Public Health Data Specialist

Location: Augusta, Maine

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.

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Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Comprehensive Health Planner II
Opening Date: April 8, 2026  
Closing Date: April 22, 2026  
Job Class Code: 5050 
Grade: 26    
Salary: $56,254.00 - $79,998.40 per year
Position Number: 02031-2441

Location: Augusta. 

This position allows for partial telework with management approval.

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions. 

Core Responsibilities:

As a Data Specialist in Public Health, in the Accreditation and Performance Improvement Team at Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention (Maine CDC), you will help transform data into meaningful insights that strengthen programs and improve health outcomes for Maine communities.  You will develop and maintain data queries, perform thoughtful analyses, and  create clear visualizations that help program staff, leadership, and community partners make informed decisions. You will work with many types of data including health outcomes data and operational and process data. You will  ensure the quality and upkeep of Maine Shared Community Health Needs Assessment data in a SQL database and on a Tableau dashboard, and work collaboratively with Maine Shared CHNA partners to provide data for health profiles and reports. The position will also support program staff across Maine CDC to use data to improve program processes and outcomes. You will create standardized and ad hoc reports from multiple data sources and provide technical assistance and other data support to Maine CDC program staff.

As a key member of the API team, you will also:

• Partner with Maine CDC programs to  analyze data, query databases and applications and data visualize program performance measures.
• Streamline and connect Maine CDC data sources  to maximize the value of our data.
• Contribute to the development of program performance measures, and the collection and reporting of that data.
• Compile and analyze data using evidence-based quality improvement techniques to help programs improve processes and  outcomes
• Participate in the ongoing development and implementation of Maine CDC’s Quality Improvement Plan.
• Document quality improvement efforts.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s Degree in Public/Community Health, Health Administration, Health Sciences or Health Education; Public Administration, Government, Social Work, or a closely related field and three (3) years professional experience in the planning, development, coordination and/or evaluation of health programs or services -OR- an equivalent seven (7) year combination of education, training, and experience.

 Preferred candidates will also have:  

• Experience visualizing data for a variety of audiences with proficiency in using visualization software, such as Tableau
• Proficiency using data management systems, such as SQL Server, including layered data and querying capabilities.
• Proficiency in using databases such as SQL Server.
• Experience collecting, analyzing and summarizing quantitative and qualitative data.
• Ability to evaluate data quality and identify effective indicators for various public health uses.
• Attention to detail and ability to maintain thorough documentation of processes and procedures.
• Proven, excellent, team collaboration and facilitation skills.
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills with a wide variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated initiative and the ability to work independently.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your experience and passion set you apart.

Agency information: 

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.

Application Information:

For questions about this position, please contact Nancy Birkhimer, Accreditation and Performance Improvement Manager, at (207) 287-5716.

Please submit all documents or files in PDF format.

To request a paper application, please contact [email protected]

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($12,845.82 - $15,112.76 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($395.72 annual value). 
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 14.11% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including non-birthing and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. 

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.