City Health Officer

Notice of Extended Filing Period: The application deadline for this position has been extended to 11:59 PM PST on May 07, 2026.

About the Community

Ideally located on the Pacific Ocean south of Los Angeles, adjacent to Orange County, the City of Long Beach, California (population 470,000) is frequently described as a series of strong, diverse interwoven smaller communities within a large city. Enjoying an ideal Southern California climate, Long Beach offers an abundance of cultural and recreational options, including the Long Beach Convention Center, Aquarium of the Pacific, Queen Mary, and the annual Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. The city attracts 6.5 million visitors annually with attractions such as two historic ranchos, three marinas, and five golf courses.

The City is home to California State University, Long Beach—ranked the No. 3 best-value public college in the nation—and Long Beach City College. Covering approximately 50 square miles, Long Beach supports a diverse economy with education, health and social services, manufacturing, retail trade, and professional services as leading industries. Known for its livable neighborhoods, Long Beach was named one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People by America’s Promise Alliance for two consecutive years.

About City Government

Long Beach operates as a charter city governed by an elected Mayor and nine City Council members. The City Manager, appointed by the Mayor and City Council, oversees daily operations of 15 departments and a proposed FY26 citywide annual budget of $3.7 billion. The City employs over 6,000 full-time and part-time staff, with most represented by eleven employee associations.

The City fosters an environment where every employee is celebrated for their individuality and unique talents. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are key priorities, with leadership actively promoting fairness and transparency. Workforce demographic data, including diversity and pay equity by race and gender, is publicly shared to ensure accountability.

About the Department

The Department of Health and Human Services has been improving the health of the Long Beach community for over a century. As one of only three municipal health jurisdictions in California and one of three City homeless continuums of care in Los Angeles County, the Department recently received public health reaccreditation. It addresses public health and safety matters, including communicable disease control, strengthening the public safety net, and ensuring equitable access to care.

With a $201.97 million budget—over 80% from grant funding—the Department operates more than 55 programs organized into seven bureaus: Community Health, Communicable Disease and Emergency Response, Collective Impact, Environmental Health, Homeless Services, the Housing Authority, and Administrative and Financial Services. The Department leverages technology, innovation, and creativity to enhance service quality for the Long Beach community.

Responsibilities

• Enforce local health orders and ordinances and ensure compliance with the California Health & Safety Codes and statutes.
• Ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act provisions and regulations.
• Oversee the effectiveness of mandated public health services and core health functions by collaborating with local medical providers, public safety officials, and other first responders.
• Provide medical consultation and guidance during disasters and declare public health emergencies as needed; participate in citywide disaster planning.
• Advise and assist the Department Director, City Manager, and City Council in developing policies for community, environmental, and public health responses.
• Ensure compliance with accepted medical standards for the City’s Occupational Health Clinic and other Department clinics.
• Disseminate and interpret policies, laws, regulations, and government directives regarding medical and public health issues.
• Provide indirect medical supervision and advisement to the Department’s physicians and clinical staff.
• Offer guidance and policy direction to physicians, laboratories, hospitals, healthcare providers, and the public on communicable disease diagnosis, control, and prevention.
• Network with City, County, State, and Federal officials on communicable disease matters.
• Collaborate with hospitals, community partners, schools, and funders to enhance the Department’s efforts and support healthier communities.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and public-facing representative, communicating evidence-based information on communicable and preventable diseases and immunizations.
• Present to the media and in public forums on public health topics and emergencies.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health or a closely related field. (Proof required.)
• Must be a licensed physician in the state of California or able to obtain the license by the time of appointment. (Proof required.)
• Five years of experience as a public health physician, including at least three years managing physicians and other public health professionals.

Required documents, such as transcripts, degrees, certificates, or licenses, must be uploaded to the online application in PDF format at the time of filing. Documents must include the applicant’s name or other identifying characteristics. Proof of education for academic degrees should indicate the type of degree and date of conferral. Candidates with degrees or units from outside the United States must attach proof of educational equivalency at the time of filing.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Public Health or a closely related field is highly desirable.
• Experience with government budgeting, fiscal controls, and procurement.
• Supervisory or project management experience.
• Experience developing policies, procedures, or program evaluations.
• Strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of municipal operations, public sector regulations, and intergovernmental processes.

Professional Attributes

• Engaging, collaborative, and facilitative; works well with subordinates, peers, supervisors, and the community.
• Willing and able to challenge the status quo when needed.
• Action and results-oriented, innovative, strategic, and accountable.
• Comfortable working in a complex public service organization with rapidly changing issues, needs, and challenges.
• An active listener and supportive team builder with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Energetic management style with a willingness to be hands-on.
• Works constructively in a culturally inclusive work environment and community.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Ability to provide leadership and management to address public health concerns.
• Knowledge of public health principles and practices, including current trends in policy, treatment, prevention, education, and related issues in a large, diverse urban population.
• Knowledge of medicine relating to evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment in family planning and communicable disease control.
• Familiarity with statutes, rules, regulations, and local ordinances pertaining to public health, including HIPAA.
• Ability to assess and analyze public health information and community needs.
• Ability to work with the legislative process and establish positive rapport with local, State, and Federal policymakers, City management, employees, public health providers, and the public.
• Understanding of the impacts of the Affordable Care Act and other policies on public health; demonstrates flexibility in adapting to the changing public health landscape.

Pay

$241,728.716 annually.