Job Description

Posting number: 39525

Department: Houston Health Department

Job classification: ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (EXECUTIVE LEVEL)

Posting type: Open

Categories: Public Health, Management, Health Sciences, Medical

Summary

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: CURRENT HOUSTON HEALTH DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES ONLY

DIVISION: REGULATORY SERVICES

REPORTING LOCATION: 8000 N. STADIUM

WORKDAYS & HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM - 5PM

ABOUT HOUSTON HEALTH DEPARTMENT – REGULATORY SERVICES

The Regulatory Services Division protects and improves community health through regulatory oversight and consumer health protection. The division is responsible for programs that ensure compliance with public health regulations, safeguard consumers, support disease prevention efforts, and promote safe environments throughout the community.

The division oversees regulatory programs, including food safety, swimming pool safety, ambulance permitting, and special waste/Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) permitting and compliance. Through regulatory oversight, education, inspection, permitting, and enforcement activities, the division works to reduce public health risks and ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Houston Health Department is seeking an experienced and strategic public health executive to serve as Assistant Director of the Regulatory Services Division. This executive-level position provides leadership and oversight for regulatory programs that support community safety, disease prevention, and public health readiness. The Assistant Director provides strategic direction for regulatory programs while ensuring alignment with departmental priorities, public health accreditation standards, and applicable local, state, and federal requirements.

Essential Duties

• Provide executive oversight of programs that protect public health, including food safety, aquatic facilities, pollution control and prevention, ambulance permitting, and special waste/Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) compliance programs.
• Evaluate and advance policies, regulations, ordinances, and operational standards to strengthen public health protections, ensure regulatory compliance, and improve program effectiveness.
• Establish performance expectations and utilize data, quality improvement methodologies, accreditation standards, and performance management systems to improve operational outcomes and regulatory effectiveness.
• Provide strategic leadership for pollution control and prevention activities designed to identify, prevent, reduce, and mitigate environmental conditions that may adversely affect public health.
• Facilitate a “no wrong door” approach to services and support, ensuring customers receive assistance, information, or appropriate referrals regardless of which office or program they contact first.
• Develop organizational capacity through workforce planning, succession planning, coaching, professional development, and performance management of bureau leaders and division staff.
• Represent the department with executive leadership, regulatory agencies, elected officials, community partners, auditors, funding organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Oversee division budgets, grants, contracts, and funding sources while ensuring fiscal responsibility, compliance, and long-term sustainability.
• Develop and implement strategic priorities, operational plans, policies, procedures, and performance measures aligned with department goals and regulatory requirements.
• Advise executive leadership on regulatory issues, emerging public health risks, program performance, compliance concerns, and opportunities for improvement.
• Evaluate and recommend updates to policies, ordinances, regulations, and operational standards that strengthen public health protections and enhance regulatory effectiveness.
• Promote collaboration across departmental divisions and external partners to address emerging public health risks, improve regulatory processes, and advance community health outcomes.
• Serve in leadership roles during public health emergencies and Incident Command System activations, which may require extended hours, emergency assignments, and non-traditional schedules.
• Oversee additional programs and functions as assigned based on departmental priorities and evolving community needs, ensuring the division remains responsive and positioned to effectively serve the community.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort in a normal office environment.

Examples of duties

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Seven years of administrative experience are required, with at least three of those years in a managerial capacity.

A Master's degree may be substituted for two years of experience.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

None

Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates who have the following:

• Master's degree in Public Health (MPH), Health Administration (MHA), Public Administration (MPA), Nursing, Social Work (MSW), Nutrition, Business Administration (MBA), or a related field.
• Experience providing executive leadership for public health programs, regulatory services, or complex governmental operations.
• Experience overseeing environmental health programs such as food safety, swimming pool safety, Special Waste, pollution control, or other public health infrastructure programs.
• Experience with laboratory accreditation, quality systems, regulatory compliance, or public health standards.
• Experience developing and implementing policies, regulations, ordinances, and operational standards.
• Experience managing complex budgets, grants, contracts, and multiple funding sources.
• Experience leading organizational change, workforce development, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience collaborating with regulatory agencies, industry organizations, community partners, and government stakeholders.

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**

Supplemental information

SELECTION / SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED

Department may administer skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION No

If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

PAY GRADE: 32

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call (832-393-0453).

If you need special services or accommodations, call (832-393-0453). (TTY 7-1-1)

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.