Chief of Public Health

SALARY: $172,702 – 231,483 / Annually

Filing Deadline: Friday, May 22, 2026

Are you seeking new, exciting, opportunities?

The County of Santa Cruz offers work-life balance with its generous benefits package
Paid Holidays*Annual Leave*Medical*Dental*Vision*CalPERS retirement *and more!

THE POSITION: Under general direction, plan, organize and direct a broad range of local public health jurisdiction programs and services for Santa Cruz County; direct the enforcement of applicable State health laws and regulations; assist in program planning; and perform other duties as required.

The County of Santa Cruz is seeking a forward-thinking, collaborative, and visionary leader to serve as Chief of Public Health. This single position class reports to the Health Services Director, serves as the local Public Health Director, and is responsible for directing, through professional subordinate staff, a broad range of local public health programs such as Public Health Emergency Preparedness, , Community Health and Prevention, Communicable Disease Control, Child Health and Disability Prevention, California Children's Services, Field Public Health Nursing, Community Health Education, Oral Health, Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health Services, and HIV/AIDS Programs and Services.

Public Health Division Vision: Better Health Every Day for Everyone

REQUIREMENTS: Five years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public health related field including one year of experience in program development and evaluation. A master’s degree in nursing, public health, public administration, or a related field may be substituted for one of the five years of required administrative experience.

Special Requirements/Conditions: Valid California class C driver license. 
Background Investigation: Fingerprinting is required. 

 Live and work in beautiful Santa Cruz County!

The County’s natural beauty spans from its coastal beaches to its redwood forests. The County also has excellent shopping throughout the local communities and features a lively downtown area in the City of Santa Cruz.

APPLY NOW! Please visit www.santacruzcountyjobs.com

About County of Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz County has approximately 260,000 residents and is situated in the northern area of Monterey Bay, 70 miles south of San Francisco and 35 miles southwest of the Silicon Valley. The County’s natural beauty is apparent in its pristine beaches, lush redwood forests and rich farmland. It has an ideal Mediterranean climate with low humidity and 300 days of sunshine a year. Its unique shops and restaurants, coupled with a multitude of cultural and recreational activities, including theatre, music, art, as well as golfing, surfing, hiking and biking offer a wealth of leisure activities. Higher education includes Cabrillo College and the University of California, Santa Cruz, with two additional State Universities less than an hour away. These elements of high quality living make Santa Cruz one of California’s most desirable areas.Our county values a diverse workforce. Women, minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.Equal Opportunity Employer 9946710

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