Play a key role in fostering a healthier and safer future for Park County as the Health Department Director. This vital leadership position oversees the development and delivery of public health and environmental programs, guiding a dedicated team to address the evolving needs of our community. You’ll collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including government officials and local leaders, to ensure public health initiatives are effective, innovative, and aligned with community values. If you are a strategic and compassionate leader passionate about public health and empowering teams, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact. This role will be open until filled! 

I. POSITION IDENTIFICATION

Title:               Health Department Director

Work Unit:    Health Department

Supervisor:     Park County Commission

Current Classification:

Pay Grade: 21 (salary scale: $81,324 - $105,937)

Exempt, Full Time

Subordinates: Human Services and Environmental Health Staff

II. ASSIGNED DUTIES & TASKS:

Position overview:

This position is responsible for developing, promoting, and delivering public health programs and services to Park County and the City of Livingston residents and visitors. The Director manages the daily operations of the Health Department and assures staff is supported to successfully achieve the Department’s vision, mission, and program objectives. Department administration requires understanding and addressing community health needs through outreach, planning, organization, direction, supervision, and coordination of Environmental Health and Public Health operations and staff. Director works closely with the Board of Health, the health officer, state and local health department team, public officials, local organizations and agencies, compliance agencies, other county employees and the general public.

All duties below are essential functions unless otherwise indicated. Duties of the position are not all inclusive and subject to change.

PUBLIC HEALTH DUTIES:

1. To develop goals, objectives, data, and measurements for the identification and evaluation of public health needs and services and provide continuous quality improvement.
2. To collaborate with community leaders and other public health and environmental professionals to discuss, identify and assess public health needs and issues.
3. To develop recommendations to enhance public health services and help identify and secure funding for such services.
4. To develop, monitor and administer department budget, grants, and fiscal contracts. 
5. To ensure Department staff meet grant or contractual project requirements.
6. To collect and analyze data and information pertaining to Department activities and finances and prepare and submit reports as requested by the County Commission, City of Livingston Commission/Manager, and Board of Health.
7. To engage with community groups, citizens, and members of the medical and public health community and others to discuss and promote Department policies, programs and services. Actively participate in community initiatives, serving as an advocate for public health and safety.
8. To ensure community compliance with applicable state and local health laws and regulations; monitor effectiveness and make recommendations for changes as justified.
9. To oversee the operation and services for environmental health in nuisance control, water and sewage, rodent and insect control, air pollution, water quality, lead poisoning prevention, radiation, licensed establishments, and housing.
10. To respond to concerns associated with Health Department programs and provide solutions when possible.
11. To plan, prepare, attend and serve as secretary to the Board of Health or designate a Health Department team member to support the Board of Health as outlined in Board of Health Bylaws.
12. In the event of an emergency, the Director may be asked to work under Incident Command, participate in Unified Command, or assume leadership as Incident Commander.
13. Willingness and ability to attend evening meetings, travel out of town and attend workshops, conference and meetings during work and non-work hours to meet the operational needs of the Department.

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. To hire, direct and supervise the work and performance of the Health Department staff.
2. To provide all Health Department staff opportunity for growth and development, through training and counsel, in their given fields.
3. To build, support and evaluate the operation and services of all public health nursing and Department programs.
4. To perform Health Department staff evaluations, and address discipline and termination actions when necessary.
5. Work with Director of Grants and Special Projects to develop and maintain systems and procedures for grant administration activities to include (but not necessarily limited to): To determine which grant opportunities to pursue and develop based on Health Department needs and strategies; To assist in project management related to grant application project goals and activities; To work with the Director of the Compliance Department to ensure state law and local regulations are followed; To assist in the administration of grant funds received to include preparation of requests for qualifications and/or proposals and project implementation; To prepare quarterly narrative and programmatic reporting and quarterly reimbursement requests; And to prepare grant closeout documentation which may include final narrative and programmatic reporting and final reimbursement requests.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED:

Performs other duties as assigned by the County Commission. This includes special projects and a variety of other functions as determined.

III. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Comprehensive knowledge of public health, environmental health, and human services program principles and practices.
• Proficiency in budget development, financial management, and grants administration.
• Expertise in short- and long-term program planning, development, and evaluation.
• Familiarity with local government policies, decision-making processes, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies, including planning, implementation, and monitoring.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, including team motivation and fostering a collaborative workplace culture.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to build and maintain effective working relationships across diverse groups and interests.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to effectively negotiate, influence, and address complex public health issues.
• Confidence and proficiency in public speaking, including presentations to community groups, government officials, and stakeholders.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Environmental Health, Business Administration, or a closely related field is required.
• Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH), Public Administration, or a closely related field is strongly preferred.
• A minimum of three years of professional experience in leading departmental staff, driving community health initiatives, or facilitating teams focused on public health priorities is highly desired.
• Proven ability to communicate complex information effectively to diverse audiences through public speaking and written communication.
• Advanced proficiency in personal computer software applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation tools.
• Flexibility to attend evening meetings, travel out of town, and participate in workshops, conferences, and other events during work and non-work hours to support departmental operations.

Certifications, Licenses, etc.

• Valid driver’s license. Must obtain a Montana driver’s license within 60 days of hire.
• Completion of emergency preparedness training certification within 120 days of hire.

IV. ACCOUNTABILITY

This position makes complex decisions regarding the public health team goals and objectives. Oversees the efficient and effective performance of the administrative and technical operations of the Department ranging in skill level from clerical to professionals. Work in conformance with generally prescribed policies, plans and approved budgets. The Department is also frequently asked to undertake, manage and complete a variety of special projects. While work is sometimes covered by established guidelines and policy manuals, more frequently this position is expected to provide leadership and accountability in projects of first impression and tasks for which there are no well-defined precedents and that require a high level of independent judgment and integrity.  Supervision is exercised over the work of all Health Department employees.

V. CONFIDENTIALITY

The position requires handling non-public confidential information. The person in the position acknowledges the confidential nature of non-public information. Consistent with applicable policy and guidelines, this position will respect and safeguard privacy and the confidential nature of information in accordance with Montana state law, without limiting the general nature of this commitment. The person in the position hereby acknowledges that the person understands that in this context, confidential information is considered all non-public information that can be personally associated with an individual.

If in the course of executing job responsibilities, the person in the position accidentally accesses information that others might consider inappropriate for this position to access, the person in the position will notify the person’s supervisors of the date and time of the access. If a question arises at a later time, it will be understood that the access was accidental. The person in the position will not disseminate any such information.

By signing this Position Description, the undersigned hereby acknowledges reading and understanding this section regarding confidentiality and agrees to abide by the terms and conditions set forth herein. Violation of confidentiality may warrant disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

VI. INDEPENDENCE OF ACTION

This position plans and carries out most assignments independently, and uses judgment and initiative to solve problems. Operates with appreciable latitude for independent action and decisions commensurate with demonstrated ability, scope of authority in matters requiring deviation from established policies and in matters having major impact or long-range effects on the department. Work objectives and priorities are defined in alliance with the Health Department mission statement and guidance from the Board of Health bylaws but extensive leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative.

VII. PERSONAL CONTACTS:

This position has contacts with the public, county and city personnel, elected officials, department heads, State, Federal and City Officials, Law Enforcement Agencies, and various community organizations. The person in this position interprets, clarifies or explains departmental information in order to be responsive to questions and inquiries.

VIII. WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work may be performed in both office and field environments, including responding to public health emergencies in conditions that may involve unpredictable terrain, weather, or other challenges. Employees must be able to perform the duties outlined below, which may occasionally require activities such as lifting, walking, and standing for extended periods. Reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to be fitted and wear a NIOSH 95 mask.
• Engage in the following movements: sitting, standing, often times for long periods, walking on all types of terrain, maintaining balance, climbing stairs and inclines, kneeling, bending, stooping, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, grasping, feeling, writing, repetitive motions, twisting, requires a sense of touch, finger dexterity, ability to grip with hands and fingers, to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
• Exert up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
• Hearing ability sufficient enough to communicate with others effectively in person and over the phone.
• Visual ability sufficient enough to accurately read typewritten documents and computer screens and safely drive a vehicle.

Work Environment:

• General office setting in the department facility, as well as various community sites.
• Work performed in the community is sometimes subject to conditions that range from inclement weather to dangerous conditions, such as snow/ice, cold, heat, noise, wetness/humidity, vibration, sudden temperature changes, and poor illumination at the job site or due to travel on the job. Travel to and from field locations may subject worker to increased risk of driving hazards. Community locations may subject worker to communicable diseases, insects and other disease vectors, toxins, hazardous materials, chemicals and animals.
• In all settings, the employee may occasionally need to relate to members of the public who exhibit challenging or atypical behaviors and/or communication.
• Employees will be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, masks, and eye protection, as necessary to mitigate risks.