Job Specification Details

Administrative, coordination, implementation, and analytical work for the Department of Health involving administration of the Climate and Health Program. Duties include grant and financial administration, supervision of program staff, program development and implementation, epidemiological analyses, coordination and collaboration with program partners, representation in state activities related to climate & health, and communications with the legislature, media, and the public. Work is performed under the direction of the Environmental Health Program Manager. All employees of the Agency of Human Services perform their respective functions adhering to four key practices: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation.

Serves as co-Principal Investigator for the Cooperative Agreement with the Centers for Disease Control, which provides funding for the Climate & Health Program. Responsible for managing funding applications and other administrative requirements, communications with CDC staff, completing activities required by the cooperative agreement, providing overall strategy and direction for the Climate & Health Program, and developing and managing the program budget, contracts, and other agreements. Supervises the program's epidemiologist and communications staff. Organizes and facilitates a program advisory committee consisting of Health Department staff and program partners. Develops and implements a work program to reduce the risk of climate-related health impacts and to promote health and equity through appropriate climate change mitigation actions. Conducts epidemiological analyses and develops future projections of climate-related health risks. Identifies population groups and locations most vulnerable to climate-related health impacts and develops and implements strategies for reducing risks for these vulnerable populations.

Develops and fosters collaborative relationships with state agencies, local and regional partners, and non-governmental organizations to develop and implement program activities. Represents the Health Department on climate & health topics at the State Legislature, with the media, and in other state and partner activities. Develops and delivers educational and other outreach materials on climate & health topics for the public, partners, and other groups, through presentations, the program website, handouts, and other means.

Builds awareness of Health Department leadership and staff and their capacity to adapt to changing health risks due to climate change. Supports implementation of Health in all Policies initiatives, collaborates with state agency partners to integrate health considerations into agency programs and decisions, and provides technical leadership on Health Impact Assessments conducted by the Health Department. Performs additional duties for the Environmental Health Program Manager and Division Director as required.

Duties are performed primarily in a standard office setting. Attendance at meetings with partners or the public may require significant travel, for which private means of transportation must be available. Some work outside of normal office hours may be required.

Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.

Considerable knowledge of grant application and administration techniques.

Ability to supervise staff and maintain effective working relationships with other Health Department staff.

Expertise in epidemiology at an advanced level.

Ability to perform sophisticated scientific and statistical analyses and interpret results.

Considerable knowledge of the distribution and determinants of disease.

A working understanding of climate science, current and expected impacts of climate change, and strategies for mitigating climate change.

Ability to develop relationships and work effectively with state agency, regional and local governmental, non-governmental organization, and health partners.

Ability to develop and deliver effective communications to the public and partners, both orally and in writing.

Ability to represent the Health Department with legislators, media, and in other official capacities.

Ability to provide leadership and accountability within the framework of the four key practices of the Agency of Human Services: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation.

Education: Doctorate in public health or related field

Experience: One year at a professional level in a public health program or in public administration, with program management and supervisory experience.

OR:

Education: Master's Degree in public health or related field.
Experience: Four years at a professional level in a public health program or in public administration, including at least one year in program management and including or supplemented by at least one year of supervisory experience.
OR:
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Experience: Six years at a professional level in a public health program or in public administration, including at least two years in program management and including or supplemented by at least two years of supervisory experience.

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, pursuant to 20 V.S.A. 2056c or other applicable statutory authority, requires criminal record checks for all AHS positions, including motor vehicle driving record checks and national record checks where appropriate.