Director of Public Health (PDF)

Town of Lexington
United States, Massachusetts, Lexington
1625 Massachusetts Avenue (Show on map)
May 16, 2025
We are currently accepting applications for the Full Time position of: Public Health Director Department of Land Use, Health and Development Starting Salary Range $105,055 - $118,734 Excellent Benefits Package The REQUIRED Town of Lexington application form https://lexingtonma.seamlessdocs.com/f/employmentapplication, A cover letter and resume must be received in the Town's Human Resource Department. **Priority will be given to applications received by May 30, 2025** GENERAL PURPOSE Responsible for developing, managing and accessing comprehensive Environmental Health, Community Health and Public Health Emergency Preparedness programs for the Town of Lexington and overseeing statutory and regulatory functions of the local public health office. Informs and advises the Lexington Board of Health, the Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager for Development and other municipal entities on Public Health related issues and needs. SUPERVISION RECEIVED Works under the general direction of the Assistant Town Manager for Development to implement policy directives of the appointed Board of Health. SUPERVISION EXERCISED Supervises full-time-equivalent employees in such position titles as Health Agent, and Public Health Nurse. Also supervises vendors for Medical Waste Disposal, Household Hazardous Waste events, Food Consultants, Biohazard Clean up contractors; supervises Lexington MRC volunteers for public flu vaccination clinics, emergency preparedness drills and sheltering operations and also supervises contract nurses hired to supplement MRC volunteers. May supervise additional temporary staff during Public Health emergencies. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Manages the Office of Public Health, (which is part of a Land Use Health and Development team), to include the implementation of health programs to prevent communicable disease, protect residents from disease threats, and promote wellness in the community. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Town of Lexington 24/7 availability to respond to after hour incidents that require immediate attention such as public health emergencies, hoarding situations, and utility disruptions for both citizens and those businesses which are regulated by the Office of Public Health. Supports Animal Control Officer based in the Police Department for disease threats such as suspect rabid animal sample testing and duties related to that MDAR Animal Inspector requirements. Monitors East Middlesex Mosquito Control efforts in town. Acts as the official keeper of records for the Office of Public Health. Participates in EOC operations as required by the town Emergency Manager. Develops and monitors annual Office of Public Health operating budget and creates program improvement plans when necessary. Administers policy and enforce State Sanitary Code, Local Board of Health Regulations, monitors staff work methods and sets procedures. Oversees Board of Health regulatory mandates, priorities and initiatives. Oversees compliance with respective statutes, regulations and policies and, with the Board of Health, carries out enforcement. Resolves problems concerning licensure and public health issues. May make complaints of violations of any law or bylaw relative to the public health in courts having jurisdiction therein. Makes recommendations to Board of Health in order to deliver public health services that protect, preserve and improve the public health and the environment. Recommends policy changes. Prepares material for review by the Board of Health. Conducts research. Prepares agenda and provides documentation for Board of Health meetings. Attends Board of Health meetings and relevant hearings. Acts as a liaison to other Town departments, State and local service and emergency agencies, medical care providers, school health officials and the community. Prepares and conducts presentations with respect to public health issues and programs. Assesses community public health needs to determine program development and requirements for additional resources, and develops recommendations for improvements in procedures and methods. Identifies and applies for non-Town funding for programs. Researches grant opportunities to help achieve the goals of the Board of Health and Office of Public Health. Investigates concerns relating to environmental incidents, emergency response support in relation to spills and accidents; also approves plans for the abatement of asbestos hazards. Interacts with the Board of Health, the general public, businesses, community groups and individuals to provide consultation and guidance on a broad range of health, safety and environmental issues. Interprets and applies appropriate Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations. May be required to assist with permitting during times of high permitting activity. Responsible for the implementation and continuous improvement of online Health permitting and inspections to reduce reliance on paper and manual workflows. SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES Maintains cooperative relationships with neighboring communities. Purchases supplies. Oversees grant administration. Attends or participates in a variety of committees, conferences and meetings. QUALIFICATIONS Experience and Training Guidelines Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Biology or Chemistry, and three to five (3-5) years of experience in public health or environmental health administration; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Special Requirements: Registered Environmental Health Specialist / Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) preferred. Knowledge of: Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a comprehensive public and environmental health program. Principles and practices of emergency management; program, policy and operational needs analysis; health education; program development and administration; research, program analysis and report preparation; and record keeping. Environmental and public health issues. Current inspection and control procedures. Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment (including online permitting and inspections software, preferably ViewPoint Cloud). English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation. General mathematical principles. Federal, state and local public health, sanitary, and environmental laws, codes and regulations. Ability to: Plan and organize various public and environmental health programs and activities. Prepare and manage a budget. Work independently; respond effectively to changing project circumstances. Perform site inspections and work with inspection personnel. Evaluate scientific and legal reports. Evaluate and monitor community and environmental health projects. Effectively communicate public health issues and risks to the public, the media, and to other stakeholders both orally and in writing; interpret and explain department policies and procedures and respond effectively to customers. Supervise staff and manage their workload. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Interpret and enforce Federal, State and local policies, laws and regulations firmly, tactfully, and impartially. Effectively handle a work environment and conditions which involve: - working closely with others - working with community groups - working with the general public Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for: - making observations - communicating with others - reading and writing - monitoring programs and activities - operating assigned equipment Maintain mental capacity which permits: - making sound decisions and using good judgment - demonstrating intellectual capabilities - evaluating the effectiveness of programs - prioritizing and assigning work activities TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED Personal computer (including word processing, spreadsheet and database software) and general office equipment (e.g. telephone, copier, facsimile); electronic and precision tools and equipment (e.g. thermometers, meters, test strips, water testing kits). PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands listed are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, smell, sit, stand, walk, bend or stoop, reach, push or pull, drive a motor vehicle, and apply significant manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination. The employee routinely lifts and carries up to fifty (50) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that the employee encounters while performing the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. Work is primarily performed in office settings. At inspection sites or while responding to emergencies, the employee may be exposed to weather extremes, loud noise, hazardous waste, moving mechanical parts, confined and cramped quarters, and unsanitary conditions. The Town of Lexington has a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and we are actively seeking candidates who bring new voices and lived experiences to our organization. The Town of Lexington is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status or disability. *External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case by case basis. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. APPLICATION PROCESS All applicants are required to complete a Town application form https://lexingtonma.seamlessdocs.com/f/employmentapplication Resumes may be attached to the application form as additional information, but cannot serve as a substitute for completing the required application form. After the deadline all applications will be reviewed and the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to one or more interviews. All applicants will be notified of their standing in the process as soon as a decision has been made regarding their individual application. Individuals who need accommodations in order to participate in this process should contact the Human Resources Department Questions regarding this hiring process should be addressed to: Human Resources Department, Town of Lexington, Email: jobs@lexingtonma.gov, Phone # (781) 698-4590 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420