Public Health Officer

Job Summary Directs, coordinates, and supervises public health operations to protect and promote the health of Door County residents. Oversees program administration, compliance, emergency response, and inter-agency collaboration. Serves as the designated Health Officer per Wisconsin Statute 251.06(3), ensuring adherence to all applicable public health laws and standards.   Essential Duties & Responsibilities Enforces state public health statutes, administrative rules, and local ordinances in alignment with Wisconsin law. Provides strategic leadership for the development, delivery, and evaluation of public health programs to meet evolving community health needs. Supervises, mentors, and evaluates public health staff; including annual performance reviews; supports staff development and performance improvement initiatives. Leads public health emergency planning and response; maintains and executes the county’s Public Health Emergency Plan (PHEP). Serves as Public Information Officer (PIO) during public health incidents; coordinates communication strategies and media engagement. Oversees epidemiological investigation and control of communicable diseases; guides disease surveillance activities. Develops and monitors division budget; manages grants and pursues alternative funding sources to sustain programs. Leads Community Health Assessment and Improvement Planning; fosters community partnerships to implement initiatives. Provides regulatory oversight and direction to the Sanitarian; participates in inspections and enforcement decisions. Coordinates the orientation and supervision of students and new employees; participates in hiring processes. Oversees community health education, public relations, and policy advocacy to promote health equity and awareness. Participates in departmental leadership meetings; contributes to agency-wide strategy, policy, and culture.   Key Competencies & Skills Regulatory Knowledge: Applies comprehensive understanding of public health laws, standards, and statutes to ensure legal compliance. Strategic Leadership: Develops vision, sets priorities, and leads teams to achieve public health objectives. Communication: Delivers clear, accurate, and persuasive communications across various audiences including media, officials, and the public. Emergency Preparedness: Leads planning and incident response using ICS/NIMS; adapts rapidly to emergent threats. Data-Informed Decision Making: Analyzes epidemiological data to guide public health interventions and policy decisions. Collaboration: Forges cross-sector partnerships and facilitates stakeholder engagement to address community health priorities. Program Management: Designs, implements, and evaluates public health programs aligned with evidence-based practices and community needs. Grant and Fiscal Management: Administers budgets, secures funding, and ensures responsible resource stewardship.   Required Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in nursing (from a nationally accredited program), public health, environmental health, or a closely related field. At least three (3) years of full-time experience in a public health agency, including responsibility for communicable disease control programs. Minimum of one (1) year of experience or training in public health emergency preparedness, including Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS). Valid driver’s license.   Preferred Education & Experience Master’s degree in Public Health, Nursing, Health Administration, or a related field. Prior supervisory or administrative experience in a public sector or health agency. Grant writing and budget development experience. Familiarity with Wisconsin public health systems and community collaboration models.   Physical & Work Environment Requirements Work is primarily performed in an office environment, involving prolonged periods of sitting, keyboarding, and communicating via phone or in person. Occasional standing, walking, and lifting up to 10 pounds may be required. The environment may be intermittently noisy due to public interactions and presence of children. Must exercise appropriate infection control precautions when performing or overseeing direct public health services. Limited travel within the county and occasional attendance at public meetings or emergency events may be required.   Emergency Response Statement In an effort to provide for continuity of County government and to cope with the problems of the emergency, you may be required to work during a proclaimed state of emergency, consistent with Sec. 323.14, Wis. Stats. and County emergency management plans and programs.    Equal Opportunity Statement Door County is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.   Disclaimer The above is intended to describe the general content of the requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.