The Position
La Plata County (the County) is seeking an experienced, educated leader to build the Public Health Department from the ground up. This position oversees the planning, development, and implementation of public health services, and administers and enforces public health laws, orders, rules, and standards set by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and La Plata County. The Public Health Director assesses and monitors health factors in the County and develops strategies to effectively communicate health issues to the public. The Director provides oversight, evaluation, and program management for the Public Health Department. The Director provides organizational oversight through 2023 and, effective January 1, 2024, will have jurisdictional authority.

Some specific responsibilities for this role are the development and delivery of the Public Health budget. The Director will also authorize and monitor expenditures to ensure they are within budget limits and guidelines. This position prepares and manages the strategic plan along with the budget.

Other responsibilities include working with the staff to monitor and analyze community health risks. The Public Health Director provides leadership and support for public health improvement activities and strategies. They develop, oversee, and participate in staff development and ensure adequate professional development and training for all staff.

The Public Health Director will also be responsible for hiring La Plata County’s Health Department staff and establishing a working operational department for success. The Public Health Department has a budget approval of $940,000 in 2023 for organizational and start-up purposes. Beginning in 2024, the base budget is estimated at approximately $4.8 Million, which includes approximately $1.2 Million in anticipated direct County funding allocation and the remainder from CDPHE and other funders. Projected FTEs are between 29-70.

Qualifications
Minimum requirements include any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in public health, environmental health, health education, epidemiology, nursing, health administration, or biostatistics at an accredited college or university. At least five years of increasingly responsible administrative experience in public health. Thorough knowledge of Public Health regulations, policies, and statutes and the ability to interpret them is required. Experience in a managerial role, including oversight and budget management, is also required. Able to satisfy the minimum requirements set forth in Colorado law and regulations.

Preferred qualifications include a master’s degree in a public health discipline. Fifteen years of Public Health experience is preferred.

Compensation and Benefits
The expected hiring range is $106,000 - $133,000, depending on qualifications, with an excellent benefits package.
 
Benefits offered include the following:

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance
• Participation in and County Match of Colorado Retirement Association Retirement Program
• 38+ Paid Vacation/Holiday Days
• 13+ Paid Sick Days
• 12 weeks of paid Parental Leave
• Flexible Spending/Health Savings Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Voluntary and Special Fitness Wellness Incentives
• Pet Insurance

How to Apply
Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at raftelis.hire.trakstar.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until filled with a first review of applications beginning April 17, 2023.