Jodaviess

Knox County Health Department 1

DIRECTOR OF HEALTH PROTECTIONLeadership Public Health Protection Community Impact

SALARY$76,259 annually

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Knox County Health Department is seeking an experienced public health leader to direct its Health Protection Division. This role provides strategic, operational, fiscal, and personnel oversight for Environmental Health, Communicable Disease/Immunization, Public Health Emergency Preparedness, and Lead programs.

WHAT YOU’LL LEAD

• Direct division programs, budgets, staffing, orientation, training, supervision, and performance evaluation.
• Establish division policy and contribute to department-wide policy development; prepare ordinances, rules, and regulations.
• Identify funding opportunities and develop and submit grant applications for relevant programs.
• Advise elected and appointed officials, engineers, architects, civic groups, and the public on health protection matters.
• Serve as liaison with state and federal agencies; participate in local and regional planning and advisory boards.
• Represent the Department, when authorized, at public meetings and with the news media on Health Protection matters.
• Adapt programs to changing community needs and recommend new initiatives.
• Coordinate health and safety control measures with appropriate agencies during disaster emergencies.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

You bring sound judgment, decisive leadership, strong public communication, and the ability to turn complex public health requirements into effective programs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in environmental health, public health, public administration, or a related field, plus two years of full-time environmental health experience; or
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, including at least 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours in the physical and/or biological sciences, plus four years of full-time environmental health experience.
• Illinois Lead Risk Assessor license, or ability to obtain licensure within nine months of hire.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of Health Protection program principles, practices, and administration.
• Working knowledge of personnel management, legal procedures, ordinance and rule development, and evidence collection.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal and state laws, local ordinances, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Strong leadership, supervision, mentoring, problem-solving, critical thinking, organization, change management, and written and
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines, work independently and collaboratively, and use Microsoft 365 products.
• Valid driver’s license and proof of auto insurance; ability to walk, stand, use inspection and sampling equipment, and lift/carry up

WHY JOIN US?

• Lead mission-driven work that protects and promotes public health across Knox County.
• Collaborate with a dedicated team in a supportive work environment.
• County health, dental, vision, and life insurance; IMRF pension program; closed on County holidays.