Be an early-warning system for disease. Surveillance officers in the Ministry of Health & Wellness National Surveillance Unit collate and analyse disease reports from the parishes, join outbreak investigations, track lab samples, and write sections of the National Epidemiology Bulletin.
Salary Breakdown
Surveillance Officer (GMG/SEG 1, Band 7) - $3,501,526 - $4,709,163 per annum on the 2025-2026 band scale. A contract Surveillance Coordinator post was advertised at $3,250,000 (MOH&W, March 2023).
Estimated Take-Home Pay
Based on the midpoint of the Entry salary range ($4,105,345 JMD), after NIS, NHT, Education Tax, and PAYE.
Show deduction breakdown
- Gross (annual)
- $4,105,345 JMD
- NIS (3%)
- −$123,160 JMD
- NHT (2%)
- −$82,106 JMD
- Education Tax
- −$89,599 JMD
- PAYE Income Tax
- −$519,956 JMD
- Net (annual)
- $3,290,522 JMD
Estimate only — illustrative rates and thresholds, not tax advice. Confirm current figures with Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).
Career Path Roadmap
- 1
High School & CXC Subjects
Pass CSEC Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and English. Science subjects are needed for nursing or environmental health degrees.
5 years (Forms 1-5) - 2
BSc Nursing or BSc Environmental Health
Qualify as a Registered Nurse or Public Health Inspector - the two professions the MOH names for this post.
3 - 4 years - 3
Clinical or Public Health Experience
MOH asks for at least five years' continuous work in a clinical or public health field. Parish health department work is the best preparation.
5 years - 4
MPH or MSc Epidemiology
Complete a Master of Public Health or MSc in Epidemiology. A certificate in midwifery is an asset.
1 - 2 years - 5
Surveillance Officer (GMG/SEG 1)
Analyse surveillance data on maternal deaths, vaccine-preventable diseases and other conditions, investigate outbreaks, and train field staff.
3 - 5 years - 6
Specialist Surveillance / Surveillance Coordinator
Lead surveillance programmes regionally or nationally.
5+ years
Required Education
- CSEC/CXC Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, English
- Registered Nurse or Public Health Inspector qualification
- Master of Public Health or MSc in Epidemiology
- Five years' continuous clinical or public health experience (MOH requirement)
Common Local Certifications
- Registration with the Nursing Council of Jamaica (nurses) or the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine (Public Health Inspectors)
- Certificate in Midwifery (asset)
- Advanced Excel / data analysis skills
Where to Train
Local Institutions Offering Programs
- University of the West Indies, Mona (UWI) - MPH and MSc Epidemiology
- University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) - Nursing and Environmental Health
- Northern Caribbean University (NCU) - Nursing