Director of Public Health (PDF)

Company: Town of Lexington
Location: Lexington
Posted on: May 20, 2025

Job Description:

We are currently accepting applications for the Full Time position of:

Public Health Director

Starting Salary Range $105,055 - $118,734
Excellent Benefits Package

The REQUIRED Town of Lexington application form
https://lexingtonma.seamlessdocs.com/f/employmentapplication,
A cover letter and resume must be received in the Town's Human Resource
Department.
****Priority will be given to applications received by May 30, 2025****

GENERAL PURPOSE
Responsible for developing, managing and accessing comprehensive Environmental Health,
Community Health and Public Health Emergency Preparedness programs for the Town of
Lexington and overseeing statutory and regulatory functions of the local public health office.
Informs and advises the Lexington Board of Health, the Town Manager and other municipal
entities on Public Health related issues and needs.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the general direction of the Town Manager to implement policy directives of the
appointed Board of Health.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Supervises full-time-equivalent employees in such position titles as Health Agent, Public Health
Nurse and Office Manager. Also supervises vendors for Medical Waste Disposal, Household
Hazardous Waste events, Food Consultants, Biohazard Clean up contractors; supervises
Lexington MRC volunteers for public flu vaccination clinics, emergency preparedness drills and
sheltering operations and also supervises contract nurses hired to supplement MRC volunteers.
May supervise additional temporary staff during Public Health emergencies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Manages the Department of Public Health, to include the implementation of health programs to
prevent communicable disease, protect residents from disease threats, and promote wellness in
the community.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Town of Lexington

24/7 availability to respond to after hour incidents that require immediate attention such as public
health emergencies, hoarding situations, and utility disruptions for both citizens and those
businesses which are regulated by the Department of Public Health.

Supports Animal Control Officer based in the Police Department for disease threats such as
suspect rabid animal sample testing and duties related to that MDAR Animal Inspector
requirements.

Monitors East Middlesex Mosquito Control efforts in town.

Acts as the official keeper of records for the Department of Public Health.

Participates in EOC operations as required by the town Emergency Manager.

Develops and monitors annual Department of Public Health operating budget and creates
program improvement plans when necessary.

Administers policy and enforce State Sanitary Code, Local Board of Health Regulations,
monitors staff work methods and sets procedures.

Oversees Board of Health regulatory mandates, priorities and initiatives. Oversees compliance
with respective statutes, regulations and policies and, with the Board of Health, carries out
enforcement. Resolves problems concerning licensure and public health issues. May make
complaints of violations of any law or bylaw relative to the public health in courts having
jurisdiction therein.

Makes recommendations to Board of Health in order to deliver public health services that protect,
preserve and improve the public health and the environment. Recommends policy changes.
Prepares material for review by the Board of Health. Conducts research. Prepares agenda and
provides documentation for Board of Health meetings. Attends Board of Health meetings and
relevant hearings.

Acts as a liaison to other Town departments, State and local service and emergency agencies,
medical care providers, school health officials and the community. Prepares and conducts
presentations with respect to public health issues and programs.

Assesses community public health needs to determine program development and requirements
for additional resources, and develops recommendations for improvements in procedures and
methods.

Identifies and applies for non-Town funding for programs. Researches grant opportunities to
help achieve the goals of the Board of Health and Department of Public Health.

Investigates concerns relating to environmental incidents, emergency response support in
relation to spills and accidents; also approves plans for the abatement of asbestos hazards.

Interacts with the Board of Health, the general public, businesses, community groups and
individuals to provide consultation and guidance on a broad range of health, safety and
environmental issues.

Interprets and applies appropriate Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.

May be required to assist with permitting during times of high permitting activity. Responsible
for the implementation and continuous improvement of online Health permitting and inspections
to reduce reliance on paper and manual workflows.

SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Maintains cooperative relationships with neighboring communities.

Purchases supplies. Oversees grant administration.

Attends or participates in a variety of committees, conferences and meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience and Training Guidelines

Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Biology or Chemistry, and three to five (3-5) years of
experience in public health or environmental health administration; or any equivalent
combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements:

Registered Environmental Health Specialist / Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) preferred.

Knowledge of:

Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a comprehensive public and environmental
health program.

Principles and practices of emergency management; program, policy and operational needs
analysis; health education; program development and administration; research, program analysis
and report preparation; and record keeping.

Environmental and public health issues.

Current inspection and control procedures.

Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment (including online permitting and
inspections software, preferably ViewPoint Cloud).

English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

General mathematical principles.

Federal, state and local public health, sanitary, and environmental laws, codes and regulations.

Ability to:

Plan and organize various public and environmental health programs and activities.
Prepare and manage a budget.

Work independently; respond effectively to changing project circumstances.

Perform site inspections and work with inspection personnel.

Evaluate scientific and legal reports.

Evaluate and monitor community and environmental health projects.

Effectively communicate public health issues and risks to the public, the media, and to other
stakeholders both orally and in writing; interpret and explain department policies and procedures
and respond effectively to customers.

Supervise staff and manage their workload.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of
work.

Interpret and enforce Federal, State and local policies, laws and regulations firmly, tactfully, and
impartially.

Effectively handle a work environment and conditions which involve:
- working closely with others
- working with community groups
- working with the general public

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:
- making observations
- communicating with others
- reading and writing
- monitoring programs and activities
- operating assigned equipment

Maintain mental capacity which permits:
- making sound decisions and using good judgment
- demonstrating intellectual capabilities
- evaluating the effectiveness of programs
- prioritizing and assigning work activities

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Personal computer (including word processing, spreadsheet and database software) and general
office equipment (e.g. telephone, copier, facsimile); electronic and precision tools and equipment
(e.g. thermometers, meters, test strips, water testing kits).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands listed are representative of those that must be met by the employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be
made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

In performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, smell, sit,
stand, walk, bend or stoop, reach, push or pull, drive a motor vehicle, and apply significant
manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination. The employee routinely lifts and carries up to fifty
(50) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision,
peripheral vision, depth perception, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that the
employee encounters while performing the essential duties of this job. Reasonable
accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
functions of this job.

Work is primarily performed in office settings. At inspection sites or while responding to
emergencies, the employee may be exposed to weather extremes, loud noise, hazardous waste,
moving mechanical parts, confined and cramped quarters, and unsanitary conditions.

The Town of Lexington has a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and we
are actively seeking candidates who bring new voices and lived experiences to our organization.

The Town of Lexington is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Qualified
applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color,
religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status or
disability.

*External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as
defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job
functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to
be determined by management on a case by case basis.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and
employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and
requirements of the job change.

APPLICATION PROCESS
All applicants are required to complete a Town application form
https://lexingtonma.seamlessdocs.com/f/employmentapplication Resumes may be attached to
the application form as additional information, but cannot serve as a substitute for completing the
required application form.

After the deadline all applications will be reviewed and the most highly qualified candidates will
be invited to one or more interviews. All applicants will be notified of their standing in the
process as soon as a decision has been made regarding their individual application.

Individuals who need accommodations in order to participate in this process should contact the
Human Resources Department

Questions regarding this hiring process should be addressed to:
Human Resources Department, Town of Lexington,
Email: jobs@lexingtonma.gov, Phone # (781) 698-4590
1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420

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