potential for illness or disease such as may be caused through water contamination, noxious fumes, exposure to chemicals, dead or injured wildlife, etc.
  • Implements the emergency response component of the Park Unit Health and Safety Plan.  Takes action necessary to assess the risk, and secure the scene appropriately.  Initiates action to implement the Incident Command System, and/or to request assistance from local/national public health resources.
  • Performs activities to control the situation such as monitoring water/wastewater systems, inspecting food service facilities and sanitation facilities, placing warning signs, or implementing institutional controls such as evacuation, and area closures.
  • Identifies the source and characteristics of the health hazard as well as any other potential health risks associated with the incident.  Takes appropriate action to mitigate risks identified.
  • Cooperates with and assists other emergency response resources.  Ensures proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and adherence to all safety procedures.
  • Directs and participates in decontamination/cleanup operations, and post-incident analysis activities.
  • Prepares and presents briefings regarding health issues encountered.  Receives situation reports and stays informed of mission objectives and status changes.
  • Performs additional tasks or duties as assigned during a response.

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

  • Operational knowledge of the Incident Command System (ICS), and the development and use of integrated action planning concepts and processes.
  • Knowledge of emergency response requirements such as those included in a typical Park Health and Safety Plan.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of epidemiological concepts, principles and practices applicable to the conduct of evaluations of health risks associated with a variety of all-hazard incidents.
  • Knowledge is required to identify the potential for the spread of disease carried by airborne or waterborne agents, molds and fungus, and infected wildlife or domestic animals.
  • Knowledge of health hazards associated with exposure to a variety of chemicals and compounds used in park operations, or in industrial operations near or adjacent to a park unit.
  • Knowledge is required to recommend effective measures for the control and elimination of health risk factors identified.
  • Expert knowledge of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements and use in operations where health risks are present.
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally, and in writing.

Supervisory Controls

Work direction is provided by the incident commander or other designated manager.  As the senior advisor/specialist in the field, the technical work is performed independently.  The incumbent may act as a team lead during the evaluation/assessment phase of the operation.  Work is reviewed for acceptability and compliance with operating instructions and procedures.

Guidelines

Guidelines include Federal standards and criteria documents, agency manuals, established practice, past evaluation reports, and a variety of technical literature including professional journals, textbooks, and literature published by agencies such as the Center for Disease Control (CDC).  Problems encountered are not always covered by guidelines.

The incumbent uses independent judgment in locating and selecting the most appropriate guidelines, references and procedures based on the situation at hand, and the potential for serious illness or disease as the result of exposure to a particular agent, virus, or bacteria.

Complexity

The incumbent responds to a wide variety of incidents which require diverse skills, often involving critical life-threatening situations such as exposure to chemical or biological agents released by spills, explosions, fires, or floods, and for which toxicological information is sketchy.  Emergency response in these situations often involves decision-making and action in extremely adverse physical and emotional conditions and ability to function effectively in controversial and/or sensitive situations.  Work requires application and modification of established practices in most areas of responsibility, with considerable individual discretion and judgment exercised in emergency situations to ensure the health and safety of first responders and park visitors.

Scope and Effect

The purpose of this position is to identify, evaluate, and control health hazards during and after an all-risk incident.

The work results in the containment or elimination of the health hazard, providing a safe environment for incumbents, visitors, and park neighbors.

Personal Contacts

Personal contacts are with local agency emergency response personnel, and/or incident management team personnel during the duration of the incident.  Additional contacts may be made with public health professionals from a number of state and federal agencies, media operations, park visitors, special interest groups, and others interested and assisting with the incident.

Purpose of Contacts

The purpose of contacts is to provide briefings, health information, and issue orders, as well as to relay incident information to and from the incident management team and other team members, and to provide information and assistance to public health officials.

Physical Demands

Work routinely involves physically rigorous assignments and strenuous activity.  Incumbent must maintain excellent physical condition to carry out responsibilities, including the ability to perform assessment and evaluation tasks while wearing heavy and cumbersome PPE.  Response to emergency situations often requires clear reasoning and decisive action under conditions of extreme mental and physical stress.

Work Environment

Work environment is indoors and outdoors in all types of weather, night or day, and for prolonged periods of time.  The incumbent is subject to exposure to a variety of hazardous substances, toxic fumes, and extreme heat or cold.

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 New Guidance on Laundering Wildland Fire Clothing to Reduce Contamination

Date: Aug 8, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee
 Risk Management Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) and the Risk Management Committee (RMC) have issued Safety Bulletin 25-001: Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing. Recent research revealed that wildland fire flame-resistant pants and shirts can be contaminated with chemicals from combustion byproducts, including carcinogens, and that common laundering practices can effectively remove these harmful contaminants from wildland firefighter clothing more effectively than previously understood. It is recommended to decontaminate wildland fire clothing as frequently as possible. 

Frequently Asked Questions about this new information and how to implement recommendations can be found on the NWCG Alerts page. Read the complete ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Safety Bulletin: 25-001

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing

Equipment Technology Committee

Risk Management Committee

FAQ Now Available for Archiving Type 1 and Type 2 Incident Positions

Date: Aug 6, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Incident and Position Standards Committee

To support the transition to Complex Incident Management (CIM), NWCG will archive all Type 1 and Type 2 Command and General Staff (C&G) position qualifications in January 2026, as outlined in NWCG Executive Board Memo 25-002. To assist with this transition, a new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document is now available.

This resource answers common questions about the status of Type 1 and Type 2 qualifications, impacts to incident qualification management, training requirements, and resource ordering considerations. Review the full FAQ to learn more.

For additional information on CIM and the transition of C&G positions, see NWCG Executive Board Memos 23-005, 24-005, and 25-002, as well as the Incident Workforce and Development Group webpage.

References:

NWCG Type 1 & Type 2 Position Archiving FAQ

NWCG Executive Board Correspondence

Incident Workforce Development Group

Incident and Position Standards Committee

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for UASD, UASM, UASL and UASP

Date: July 31, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for all four Unmanned Aircraft Systems positions:

  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist (UASD)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager (UASM)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader (UASL)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UASP)

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot Position Page

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for RADO and INCM

Date: July 30, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Logistics Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Radio Operator (RADO) and Incident Communications Center Manager (INCM).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

NWCG Radio Operator Position Page

NWCG Incident Communications Center Manager Position Page