County Health Officer - Mendocino County Public Health
$185,224 - $225,139 DOE/DOQ
The County of Mendocino is seeking an innovative and community-oriented County Health Officer (CHO) to serve as the county’s chief public health strategist, developing and implementing health policy, overseeing public health preparedness efforts, and ensuring community health initiatives meet the needs of all residents. Working closely with local tribal health organizations, community clinics, and other critical partners, the CHO will foster a cohesive healthcare system that supports a diverse population. Their role will encompass medical oversight of programs for communicable disease control, environmental health, and maternal and child health.
Under the direction of the Health Services Director, the County Health Officer ensures enforcement of California statutes, regulations, and local ordinances pertaining to the protection of public health; oversees public health programs as pre-scribed by the California Department of Public Health; advises the Board of Supervisors and Health Services Director concerning community health issues; assesses and reports on the County’s health status; and, provides leadership in developing health policy for the County and the community. As a key member of the department’s executive team, the CHO will advise the Board of Supervisors, and work closely with the Director of Nursing, the Disaster Services Nurse in charge of emergency preparedness, and two supporting Deputy Health Officers—who specialize in communicable disease and children’s services, respectively. The CHO will supervise health education initiatives, collaborate with healthcare providers, and ensure the delivery of quality health services, including for juvenile hall. The CHO will also work closely with local agencies, other County departments, and participate on state and national health boards and committees.
Candidates must possess a Doctor of Medicine degree or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree issued by an accredited medical school in good standing; and, possession a valid California Physician license and current board certification in a recognized field of medicine. (A valid Physician’s and Surgeon’s license issued by the State of California either through the Board of Medical Quality Assurance or the Board of Osteopathic Examiners to practice medicine in the State of California). A Master’s degree in Public Health or completion of a preventive medicine residency is desirable.
Candidates should have at least six (6) years of professional experience in a public health setting, including one (1) year of administrative and supervisory responsibility.
Candidates are required to possess a valid Driver’s License.
Candidates shall not have an ownership interest in any corporation, partnership, or other entity engaged in any private practice of medicine, nor engage in any private practice of medical service.
Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that displays the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the functions of this position may be considered.
Mendocino County is a general law County, governed by a five-member Board of
Supervisors who serve as the legislative and executive body of County government and
many special districts. The Board members are elected by their respective districts and
together enact legislation governing the County and determine overall policies for
County departments and various special districts. The Board appoints the Chief
Executive Officer who is responsible for the day-to-day administration of County affairs.
The County is divided into seven functional areas that represent general categories of
service to the County’s community: General Government, Public Protection, Public
Ways & Facilities, Health & Sanitation, Public Assistance, Education, and Recreation &
Culture. These areas are composed of 19 separate departments. Four departments are
directed by officials elected by residents to serve a four-year term, and include: Assessor-Clerk-Recorder, AuditorController/Treasurer-Tax Collector, District Attorney, and Sheriff-Coroner. Five officials are appointed by the Chief Executive
Officer, which include the Human Resources Director, Planning and Building Services Director, Health Servi...ces Director,
Social Services Director, and Transportation Director. The remaining officials are appointed either by the Board or other
agencies as outlined in state law.
As an employer, the County of Mendocino had an average of 1,100 FTEs during the FY 2023-24, and an adopted budget
of $416,118,848 during FY 2023-24. With competitive salaries, benefits, and a favorable work environment as expressed by
county employees, this is a great place to work, live, and raise a family. The county greatly values the contributions of its
employees and their commitment to public service and the quality of life in Mendocino. Our vision is to be the employer of
choice in Mendocino County by providing a workplace that attracts and retains talented and passionate employees to
serve our community.
The County of Mendocino covers nearly two and half million acres of land (more than 3,800 square miles). It is a
picturesque and bucolic rural county along California’s north coast. Just two hours drive from the Golden Gate, the county
boasts beautiful fertile inland valleys, Pacific coastline, and rugged mountain peaks. The county’s 91,000 residents enjoy
small town life, local cultural events, theatre companies, and abundant outdoor recreational activities. Quaint historic
villages are found along the scenic coastline, home to many inns, art galleries, boutiques and restaurants. The northern
part of the county draws outdoor enthusiasts eager for adventure in hiking, canoeing, fishing and more. The inland area is best known as wine country, producing some of the finest California wines from a unique terroir. Mendocino County’s economy is grounded in agriculture and timber, as well as tourism and a growing retail and service center. Weather in the county is generally mild. Fog and sea breezes usually keep the coastal areas cool, while inland temperatures can reach the high 90’s during the summer months. With 90+ miles of coastline, Mendocino County has a beach for everyone. We are home to the southernmost reaches of the Pacific temperate rainforest ecoregion and to the Mendocino National Forest, with recreational opportunities accessible to all. The county seat is Ukiah with a population of approximately 16,700 residents.
The County of Mendocino Mission: To create and maintain a responsive and responsible government that enhances the quality of life of the people of Mendocino County. The County’s mission is to deliver services that meet the public safety, health, social, cultural, education, transportation, economic, and environmental needs of our communities.
