Health Officer

Salary: $56.70 - $61.75 Hourly
Location : Public Health - North, 3328 N. Hwy 51, Janesville, WI
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: RC-0805209
Department: Public Health
Opening Date: 06/01/2026
Closing Date: 6/19/2026 5:00 PM Central


Position Summary and Job Duties


This position is responsible for the overall management of the Rock County Public Health Department's programs, services, personnel, and budget. This position ensures that the department meets state and local statutes, rules, regulations and ordinances pertaining to the department's authority and responsibility as a level III health department. This position serves as the Health Officer as defined in Wis. Stats.251.06(3) and in that role coordinates with community leaders, health care system partners, and non-profit executives to promote health for all residents of the County and enforces state and local laws/ordinances when necessary to protect the public's health. This position exercises independent judgment in decision-making in complex and dynamic situations.

60% Builds and maintains a strong organizational infrastructure

-Directs and supports programs and services of the health department.
-Assures that public health activities are conducted in accordance with state and local statutes/ordinances.
-Develops and implements department policies and procedures.
-Develops, implements, and monitors the department budget; conducts fiscal analysis and develops a long-term fiscal strategy for funding public health initiatives.
-Ensures compliance with contracts; drafts agreements to further the work of the department.
-Oversees the development and implementation of the department's strategic plan.
-Oversees the development and implementation of the department's performance management system, including methods to track and communicate impacts of programs and services.
-Ensures the development of a skilled and diverse workforce to effectively carry out the mission of the department.
-Hires, supervises, onboards, evaluates, and disciplines departmental personnel.
-Prepares agendas and materials for the Board of Health and other board meetings as necessary; ensures Board of Health members are onboarded and have information necessary for their decision-making.
-Exercises ethical decision-making in complex, ambiguous, and dynamic situations.
-Ensures that conditions exist within the department to create a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

15% Strengthen, support, and mobilize communities and partnerships

-Builds and maintains key partnerships for improving public health at the local, state, and national levels.
-Provides leadership in building regional capacity and establishes agreements for shared public health services.
-Ensures that health department programs and services incorporate the perspectives of individuals and populations most impacted by health inequities.
-Participates in county-wide work groups and initiatives.
-Advances public health practice by participating in local, state, and national workgroups.

15% Create, champion, and implement policies, plans, and laws

-Ensures the development and implementation of local public health ordinances.
-Evaluates impacts to public health and operations of the health department with changes to federal, state, and local laws/policies.
-Evaluates impacts of internal and community policies and plans on health equity.
-Guides department work related to analysis and evaluation of policy options to promote health; ensures the development of the Community Health Assessment and Community Health Improvement Plan, as well as other local public health plans.
-Provides input to policy makers on local, state, and national policy initiatives impacting the health of the population.
-Supports the Board of Health in policy exploration, analysis, and action.
-Collaborates with the community to ensure diverse perspectives are incorporated into the development of local policies and plans.

5% Public health emergency preparedness and response

-Analyzes current and emerging threats to the public's health.
-Leads responses to public health emergencies.
-Communicates with the public and the media during public health emergencies.
-Directs local public health emergency preparedness efforts including assessment of vulnerabilities, capacity building, and the development of plans; assures the development of department training and exercise plans.
-Builds strong partnerships with other responding partners at the local, state, and federal levels.
-Participates in local, regional, and statewide preparedness activities.

5% Other duties as assigned

-Engages in developmental opportunities related to their role and responsibilities, including health equity and social justice; seeks opportunities to gather and reflect on diverse perspectives; works to address personal implicit biases; and seeks developmental opportunities to work within complex systems.
-Maintains confidentiality of protected health information (PHI) of individuals, identifiable data elements and small data sets, including but not limited to only accessing information related to assigned work, utilizing locked filing cabinets, electronic password protection, and encryption when creating, handling and storing documents that contain PHI.
-Other responsibilities, as necessary or assigned.
Success Factors (KSA's)


Knowledge
-Advanced knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations that govern operations of public health activities.
-Knowledge of the policy making process at the local, state, and federal levels.
-Knowledge of traditional and non-traditional funding strategies for public health activities.
-Knowledge of frameworks and tools for public health, including the 10 Essential Public Health Services, Public Health 3.0, the Foundational Public Health Services Model, and the Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals.
-Knowledge of workforce development related theories and frameworks.
-Knowledge of program planning frameworks, including frameworks for conducing Community Health Assessments and Community Health Improvement Plans.
Skills
-Skilled in modern leadership and management techniques.
-Skilled in developing and implementing performance management systems.
-Skilled in change management.
-Skilled in the application of ethical analysis frameworks for public health practice.
Abilities
-Ability to maximize resources through fiscal analysis and budget management.
-Ability to effectively organize activities of the health department to address current and emerging threats to the public's health.
-Ability to create plans and make decisions in complex, ambiguous, and dynamic situations.
-Ability to apply systems thinking concepts.
-Ability to effectively communicate to varied audiences, including employees, governing entities, community partners, state and national stakeholders, community members, and the media.
Job Requirements, Education, Training & Experience


Required:
• Master's degree in public health, public administration, health administration, or related field.
• At least seven years of related experience with five or more years of experience in a full-time administrative position in either a public health agency or public health work.
Or
• A license to practice medicine and surgery under ch. 448 and at least one of the following:
a. Three years of experience in a full-time administrative position in either a public health agency or public health work.
b. Eligibility for certification by the American board of preventive medicine in public health or general preventive medicine.
c. A master's degree in public health, public administration, health administration or a similar field.
Also Required:
• Valid driver's license, current certificate of vehicle insurance and reliable access to transportation to all assigned work location and to attend meetings and trainings within and outside of the county.
• Completion of required National Incident Management System (NIMS)/Incident Command System (ICS) trainings within 6 months of hire.

Essential Job Functions (physical elements, equipment and working conditions)


To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


Physical:
• Ability to bend, twist, turn, and reach frequently.
• Ability to sit, walk and stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to grasp, carry, push, pull, and lift objects up to 20 pounds at times.
• Ability to drive a vehicle.
• Access to reliable transportation to fulfill duties of the position.
• Level of vision, hearing, and fine motor skills sufficient to read, write and proficiently use office and computer equipment.


Equipment Use:
• Ability to independently and fluently use computer and office equipment (telephone, multi-function printers, computers software systems, and mobile smart phone devices) continuously on a daily basis.
• Ability to proficiently use software programs (Microsoft Office Word, Power Point, Excel, Outlook), data bases, project management tools (template workbooks).


Working Conditions:
• Ability to work varied hours, including evenings and weekends
• Ability to work in varying office and outside conditions in relation to heat, cold, and varying weather conditions.
• Ability to travel within and outside of the county, including over-night stays, to attend state and regional meetings, trainings, and conferences.
• Potential exposure to physically and/or emotionally hazardous situations related to public health emergencies.
Rock County Employee
Facts and Benefits Highlights

• Rock County historic and cultural attractions: Rock County is in south Central Wisconsin along the Illinois border. The County has a population of 161,188 making it the ninth largest County in Wisconsin. Janesville, Wisconsin (pop. 64,009) is the county seat. Janesville is located on the I39/90 corridor, forty miles south of Madison, seventy-six miles west of Milwaukee and about two hours from Chicago.

Rock County's many historic and cultural attractions include the City of Evansville historic district, Beloit College (an acclaimed liberal arts institution located in the City of Beloit) and the City of Janesville's Rotary Botanical Gardens and Tallman House (an exceptional example of Italian villa style architecture from the mid 1850's).
The Cities of Janesville and Beloit have a combined symphony orchestra, as well as individual performing arts centers. The Rock County Fair and Riverfest are regional cultural celebrations held every summer in the Cities of Janesville and Beloit respectively. These Cities both have extensive park and open space networks, including portions of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, a Statewide trail commemorating the State's geologic history. Additionally, the Rock River runs through these Cities, offering many recreational opportunities.

• Salary:

Rock County has updated their pay grid in 2023 and it has 14 steps for every classification. Below is the link to locate the compensation grid and see each of the classifications that Rock County has to offer.
Employees are paid every two weeks on Friday (26 checks in a year). Paychecks are directly deposited in the employee's bank account. There is a two-week delay between the pay period worked and the payday. New employees generally wait four weeks before they receive their first check, which is a live paper check. Direct deposit is a requirement of employment.

• Holidays (Ordinance 18.501):

The following holidays are observed by the County and shall be granted to regular employees with pay and to temporary employees without pay, unless such employees are required to be on scheduled work:
(a) New Year's Day
(b) Martin Luther King Jr. Day
(c) Spring Holiday to be observed the Friday immediately preceding Easter
(d) Memorial Day
(f) July 4th
(g) Labor Day
(h) Thanksgiving Day
(i) Friday following Thanksgiving
(j) Day before Christmas
(k) Christmas Day
(l) One Floating Holiday
(m) Any additional holiday granted by the County Board.
(n) The County Administrator may designate additional holidays in unusual circumstances with the approval of the County Board Chair and/or Vice Chair.
For employees working the standard work schedule, when a holiday falls on Saturday, it shall be observed on the preceding Friday. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday shall be observed.

For employees not working the standard work schedule see the HR Policies and Procedures.

• Vacation (Policy & Procedure Manual 5.47):

Employees (.4 FTE or greater) hired on or after April 10, 2023, shall earn vacation according to the following schedule:

• Health Insurance including our Wellness component:

Rock County offers a dual choice point of service plan. Employees will have a choice to elect coverage with either Dean Health Care or Mercy Health Care. Employees can enroll within the first 30 days of employment, after that there is an annual open enrollment period in the fall. In the case of a qualifying event (birth, marriage, FTE increase, loss of coverage, etc.), the employee will also have 30 days to enroll or make changes. No exceptions will be made. The County will pay 90% of the premium for health insurance and the Employee may earn the remaining 10% of the premium, based on the terms of participation of the Healthy Employee Incentive Program.

• Sick Leave (Policy 5.39):

Sick leave pay shall commence on the first day of any period of illness due to accident, injury, or disease.


All full-time employees shall earn one sick leave day per month of continuous employment. All part-time employees whose regular workweek is sixteen hours or more shall earn one sick leave day on a prorated basis directly in relation to the normal full time employment period. All part-time employees, who work less than sixteen hours per week, shall not earn sick leave. Temporary and seasonal employees are not eligible for sick leave. Sick leave shall accrue to a maximum of one hundred thirty days.

• Dental Plan:

The County offers a dental plan through Delta Dental and will pay 60% of the applicable
premium for the lowest cost plan. Employees can enroll within the first 30 days of
employment, after that there is an annual open enrollment period in the fall. In the case of a qualifying event (birth, marriage, FTE increase, loss of coverage, etc.), the employee will also have 30 days to enroll or make changes. No exceptions will be made. Newly enrolled employees will likely see a double deduction on their first paycheck; premiums are paid one month in advance.

• Vision Plan:

The County offers a vision plan which employees can enroll in at their own cost. Employees
can enroll within the first 30 days of employment, after that there is an annual open enrollment
period in the fall. In the case of a qualifying event (birth, marriage, FTE increase, loss of coverage, etc.), the employee will also have 30 days to enroll or make changes. No exceptions will be made.
Newly enrolled employees will likely see a double deduction on their first paycheck; premiums are paid one month in advance.

• Life Insurance:

The County provides term life insurance through the State of Wisconsin Plan. Employees can purchase insurance in increments based on their salary, up to five times their salary. The County will contribute 20% of the cost for the first increment only - one times the employee's salary. Employees can also purchase coverage for their spouse and/or children.
*Eligibility for this benefit is tied to whether the employee is eligible for retirement benefits. (You must be expected to work for at least 12 months and 1200 hours, or have previously qualified for the WRS)

• Voluntary Benefits:

The County offers voluntary benefits which employees can enroll in at their own cost. Employees
can enroll within the first 30 days of employment, after that there is an annual open enrollment
period in the fall. Voluntary benefits may include: Disability, Hospital indemnity, Supplemental Life, Critical Illness, and Accident Insurance. Employees are responsible for 100% of the premiums for any voluntary benefits elected. Deductions are taken post tax. Please visit the Human Resources intranet page for more information.

• Deferred Compensation:

Employees can participate in one of the identified deferred compensation plans (Nationwide, Wisconsin Deferred Comp, and Security Benefits) at their own cost.

• Flexible Spending Account (Medical and Dependent Care):

Employees can elect to put an annually IRS established amount into a flexible spending account through (EBC) to pay for their own non-reimbursed medical care expenses. Employees can also put in up to $5,000 for dependent care accounts.
If you leave County employment, you have ninety (90) days to submit expenses incurred prior to your last day.

• Retirement:

Rock County participates in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). Eligible employees are required to participate. What an employee receives at retirement is dependent upon several factors - age, length of service, salary.


Rock County and the employee make equal contributions to the Wisconsin Retirement System on behalf of the employer. The contribution rate is addressed in the employment letter.

Employees in protective status have the percentage contributions defined in their respective collective bargaining units.

Employees who have questions about their retirement benefits should contact WRS.

• Bereavement Leave (Policy 5.04):

In the event of a death an employee may be excused from work without loss of pay for up to a maximum of thirty-two (32) hours annually for the purpose of attending a person's wake, visitation, memorial service, funeral, or make necessary arrangements regarding the person's death, within a reasonable time after the occurrence. Reasonable time after the occurrence is defined as within six (6) months from the date of death.

No more than (32) hours can be used for the same decedent.


If additional time is required beyond the thirty-two (32) hours annually, an employee may request to use accumulated vacation, holiday, or comp-time. Sick leave can be used for a parent, spouse, or child only.


Bereavement leave cannot be accrued from one year to the next.
Bereavement leave can be used in increments of quarter hours.

A second or third shift employee may be excused from work the scheduled shift before or after the event, provided the shift begins or ends on the same calendar date of the event.
All leaves under this section shall be prorated based upon the employee's FTE.

• EAP:

The County provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees to use for all kinds of personal and professional assistance. In the case of counseling, professional counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. An employee can establish a relationship with a counselor over the phone or set up an in-person appointment with a counselor in the area. As of March 1, 2022, the EAP program will pay for up to six visits.

• Parking:

The County provides free parking at all its facilities.

• Workplace Attire (Policy & Procedures 5.53):

All Rock County employees are expected to present a professional, businesslike image to clients, visitors, customers, and the public. Acceptable personal appearance, like proper maintenance of work areas, is an ongoing requirement of employment with the County. Supervisors should communicate any department-specific workplace attire and grooming guidelines to staff members during new-hire orientation and evaluation periods. Any questions about the department's guidelines for attire should be discussed with the immediate supervisor.

• Employee Identification Badge (Policy & Procedure 5.08)

All Rock County employees shall have and display, an identification badge while conducting official County business. Minimal exceptions, for safety reasons, may be approved by Department Heads.

• Smoking:

All County buildings are smoke free. By County Ordinance anyone visiting or working in any County building is prohibited from smoking closer than 30 feet from any building entrance. The Ordinance also makes the entire Rock Haven Nursing Home a smoke free "campus."
Prior to new hire orientation, please access policy documents here:

Active Employees: For full policy documents, please visit the Human Resources Intranet page, "Personnel Ordinance" and "Policy & Procedure Manual".

Please note, you may also be subject to department specific work rules.

Still have questions? Call us! Human Resources: View phone number on click.appcast.io