Public Health Director

The Town of Nantucket, Massachusetts has an immediate opening for the position of Public Health Director. 

The island of Nantucket is located approximately 30 miles south of Cape Cod, with an approximate year-round population of 14,500 and a seasonal population that can exceed 50,000. Although well-known as a summer destination spot, Nantucket has numerous boutiques and shops, restaurants, a vibrant year-round community, including a K-12 public school system, plus two small private schools, a hospital, its own airport and a pier facility on the waterfront. Residents and visitors enjoy its windswept beaches, sand dunes, historic character, lighthouses and a charming pace of life. Nantucket is 14 miles in length and 3.5 miles wide and includes the small islands of Tuckernuck and Muskeget. Once the world’s foremost whaling port, the Island is now designated a National Historic Landmark. Nantucket is brimming with seaside cottages, old whaling captains' mansions, historic harbors and large tracts of scenic open space. 

Appointed by the Town Manager, the Public Health Director assists with the coordination and administration of the divisions of the Department that handle a diversity of functions related to the physical well-being of residents and visitors. The Director acts as the Board of Health liaison, supervises department staff, disseminates public health regulations to the community, and oversees inspections and enforcement of local and state public health laws. The Director is responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, and staffing all activities within the department and ensuring that all staff are appropriately trained. 

The Department is funded for staff of fourteen (14), including positions of (4) Public Health Inspectors, Human Services Director, Community Health Clinical Administrator, Environmental Contamination Administrator, Chief Health Officer, Veterans Agent and Administrative Support Staff. 

RECOMMENDED QUALIFICATIONS 

A degree in biology, sanitation, public health, environmental health or related sciences with a minimum of three years’ experience in a position requiring administrative management responsibility in public health or related field preferred; or any equivalent combination of experience and education in a related background will be considered. 

Salary and Benefits: 

Salary range of $125,400 - $172,400, commensurate with qualifications. The Town of Nantucket offers a retirement pension through Barnstable County Retirement, 90% employer-sponsored health insurance plan options, and a diverse selection of supplemental insurance policies. The Town of Nantucket is actively working to secure housing for this position.

 Please attach a cover letter and resume. The application deadline is 4:00 pm on March 31, 2024.

The town of Nantucket is an equal opportunity employer, qualified minority candidates are encouraged to apply.  

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STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Appointed by the Town Manager. The Health Director performs and oversees a wide variety of functions related to the physical well-being of residents and visitors. The Health Director is responsible for enforcement of the state sanitary code, Massachusetts public health laws and local rules and regulations; and, promulgating pertinent regulations related to public health. The Health Director acts as the Board of Health’s day-to-day representative and principal staff person and assumes an active role in addressing problems and situations falling under the Board’s jurisdiction.

SUPERVISION REQUIRED: Works under the supervision of the Town Manager or his/her designee.  Performs a variety of duties requiring the exercise of independent and objective judgment.   Works frequently on own initiative to handle areas of responsibility and assigned tasks in a professional manner.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: The employee is responsible for the direct supervision of all support staff of the department.  Supervisory responsibilities include training, scheduling, disciplinary actions, payroll, budget oversight, and performance evaluation of direct reports.

CONFIDENTIALITY:  The employee has regular access to confidential information such as department records, collective bargaining documents, and executive session strategies that are obtained during performance of regular position responsibilities in accordance with the State Public Records Law.

ACCOUNTABILITY: Consequences of errors, missed deadlines or poor judgment may include adverse public relations, legal repercussions, and fines where applicable or even endangering public health. The Health Director is considered an essential services employee and is required to maintain or protect the health, safety or physical well-being of the Town given the conditions of the declared emergency.

JUDGEMENT: Numerous standardized practices, procedures or general instructions govern the work performed and in some cases may require additional interpretation.  Independent judgment is needed to facilitate exceptional customer service with the general public and maintain confidentiality.

COMPLEXITY: The work consists of the practical application of a variety of concepts, practices and specialized techniques relating to a professional or technical field. Assignments typically involve evaluation and interpretation of factors, conditions or unusual circumstances; inspecting, testing or evaluating compliance with established standards or criteria; gathering, analyzing and evaluating facts or data using specialized fact finding techniques; or determining the methods to accomplish the work as well as presenting information to the public.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Normally works under standard office practices, policies and conditions. Work environment is frequently hectic and disruptive. Interruptions in work are frequent. Work may involve outdoor exposure to varying weather conditions. The work day may frequently be greater than eight (8) hours. Some exposure to various types of chemicals related to public health needs may occur. Potential exposure to communicable diseases may exist. The standard workweek shall be 40 paid hours per week (Monday – Friday).  Daily schedule may vary to accommodate department operations.   Work outside of the standard workweek and outside of the typical daily schedule may be necessary to accommodate emergency or other atypical situations.

NATURE AND PURPOSE OF PUBLIC CONTACT: Relationships with co-workers and the public involving frequent explanation, discussion or interpretation of practices, procedures, regulations or guidelines in order to render service, plan or coordinate work efforts, or resolve operating problems. Other regular contacts are with service recipients. More than ordinary courtesy, tact, and diplomacy may be required to respond to requests for information or to deal with uncooperative or uninformed persons.

OCCUPATIONAL RISK: Essential functions regularly present potential risk of injury to the employee that could result in loss of time from work. Special safety precautions, training and protective clothing such as gowns, coats, gloves, glasses, hard hats, or safety boots is required.

• Responsible for enforcement of the state sanitary codes, the state and local public health regulations and other rules and regulations relative thereto. Acts as Sealer of Weights and Measures and Municipal Right-to-Know Officer as stipulated by Massachusetts General Laws.
• Ensures compliance with all laws which the Health Department and its staff have the authority to enforce. Maintains a professional inspectional organizational structure within the Health Department. Maintains expertise in related phases of licensing and latest developments in environmental and public health matters.
• Oversees and ensures that site inspections are properly conducted for conformance with regulations and the issuance of permits for a variety of establishments and facilities, including but not limited to restaurants, motels, inns, hotels, retail and wholesale food stores, food handling and processing establishments, retail businesses, toxic and hazardous waste sites, swimming pools, fuel and chemical storage systems. May witness soil and percolation tests to determine suitability for sewage disposal systems. May inspect installation and repair of septic systems. Approves/disapproves design and siting of proposed new, repair or replacement septic systems. Works with installers and engineers to ensure that sewage disposal systems conform to requirements and function properly. Performs and contracts for various tests related to air and water quality as necessary or required.
• Develops and provides public health and related resources for the public. Assists the public and other town and non-town departments and agencies concerning matters related to public health, sanitation and other matters handled by the Health Department. Conducts and/or contracts for training programs for food handlers as needed or required. Reviews water quality analysis results to evaluate safe and potable water.
• Conducts and oversees investigations of violations of state and local health regulations. Responds to complaints related to trash, septage, hazardous waste, potential public health infractions or threats to public health. Conducts and oversees investigations of alleged nuisances and initiates corrective measures to eliminate unsanitary living conditions. Assists with preparation of legal cases as directed. Must interpret and enforce laws and regulations firmly and impartially.
• Prepares reports and other documents in reference to appeals and other matters before state and local public health agencies. Attends Board of Health meetings and provides recommendations for the Board of Health on a variety of matters including but not limited to variance requests, subdivision applications and public health issues. Reviews subdivision plans prior to Planning Board review. Drafts regulations, warrant articles, policies and bylaws as requested for Board of Health or Town Administration consideration. Oversees public health and environmental programs, plans or preparation of reports as directed by Town Administration.
• Interacts with other town departments on public and environmental health concerns. Assists in the planning, development and implementation of all departmental projects and systems, and works cooperatively with all town departments.
• Acts as liaison between the private health care community, Board of Health and general public, as needed. Serves on various committees at the pleasure of the Town Manager.
• Supervises and delegates responsibilities to the Assistant Public & Environmental Health Officer and Public Health Inspector, and evaluates their performance.
• Develops and oversees all administrative functions of the Health Department, including but not limited to budget preparation and management; payment of invoices; maintenance of records; preparation of annual report; ensuring compilation, completion and maintenance of necessary records, reports and documentation; develops plans, procedures and programs in response to new laws and regulations and directives from Town Administration.
• Participates in senior management meetings and strategy sessions such as Cabinet meetings and Executive Sessions, when appropriate and permitted, to be kept informed of important issues that must be communicated to the public and/or Town departments.
• Performs other related duties as may be assigned or required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:  Bachelor’s degree in biology, sanitary, environmental health or related sciences with a minimum of three years experience in a position requiring administrative responsibility in public health or related field. Master’s Degree in Public Health or related field and at least two years experience in Public Health or related program, desired.  

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:  The employee must have a valid Driver’s License. Within a date to be determined, the following licenses and certifications should be obtained: Certified Health Officer, Septic Inspector, Soil Evaluator, and Title 5.  Supplemental certifications include: Serve Safe, Registered Sanitarian and Certified Pool Operator.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS: 

Knowledge: Thorough working knowledge of state and local bylaws, rules and regulations pertaining to public health and sanitation matters necessary. Familiarity with water quality testing and other types of testing important. Knowledge of laboratory practices, test techniques, equipment and terminology of sanitation, bacteriological and chemical analysis necessary. Working knowledge of principles and practices of subsurface disposal system design and installation required. Must have knowledge of environmental and public health principles, practices, procedures and techniques as well as knowledge of investigatory methods to discern potential health problems and issues. Familiarity with general management principles and practices needed.

Ability: Must have ability to work and communicate pleasantly and effectively with the public and other town departments under a variety of working conditions. Must have ability to explain and accurately interpret state and local laws, codes and regulations relating to public and environmental health to others.

Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills necessary. Good public speaking ability necessary. Must be able to review, analyze and interpret complex plans and blueprints. General office equipment (computer, tablet, telephone, copier/printer/fax/scanner), motor vehicle.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Standing, sitting, walking, lifting and/or driving may be frequent during the work day. Must be able to traverse varied topographical terrain to conduct various inspections. Must have sufficient manual dexterity and physical flexibility to bend and reach to complete basic office tasks and maneuver blueprints and other plans. Lifting and carrying objects of varying weights may be frequent. 

MOTOR SKILLS: Must have sufficient manual dexterity to perform duties associated with, but not limited to collecting water samples, using a thermometer, tape measure and performing other tests related to the duties of the Health Department.

VISUAL DEMANDS: The employee is constantly required to read documents and reports for understanding and routinely for analytical purposes. The employee is required to determine color differences.

Salary : $125,400 - $172,400