Job Description

Posting number: 2026-00091

Department: Health & Human Services Agency

Division: HHSA - Public Health

Job classification: County Health Officer

Posting type: Open

Categories: Health Services

Summary

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Calaveras County is seeking a dedicated physician to serve as our full-time County Health Officer to help shape the health and well-being of our rural community. This important role calls for medical expertise, sound judgment, strong leadership, and a genuine commitment to protecting and improving the health of the entire community. This role is charged with protecting, preserving, and promoting community health while fulfilling all duties required under the California Health and Safety Code, Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations, and related state and federal laws. Often with limited resources, this role requires creative problem-solving, swift decision-making, and 24-hour availability.

While the role carries significant responsibility, it also offers a meaningful opportunity to make a lasting difference. Success depends not only on medical and public health expertise, but also on humility, collaboration, and a willingness to listen, learn, and work as part of a multidisciplinary team.

If you appreciate the unique strengths and challenges of rural communities and are passionate about helping every resident achieve better health, we invite you to bring your expertise, leadership, and commitment to our team. Apply today!

DEFINITION AND DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Under general direction of the Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA) Director (or designee), the Calaveras County Health Officer serves as the chief medical authority for the County. With over 170 distinct duties, this position is responsible for protecting, preserving, and promoting community health, enforcing public health laws, and providing leadership in the development and implementation of public health policy, consistent with the California Health and Safety Code §§101000–101030 and Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations. The Public Health Officer exercises statutory authority to take necessary actions to prevent disease, control health hazards, and respond to public health emergencies.

The Public Health Officer (County Health Officer) is a single-position executive classification designated under statutory authority to enforce public health laws, issue isolation and quarantine orders, and take immediate action to protect the public’s health. The Public Health Officer exercises autonomous medical and public health judgment while advising the Board of Supervisors and County leadership. The role is further distinguished by its broad scope of responsibility and operational involvement, often requiring direct oversight or participation in multiple program areas due to limited staffing and resources. The position integrates clinical expertise as a licensed physician with population health leadership and may include direct clinical consultation. The Public Health Officer serves as the lead authority during public health emergencies and also serves as the Medical Health Operational Area Coordinator (MHOAC), responsible for coordinating medical and health resources, mutual aid, and situational status reporting within the operational area in accordance with state emergency systems. The role also carries a high level of community visibility, acting as the primary public health spokesperson and maintaining close relationships with local providers, community organizations, and stakeholders in geographically dispersed Calaveras County. Distinguishing characteristics further include the need to operate effectively within resource-constrained environments, demonstrate innovation through regional collaboration, and address unique rural health challenges such as workforce shortages, transportation barriers, and limited access to healthcare. The incumbent is appointed by the Board of Supervisors.

Examples of duties

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Serve as the principal public health medical authority for the County, providing medical and leadership across all programs.
• Direct, coordinate, and evaluate public health medical-related programs including communicable disease control, environmental health, and emergency preparedness.
• Advise the Board of Supervisors, County Executive, and other officials on public health medical policy, emerging health threats, and regulatory compliance.
• Enforce state and local public health laws, ordinances, and regulations pursuant to Health and Safety Code §§101000–101030 (authority and enforcement powers).
• Investigate communicable diseases, outbreaks, and environmental health hazards in accordance with Title 17 reporting requirements.
• Assess and report on the health status of the community using epidemiological data and public health surveillance systems.
• Identify priority health issues and inform Community Health Improvement Plans (CHIPs).
• Promote disease prevention, health equity, and access to care across diverse populations throughout Calaveras County.
• Provide medical oversight for public health clinics, medical-based programs, and interventions (e.g., immunizations, TB control, STD programs).
• Serve as Registrar of Vital Statistics (birth and death records) as required by state law.
• Consult with healthcare providers, hospitals, and laboratories on disease prevention and control.
• Coordinate with emergency management agencies, healthcare systems, and regional partners.
• Serve in or oversee Medical Health Operational Area Coordinator (MHOAC) functions where applicable.
• Collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies.
• Work in close coordination and collaboration with the Director of Public Health.
• Participate in joint strategic planning to develop and implement public health policies and programs.
• Ensure alignment of goals, priorities, and actions across public health leadership.
• Share data, analysis, and relevant information to support informed decision-making.
• Seek and incorporate the Director’s input and expertise in carrying out duties.
• Support unified leadership and communication in addressing public health issues.
• Collaborate on responses to public health emergencies and critical incidents.

Advance statewide public health initiatives in partnership with the Director

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Title 17, California Code of Regulations
• Public health principles, practices, and systems, including disease prevention, health promotion, and population health management.
• California public health laws and regulations, including the California Health and Safety Code and relevant state and federal statutes including but not limited to: §§101000–101030 (powers and duties of health officers) .
• Epidemiology, biostatistics, and surveillance systems used to track and respond to health trends and outbreaks.
• Communicable and non-communicable diseases, including prevention, control, and mitigation strategies.
• Emergency preparedness and response frameworks, including incident command systems and disaster response protocols.
• Environmental health, including air and water quality, food safety, and hazardous materials.
• Health equity, social determinants of health, and strategies to address disparities in diverse populations.
• Healthcare systems, including public and private delivery systems, financing, and access to care in California.
• Behavioral health, including mental health and substance use disorders, and their intersection with public health.
• Data governance, data sharing requirements, and public health informatics systems.
• Policy development processes at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Community engagement strategies and culturally competent public health practices.
• Ethical principles in public health practice, including privacy, confidentiality, and informed consent.
• Current and emerging public health threats, trends, and innovations at the state, national, and global levels.

Skill and Ability to:

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for public health programs and initiatives.
• Collaborate effectively with the Director of Public Health, government agencies, healthcare providers, and community partners.
• Interpret and apply public health laws, regulations, and policies, including the California Health and Safety Code and Title 17, CCR.
• Analyze and interpret epidemiological data, surveillance reports, and scientific evidence to inform decision-making.
• Assess and respond rapidly to public health emergencies, including disease outbreaks and natural disasters.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate public health policies and programs.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with diverse audiences, including policymakers, stakeholders, media, and the public.
• Provide risk communication and public messaging during crises and high-visibility events.
• Promote health equity and address social determinants of health in policy and program development.
• Build and maintain partnerships across local, state, federal, and community-based organizations.
• Make sound, timely decisions in high-pressure and rapidly changing environments.
• Ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements, including privacy and confidentiality standards.
• Oversee data governance, data sharing, and use of public health informatics systems.
• Identify emerging public health threats and adapt strategies accordingly.
• Advocate for rural public health priorities and resources at the state and local levels.

Be available for after hours responses and available 24/7.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Possession of a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited medical school.
• Possession of a valid and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the State of California, issued by the Medical Board of California.
• Completion of an accredited residency training program in a relevant specialty (e.g., Preventive Medicine, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, or Emergency Medicine).

Desirable Qualifications:

• Master of Public Health (MPH) or equivalent graduate degree in public health or a closely related field.
• Board certification in Preventive Medicine or another relevant medical specialty.
• Completion of a Preventive Medicine residency program or equivalent public health training.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.

Supplemental information

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid California Class C driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
• Must maintain a valid and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the State of California throughout employment.
• Must be available to respond to public health emergencies outside of normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be able to travel within the jurisdiction and throughout the state as needed.
• Must successfully pass a background check and meet all applicable employment eligibility requirements.
• Must complete emergency preparedness training and maintain readiness
• Must comply with all applicable public health, safety, and confidentiality laws and policies.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

This class description lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Not all duties are necessarily performed by each incumbent. Incumbents may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.