What are the responsibilities and job description for the Deputy Public Health Officer position at County of Sonoma, CA?
Salary : $246,301.03 - $299,397.36 Annually
Location : Santa Rosa, CA
Job Type : Full-Time
Job Number : 25 / 02-2673-O
Department : Department of Health Services (DHS)
Opening Date : 02 / 25 / 2025
Closing Date : 3 / 17 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit : 50
Position Information
The Department of Health Services seeks a community-focused Deputy Public Health Officer to join the County of Sonoma!
Starting salary up to $143.45 / hour ($299,397 / year) and a competitive total compensation package
- PLUS a $25,000 signing bonus
PLEASE NOTE : The Deputy Public Health Officer position requires possession of a valid Physician's and Surgeon's Certificate issued by the State of California.
About the Position
The County of Sonoma Department of Health Services seeks a public health professional to join our leadership team as a Deputy Public Health Officer. This position will report directly to the Public Health Division Director while also working under the guidance and direction of the County Health Officer. This position oversees public health-related functions with a specific focus on Special Clinical Services and the Public Health Laboratory.
Responsibilities include :
As the ideal candidate for this position, you will have a passion for health equity and environmental justice. In addition, you will possess many of the following :
The Public Health Division
The Public Health Division promotes optimal health and quality of life for the people of Sonoma County through service, science, leadership, and community action. We monitor the health of the population, track infectious diseases, provide health care services, educate about disease and injury prevention, assure environmental health and safety, and advance personal and population-based health programs and policies. This Division prioritizes and centers its work around the achievement of health equity and eliminating disparities that result from systemic racism and structural injustices. We envision a future in which every resident of the county, regardless of who they are or where they come from, has the opportunity to thrive.
The Department of Health Services
DHS is one of the County's largest and most complex departments. DHS consists of the Administration, Behavioral Health, Public Health, and Homelessness Services Divisions and is driven by its mission to promote, protect, and ensure access to services that support the health, recovery, and well-being of all in Sonoma County. These ideas are the basis for how DHS operates and delivers services :
For more information regarding the department, its programs, services, and partnerships, visit the .
The County of Sonoma
The County of Sonoma is the place to live, grow, and build your career legacy. When you join the County of Sonoma, you will have the freedom to explore the beauty of our county - its picturesque coastline, majestic redwoods, historic towns, fine dining, award-winning wineries, and a wide variety of entertainment and cultural activities.
For additional information about the beauty of our community and the valuable services and support that the County provides our communities, please visit and .
What We Offer
Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you are working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits
This recruitment is being conducted to fill a Deputy Public Health Officer position in the Department of Health Services. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience : Any combination of experience, which would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally three years of directly related experience managing a full service public health organization, or large division of such an organization, would provide such an opportunity. Other work environments that could provide appropriate experience may include community clinics and other health-related community-based organizations.
Education : Any combination of education and training which would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, graduation from an accredited medical school would provide the necessary education. Possession of Master's degree in Public Health or additional course work and / or training in Public Health Administration, disease control and epidemiology and human resources and fiscal management is highly desirable. Successful completion of residency training in a primary care specialty, and Board certification in a primary care specialty is highly desirable.
License : Possession of a valid Physician's and Surgeon's Certificate issued by the State of California. Eligibility to obtain a Controlled Substances Registration Certificate issued by the United States Department of Justice. Eligibility to obtain Medicare and Medi-Cal provider licenses from program fiscal intermediaries.
License : Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of : the principles and practices of modern medicine, including preventive medicine; the medical protocols associated with the management of public health and environmental health problems; the principles and practices of emergency medical services, including advanced life support; laws, ordinances and regulations relating to public health, environmental health, hazardous materials and emergency medical services.
Considerable knowledge of : modern management principles and practices; organizational dynamics, conflict resolution and behavior and performance management; principles of public health service administration laws, regulations, and policies governing operations of a public health service agency; current developments in the fields of Public Health or similar health services; federal, state, and local funding sources and requirements for public health services programs; methods and techniques of analyzing administrative systems and procedures in efficiency and effectiveness; public health problems and related programs and the principles and methods of public programs along with the utilization of community resources; principles of human resources administration, supervision, evaluation and employee development; research methods and techniques; principles and practices of supervision, organization, and administration; federal, state and local programs and their supporting legislation.
Ability to : establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Director of Health Services, Health Officer, County Administrator, the Board of Supervisors, other County managers, subordinates, community groups, other public health agencies, medical professionals. the general public, and others who have an interest in public health issues; evaluate and define community public health needs and develop cost effective proposals to need defined needs; manage the resources of the Public Health Division to provide efficient cost effective services to the citizens of the county; direct the establishment and maintenance of modern systems of record keeping, information retrieval and statistical analysis of public health data; speak and write effectively and to prepare clear and comprehensive reports; plan, organize, and provide leadership in the development of public health medical programs; develop and monitor budgets; provide diagnoses, treatment, and medical services; apply principles and techniques of modern medicine to public health issues; supervise professional and support staff; work effectively within a team concept; analyze emergency situations and take prompt and appropriate action; represent department with tact and diplomacy; maintain confidentiality; respect patients' rights; plan, organize and direct the work of a large staff through subordinate supervisors; analyze administrative and / or fiscal problems and make appropriate recommendations, budgeting, staffing and administrative organization; and understand, interpret and evaluate legislation, department policy, programs, practices, rules, regulations; interpret and apply federal, state and county laws, regulations and policies in the evaluation of public health programs; utilize and coordinate local resources and work cooperatively with community agencies; act as a liaison to advise or resolve differences with individual, groups and agencies; speak effectively before groups; prioritize work, coordinating multiple projects and meeting critical deadlines; write accurate, concise and effective reports, policies, procedures, correspondence and other materials; maintain accurate records and files.
Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying
Please visit to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.
Responses to supplemental questions may be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state, "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.
The selection procedure will consist of the following examination :
An Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass / not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria :
Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination. Scores may be adjusted based on such factors as the number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates.
Additional Information
A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to the departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.
Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the to determine the requirements for this position.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted online at Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.
The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.
HR Analyst : SZ
HR Technician : RR
IMPORTANT NOTE : Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.
COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS : MANAGEMENT
These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers :
Paid Time Off : Competitive vacation accrual and sick leave accruals; additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.
Health Plan : Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generous County contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.
Retirement : Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit
IRS 457 Plan : Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
Retiree Medical : County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance / benefits.
Student Loan Debt Relief : County employees may be eligible for through the U.S. Department of Education.
Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.
For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at or (707) 565-2900.
How did you first learn about this opportunity?
Please indicate if you would also be interested in future part-time or extra-help (temporary, intermittent, or seasonal employment) positions should they become available. Check all that apply.
This eligible list may be used for future bilingual (English / Spanish) positions. Please indicate if you are interested in bilingual positions, and your level of proficiency.
Do you possess a valid Physician's and Surgeon's Certificate issued by the State of California?
Do you possess or are you eligible to obtain a Controlled Substances Registration Certificate issued by the United States Department of Justice?
Do you possess or are you eligible to obtain Medicare and Medi-Cal provider licenses from program fiscal intermediaries?
Please describe your three or more years of experience managing a full-service public health organization, large division of such an organization, community clinic, and / or other health-related community-based organization. Please include the following :
Please describe a time when you had to lead a team in responding to a public health crisis or emergency. Include the public health crisis or emergency, your role, the different factors you considered, and how you ensured the resources were effectively allocated to manage the situation.
Please describe your experience working with multiple public health units to develop and implement a policy or procedure. Include the policy or procedure, your role, and how you ensured the policy was implemented effectively across various teams.
Required Question
Salary : $143,450 - $299,397
