Public Health Officer

Public Health Officer

Location: Del Norte County, CA (Hybrid – Remote + Onsite as needed) Work Model: Part-Time / Contract (10–15 hrs/week + 24/7 on-call) Position Type: Independent Contractor The Public Health Officer will serve as the official medical authority for Del Norte County, responsible for protecting and improving community health through leadership in public health programs, disease control, emergency response, and policy guidance. This role operates under California Health & Safety Code and provides strategic and clinical oversight to public health initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee public health programs and initiatives across the county
• Monitor, prevent, and control communicable diseases and outbreaks
• Respond to public health emergencies and disaster situations (24/7 availability)
• Issue public health orders and emergency declarations when required
• Review and approve public health protocols, standing orders, and policies
• Ensure compliance with Title 17 (disease reporting) and Title 15 (jail health requirements)
• Provide consultation to public health staff and environmental health teams
• Collaborate with state agencies, local government, and community partners
• Conduct epidemiological investigations and public health analysis
• Present to community groups, leadership, and Board of Supervisors
• Support health education, disease prevention, and community outreach programs
• Develop reports, recommendations, and strategies for improving community health

Must-Have Requirements

• MD (Doctor of Medicine) or equivalent
• Valid California Medical License (active and in good standing)
• Experience in public health, preventive medicine, or community health
• Ability to provide 24/7 on-call availability for emergencies
• Strong understanding of public health laws and regulations
• Ability to work independently as an independent contractor

Required Skills

• Expertise in communicable disease control and epidemiology
• Experience in public health emergency response and disaster management
• Strong knowledge of healthcare regulations (HIPAA, public health codes)
• Ability to develop and implement public health policies and protocols
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Data analysis, reporting, and decision-making capabilities

Preferred / Nice-to-Have Skills

• Experience working with county/state public health departments
• Background in maternal health, immunization programs, or community health planning
• Experience in correctional healthcare compliance (jail medical oversight)
• Strong experience in multi-agency collaboration and leadership

Core Competencies

• Public health leadership and decision-making
• Crisis management and emergency response
• Community health advocacy
• Strategic planning and policy development
• Collaboration with government and healthcare stakeholders

Education

• Doctor of Medicine (MD) or equivalent (Required)
• Public Health specialization (Preferred)