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Public Health Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Public Health Nursing Position Under general supervision performs public health nursing duties through participation in community outreach and public health clinical services. Essential Duties ...

RN - Public Health

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$26.34 - $39.52/hr

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Join Our Team as a Public Health Nurse! Help improve the health of local communities through education, outreach, and public health initiatives. This position ...

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Public Health information

See Iowa salary details

$34.8K

$74.8K

$119.8K

How much do public health jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for public health in Iowa is $74,819.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,800.00 and $83,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is public health?

Public health is the science and practice of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. It involves promoting healthy lifestyles, researching disease and injury prevention, and detecting, preventing, and responding to infectious diseases. Public health professionals work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. Their goal is to ensure the well-being of populations by addressing health disparities and promoting policies that lead to healthier environments.

What are public health jobs?

Public health encompasses the study of factors that influence people’s health and promote preventative care. Its research focuses on how to keep residents safe and healthy. The public health sector is comprised of many different roles, and includes doctors, nurses, researchers, lab technicians, social workers, administrators. Public relations and marketing professionals also work in public health to educate the public on new health care research and healthy lifestyle choices. The primary goal of all public health employees is to find the best ways to promote information that protects the wellbeing of the community-at-large.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in public health, and why are they important?

To thrive in Public Health, you need a strong background in epidemiology, health policy, data analysis, and typically a degree in public health or a related field. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS, SAS, or R), GIS systems, and public health surveillance tools is often required. Excellent communication, cultural competence, and problem-solving skills set professionals apart in this field. These abilities are critical for designing effective interventions, analyzing health trends, and promoting community well-being.

What are some common challenges faced by public health professionals when implementing community health programs?

Public health professionals often encounter challenges such as limited resources, diverse community needs, and resistance to behavior change when implementing health programs. They must navigate complex stakeholder relationships and ensure culturally competent communication to encourage participation and trust. Additionally, professionals frequently balance data-driven decision-making with the realities of local infrastructure and policy constraints, requiring adaptability and strong problem-solving skills.

What is the difference between Public Health vs Epidemiologist?

AspectPublic HealthEpidemiologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Public Health, related fieldsMaster's or Doctorate in Epidemiology or Public Health
Work EnvironmentCommunity health centers, government agencies, NGOsResearch institutions, government health departments, hospitals
Employer & Industry UsagePublic health departments, non-profits, healthcare organizationsResearch institutes, government agencies, academia

Public health professionals focus on improving community health through education, policy, and prevention programs, while epidemiologists specialize in studying disease patterns and causes to inform public health strategies. Both roles often collaborate but differ in scope and focus.

What can someone do with a public health degree?

A public health degree prepares individuals for careers in areas such as health education, epidemiology, health policy, and community health. Graduates can work in government agencies, non-profit organizations, healthcare facilities, or research institutions, often requiring skills in data analysis, program planning, and communication.

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Health jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Public Health jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Public Health jobs in Iowa?

For Public Health jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Public Health jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Public Health job openings:

Infographic showing various Public Health job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,819 per year, or $36 per hour.

Public Health Nurse

Black Hawk County

Cedar Falls, IA • On-site

Other

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Public Health Nursing Position

Under general supervision performs public health nursing duties through participation in community outreach and public health clinical services.

Essential Duties

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

  • Must be capable of regular and predictable attendance at a specified location in order to perform assigned tasks.
  • Assists with monitoring health status to identify and solve community health problems.
    • Conducts client interviews, assessments and screenings.
    • Administers immunizations.
  • Identifies and investigates health problems and health hazards in the community.
  • Informs, educates, and empowers people about health issues.
    • Conducts individual and group educational encounters.
  • Participates in community partnerships to identify and solve health problems.
  • Maintains compliance with applicable policies, laws and regulations.
  • Links consumers to needed personal health services and coordinates the provision of health care when otherwise unavailable.
    • Administers medications and treatments as indicated.
  • Participates in continuous quality improvement and innovative solutions to health problems.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Supervision Received:

  • Supervision is received from Program Manager or designee.

Supervision Exercised:

  • Functional supervision may be exercised over support staff and students.

Key Competencies (Tier 1 Level): This position is aligned with the current Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals published by The Council on Linkages between Academia and Public Health Practice.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in nursing or community health preferred and at least six months of experience in clinical or public health nursing; or an Associate degree in nursing and at least three years of clinical, public health or other related experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid license as a Registered Nurse issued by the State of Iowa.
  • Previous experience in the area of public health preferred.
  • Must be knowledgeable of local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations as they apply to public health nursing.
  • Must be knowledgeable of community resources.
  • Multilingual skills preferred.
  • Must be proficient in all Microsoft Windows and other computer software applications.
  • Must maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Must demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Must be able to develop and maintain good working relationships with members of the general public and co-workers.
  • Must be able to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
  • Must be available for off-hour and/or weekend activities and overtime if needed.
  • Must possess a valid Iowa driver's license and be insurable under county's guidelines.
  • Must demonstrate knowledge and skills consistent with the public health mission, vision and values.
Supplemental Information

The work environment and physical demand characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Refer to the "Essential and Marginal Function Analysis" statement for a complete description of essential functions and functional requirements.

  • Work is performed indoors but may be completed outdoors during outreach activities and requires frequent travel from one location to another to perform essential duties.
  • Position requires frequent use of computers, phones, copies and fax machines.
  • Position requires frequent interaction with employees, outside agencies and the public.