Public Health Officer

Public Health Officer

Department: Medical

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Location: Global

Description

We are hiring Public Health Officers to join Carnival's fleet of North American brands, including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line. All Officers onboard provide a high level of customer service, maintaining a professional, dignified, friendly, assertive, and polite demeanor at all times towards guests and fellow crew members, and demonstrating performance consistent with the organization's Vision, Mission, and Strategic Plan. Successful candidates will be assigned to work four-month contracts onboard our fleet of cruise ships operating worldwide, with two-month intermissions.

Public Health Officer Key Responsibilities

• The Public Health Officer is responsible for ensuring the implementation and compliance of shipboard prevention and control activities at all response levels, including for Acute Respiratory Illness, Acute Gastroenteritis, and other communicable diseases. They participate as a key member of the shipboard Outbreak Management Team (OMT) and coordinate the implementation and compliance with OMT decisions.
• The Public Health Officer oversees the correct storage, par levels, condition, and use of infection control related PPE, disinfectants, hand sanitizers, and other supplies and related equipment. They also assist with investigating illness cases and contact tracing to identify exposure and transmission risks to individuals, areas, or events.
• The Public Health Officer coordinates drills on the company's Outbreak Prevention and Response Plan (OPRP) to ensure all crew are adequately trained, equipped, and prepared to effectively respond to outbreaks of communicable diseases. They provide regular reports to shipboard and shoreside leadership outlining illness status and operational preparedness and response during elevated illness response levels.
• The Public Health Officer also oversees facilities and equipment cleanliness and maintenance issues to ensure compliance with applicable public health standards. They work with the Technical and Deck Departments onboard to identify and prioritize relevant repair and maintenance activities and refit planning.
• The Public Health Officer also reviews food safety management, Potable Water, Recreational Water Facilities, and air handling systems and records to ensure compliance with public health standards. They communicate effectively with both shipboard and shoreside management to facilitate the correct interpretation and application of public health policies and procedures.
• The Public Health Officer oversees the Integrated Pest Management program, implements, and maintains pest control activities, and assists external or third-party pest control applicators during routine and emergency applications.

Guest and Crew Experience

• Interacts and communicates with guests and crew in a professional and empathetic manner.
• Consistently demonstrates sensitivity to every culture, age, gender identity, ability, and socioeconomic status.
• Listens attentively, is respectful and considerate, and uses non-technical language when communicating with crew and guests.
• Adheres to Company Privacy policies for handling of personal and sensitive health information.
• Promptly and effectively assists in the evaluation of complaints.

Professional Responsibilities

• Routinely demonstrates appropriate time management and organizational skills.
• Recognizes limits of own abilities and knowledge, asks for help, and escalates as needed.
• Seeks, and readily accepts feedback.
• Changes practice and behavior as appropriate in response to feedback, suggestions, audit findings and performance reviews. Handles conflict constructively and effectively; recognizes own strengths and opportunities to improve.
• Stays up to date and provides evidence for Company required credentials; uses Company Learning platforms to complete Company mandated training and competencies (PDR's)
• Shares knowledge with others; assists with teaching team members in meeting required competencies.
• Analyzes own self learning needs and develops personal learning plan; is receptive to learning new skills; uses online learning and reference resources; participates in on board learning opportunities.
• Complies with continuous quality improvement standards.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Actively participates in applicable meetings.

Public Health and Infection Prevention and Control Responsibilities

• Maintains accurate and timely public health records in accordance with Company policy.
• Undertake outbreak response tasks. Supports the Medical Team on the management of infectious diseases outbreaks onboard.

Financial Responsibilities

• In compliance with Company procedures suggests cost savings and revenue-enhancing initiatives.
• Consistently integrates responsible financial practices into and demonstrates fiscal compliance.
• Proficient in the use of all IT systems applicable to role requirements.

Safety and Compliance

• Adheres to the guidelines, policies, and principles of his or her applicable professional registration body.
• Routinely performs General Emergency Organization duties as directed in the Ship's Emergency Response Plan.
• Ensures compliance with MLC hours of Rest; demonstrates flexibility with on-call rosters and workload adjustments to meet operational needs.
• Stays up to date and complies with all applicable Company Procedures and standards in Global HESS, Operating Line procedures, other Company policies and relevant governmental regulations, and integrates them into practice.
• Identifies and reports any potential patient safety risks, and assists with investigations to analyze root cause, identify learning opportunities, and suggest corrective actions where necessary.
• Participates productively in audits and inspections and assists with development and implementation of corrective actions as needed.

Corporate Culture

• Demonstrates commitment to the Company’s values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Acts as a Company representative and portrays a positive image to all guests and crew.
• Establishes and maintains professional, effective, and motivated working relationships across all functions and disciplines, considering differences in cultures, backgrounds, and individual personalities.
• Supports the overall welfare of the crew and regularly encourages strong and enthusiastic participation in the crew activities.
• Actively promotes a safe and harassment free culture onboard.

Application requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Environmental Health, biological sciences, or closely related field preferred. Certification in CDC-VSP, Infection Control and EU SHIPSAN preferred.
• Two years of shipboard experience or three years of full-time shoreside experience in implementing, overseeing, or auditing public health programs.
• Cruise industry experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of infection control practices and vessel sanitation standards.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced cruise ship environment, while prioritizing workloads.
• A valid passport
• Eligibility to be issued a United States C1/D Visa (not applicable for US and Canadian citizens)
• Verbal and written fluency in English, both conversational and technical
• Computer literacy and experience with Microsoft Windows and Microsoft 365 productivity suite
• Experience with the use of electronic health records is preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate to culturally diverse teams.
• Self- sufficient and able to work independently.

Benefits

• A competitive salary package.
• Your own comfortable single cabin—your private space to relax and recharge.
• Company-paid travel to and from the ship, so you can focus on the journey ahead.
• Officer status privileges, giving you access to exclusive areas and benefits onboard.
• A vibrant recreation and welfare program designed to support your well-being and work-life balance.
• Access to exceptional learning and development opportunities to grow your skills and advance your career.
• The chance to travel the world, exploring exciting destinations while doing what you love.
• A welcoming, inclusive, and dynamic work environment where your contributions are valued.