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Health Department Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Public Health Nurse

Westmoreland, KS · On-site

$26.24 - $43.73/hr

Pottawatomie County Health Department will pay the employee's yearly nursing license renewal fee and will pay for CEUs associated with the renewal. Pottawatomie County offers a yearly $150 clothing ...

Public Health Nurse

Westmoreland, KS · On-site

$26.24 - $43.73/hr

Pottawatomie County Health Department will pay the employee's yearly nursing license renewal fee and will pay for CEUs associated with the renewal. Pottawatomie County offers a yearly $150 clothing ...

Manages internal wellness program; serves as a liaison between the Business Health department and various other departments within Prisma Health; research and evaluates policies and procedures ...

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Health Department information

See salary details

$66.5K

$102.7K

$155K

How much do health department jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for health department in the United States is $102,706.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $135,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does the Health Department do?

The Health Department is a government agency responsible for protecting and promoting public health within a community. Its duties typically include monitoring and controlling disease outbreaks, ensuring food and water safety, providing immunizations, health education, and offering various community health services. The department also enforces health regulations, inspects public facilities, and responds to public health emergencies. By maintaining these programs, the Health Department helps to improve the overall health and well-being of the population it serves.

What are some common challenges faced when working in a Health Department, and how can new employees best prepare for them?

Working in a Health Department often involves adapting to rapidly changing public health priorities, responding to emerging health crises, and collaborating with diverse community stakeholders. New employees may find it challenging to navigate complex regulations and balance multiple projects with tight deadlines. To prepare, it's helpful to familiarize yourself with local public health policies, strengthen your communication and teamwork skills, and seek mentorship from experienced colleagues. Staying organized and proactive in learning about the community’s health needs will also help you succeed in this dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Health Department vs Public Health Nurse?

AspectHealth DepartmentPublic Health Nurse
CredentialsVaries; often includes public health certificationsRN license; public health certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, clinics, community centersCommunity settings, clinics, schools, public health programs
Employer & IndustryLocal, state, or federal health agenciesPublic health departments, clinics, nonprofit organizations
Common Search/ComparisonPublic health roles, health department jobsPublic health nursing, community health nursing

The main difference is that the Health Department is an organization or agency providing public health services, while a Public Health Nurse is a specific role within that sector, focusing on community health, education, and disease prevention. Public Health Nurses work directly with communities, whereas the Health Department oversees and manages various public health programs and policies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Health Department role, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Health Department role, you generally need a background in public health, epidemiology, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with data analysis tools, public health information systems, and regulatory compliance platforms is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills help professionals collaborate with diverse stakeholders and respond effectively to public health issues. These skills are crucial for ensuring effective public health initiatives, safeguarding community health, and complying with health regulations.

What Are Health Department Jobs?

Health department jobs come in two major forms. The first focuses on public safety, where you may inspect facilities to ensure they comply with local, state, and federal regulations. Public safety workers issue permits, ensure the security of dangerous areas, provide coordination of emergency services, and otherwise work to protect the public health. Larger companies also have individual health departments, which are responsible for ensuring the overall health and safety of employees. Workplace health departments offer benefits and services while ensuring that relevant legislation—including, most frequently, OSHA guidelines—are followed at all times. Workplace health departments frequently coordinate with public health departments during inspections.

What cities are hiring for Health Department jobs? Cities with the most Health Department job openings:
What states have the most Health Department jobs? States with the most job openings for Health Department jobs include:
Infographic showing various Health Department job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,706 per year, or $49.4 per hour.

$20.30 - $25.24/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 hours ago


Job description

Urgent and Continuous Job Opening: We are actively seeking qualified candidates to fill this crucial position.

Pay Grade:

Grade 17

Salary:

$20.30 - $25.24 Hourly

Time Type:

Full time

Health Department:

Green River District Health Department

Summary:

Provides entry-level nursing functions and services to individuals and families under close supervision in a clinic or community setting, focusing on the prevention of illness, injury or disability, the promotion of health and maintenance of the health of populations.If you have any questions or would like any more information about this job posting please contact Amy Douglas at amy.douglas@grdhd.org.

Description:

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASSCHARACTERISTICS OF A CLASS: ARE GENERAL STATEMENTS INDICATING THE LEVEL OF RESPONSIBILITY AND DISCRETION OF POSITIONS IN THAT JOB CLASSIFICATION.
  • Provides entry-level nursing functions and services to individuals and families under close supervision in a clinic or community setting, focusing on the prevention of illness, injury or disability, the promotion of health and maintenance of the health of populations. The nurse in this classification would receive job specific training in the requirements and scope of practice of the various assigned health department programs and services.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS ARE COMPREHENSIVE STATEMENTS OF THE MINIMUM BACKGROUND AS TO EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS WHICH WILL BE REQUIRED IN ALL CASES AS EVIDENCE OF AN APPOINTEE'S ABILITY TO PERFORM THE WORK PROPERLY.EDUCATION:
  • (See Special Requirements)

EXPERIENCE:
  • (None

SUBSTITUTION CLAUSE EDUCATION:
  • (N/A)

EXPERIENCE:
  • (N/A)

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.)
  • Must have RN license in Kentucky or compact state or provisional license in Kentucky, meeting all requirements of KRS 314.041 and approval to practice as Registered Nurse Applicant (RNA).

POST EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS: EMPLOYEES IN THIS CLASS WILL BE REQUIRED TO OBTAIN CREDENTIALS OUTLINED BELOW WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, OR IF EMPLOYEES POSSESS SUCH CREDENTIALS AT THE TIME OF HIRE THEY WILL BE REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN THOSE CREDENTIALS SO LONG AS THEY ARE EMPLOYED IN THIS CAPACITY.
  • Must maintain current RN licensure in Kentucky or compact state. Must complete required annual updates.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES OR RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CLASSIFICATION: EXAMPLES OF DUTIES OR RESPONSIBILITIES ARE NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS DESCRIBING WHAT THE DUTIES OR RESPONSIBILITIES OF ANY POSITION SHALL BE AND ARE NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS LIMITING THE APPOINTING AUTHORITY'S ABILITY TO ADD TO, OR OTHERWISE ALTER THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A POSITION.
  • Conducts nursing assessments and assists with community assessments and epidemiological investigations, as appropriate, using CCSG service guidelines; develops and implements a plan of care based upon identified health risks; provides basic nursing care to the client consistent with the Core Clinical Service Guide, Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice, established policies, procedures and licensing laws; documents services provided to the client according to standards of the CCSG and Administrative Reference (AR); maintains confidentiality and privacy according to guidelines; develops and conducts educational counseling and teaching activities for individual clients and families, and communities. Provides or assists in providing a variety of nursing services to particular at-risk or high-risk populations or populations with limited access to care.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS AND UNIQUE PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: INCUMBENTS IN THIS CLASSIFICATION WILL TYPICALLY PERFORM THEIR PRIMARY JOB DUTIES UNDER THESE CONDITIONS. THESE CONDITIONS MAY CHANGE ON OCCASION IN PERFORMING THE DUTIES OF AN INDIVIDUAL POSITION.
  • Work is spent primarily inside the clinic or community setting.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • May be required to submit to a drug screening test and background check according to the agency's policies.

DATE CLASS ESTABLISHED: 07-01-2007DATE OF LAST REVISION: 10-03-2022

THE LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS DO NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX, AGE, DISABILITY, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, ANCESTRY OR VETERAN STATUS. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS ARE PROVIDED UPON REQUEST.

Probationary Period:

This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D