Health Officer
Reports To: Board of Selectmen
Position Summary:
This is an on-call position. The Health Officer is the designated municipal official responsible for enforcing public health laws, ordinances, and regulations at the local level. They serve as the liaison between the municipality and state public health agencies, ensuring compliance with health codes, investigating complaints, and promoting public health initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Enforce Public Health Regulations:
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- Interpret and enforce state and local health laws, rules, and ordinances.
- Respond to and investigate complaints regarding public health nuisances, such as unsanitary living conditions, septic system failures, and water contamination.
- Conduct Inspections:
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- Perform inspections of rental properties, daycare centers, food establishments, and other facilities as required.
- Assess public health concerns related to mold, lead hazards, pest infestations, and other environmental health risks.
- Investigate Public Health Complaints:
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- Examine and resolve complaints related to housing conditions, sewage disposal, drinking water safety, and vector control (e.g., rodents).
- Work with property owners and tenants to ensure compliance with health standards.
- Collaborate with State and Local Agencies:
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- Work with the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Department of Environmental Services (DES) on public health matters.
- Coordinate with emergency management, fire, police, and code enforcement on health-related incidents.
- Public Health Education and Outreach:
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- Provide information and guidance to the public on health and sanitation issues.
- Educate landlords, tenants, and business owners about best practices for maintaining safe and healthy environments.
- Emergency Response:
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- Assist in local emergency preparedness planning for public health crises, such as disease outbreaks, pandemics, or environmental hazards.
- Respond to public health emergencies in coordination with local and state agencies.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Ability to interpret and apply public health laws and regulations.
- Strong communication, investigative, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and handle sensitive situations professionally.
- Basic knowledge of environmental health, sanitation, and disease prevention.
- Must complete required training within the first year of appointment.
- Ability to pass a background check.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in public health, code enforcement, or environmental health.
- Knowledge of municipal government operations.
Training Requirements:
- All NH Health Officers must complete a minimum of three hours of training related to public health laws and responsibilities upon appointment. Additional training may be required based on municipal needs.
Interested candidates should complete an application and/or resume and submit to: Charlestown Town Office - Human Resources Department, P.O. Box 385, Charlestown NH 03603 or email it to Ddezan@charlestown-nh.gov. An application may be found online here or at the Town Office 233 Main St. Charlestown, NH.
The Town of Charlestown is an Equal Opportunity Employer.