Environmental Health Director

Full-time, non-exempt position with hybrid flexibility possible. Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM plus emergency response availability.

About the role

The Environmental Health Director administers the Big Horn County Health Department, overseeing Environmental Health and Health Promotion staff. The role carries out statutory duties delegated by the local Health Officer under MCA 50-2-116 and MCA 50-18-107, ensuring operational success and leading community health initiatives. During public health emergencies, the director has authority over epidemiological investigations, seizure of harmful items under the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, disaster mitigation, and emergency response decisions. Departmental decisions are delegated from the Big Horn County Commissioners.

Responsibilities

• Perform statutory duties assigned by the local Health Officer as required by law.
• Lead, implement, and monitor the department’s strategic plan in collaboration with the Big Horn County Board of Health, managing the annual budget with County approval.
• Use data and community engagement to assess, plan, and implement Community Health Assessments and Improvement Plans; mobilize community partners toward improving public and environmental health and health equity.
• Propose, advocate, and implement public and environmental health policies with the Board of Health, local elected officials, and the state legislature.
• Plan for and respond to public health emergencies, serving as the department’s lead spokesperson for media relations, emergency housing, and disease mitigation during disasters.
• Maintain Registered Sanitarian accreditation as required by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry.
• Serve as liaison to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Environmental Health and Food Safety Section.
• Build and maintain a strong management team, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement; implement County policies on human resources, finances, and legal/risk management.
• Participate in collective bargaining negotiations and ensure adherence to agreements.
• Act as a senior member of the Big Horn County Senior Leadership Team.
• Report to and participate in the Big Horn County Planning Board regarding new subdivisions, boundary line relocations, and land-use proposals.
• Teach and proctor ServSafe Food Manager training for community members.
• Perform quality health inspections on state-licensed facilities annually and upon complaints; investigate public and environmental health complaints.
• Assist with animal bites, locate and quarantine animals, and organize rabies tests and investigations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with coursework in microbiology and biology.
• Registered Sanitarian license through the State of Montana and Registered Environmental Health Specialist license through the National Environmental Health Association.
• Subdivision Contracted Reviewer certificate for state-reviewed subdivisions with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.
• Minimum of five years of experience in environmental health.
• Immunization or proof of immunity to certain infectious diseases and a current TB test.
• Valid Montana driver’s license with no major violations in the last five years; must be an insurable driver.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and flexible hours, including early mornings, late evenings, or middle-of-the-night call-outs for emergencies.

Skills

• Thorough knowledge of public health practice, epidemiology, communicable disease control, budgeting, personnel management, strategic planning, population health, determinants of health, biology, microbiology, and health equity.
• Extensive understanding of local and state laws and regulations, including community engagement, public health policy, accreditation requirements, and disaster preparation.
• Considerable knowledge of decision-making processes, regulatory implementation, and enforcement related to health and environmental laws.
• Working knowledge of community agencies and public health workforce competencies.
• Proficiency in technology and software for budgeting, word processing, presentations, GPS, and GIS.
• Strong skills in data collection, interpretation, and public speaking; ability to manage remote meetings and produce high-quality reports.
• Ability to lead a large, complex organization and attract and retain a talented workforce.
• Expertise in interpreting technical and legal regulations and communicating them effectively.
• Ability to solve problems collaboratively, manage competing priorities, and testify as an expert witness in court on public or environmental health matters.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Pay

Salary range: $58,450 – $83,254 annually.

Benefits

• 100% County-paid health insurance for full-time employees; choice of six health plan options, including three High-Deductible Health Plans with potential County HSA contributions.
• Affordable dental and vision coverage.
• Free wellness screenings and discounted gym memberships.
• Montana Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) retirement plan.
• 15 vacation days per year (available after 6 months) and 1 sick day earned per month (available after 90 days).
• 10–11 paid holidays annually.
• $25,000 employer-paid life insurance; optional supplemental life and AD&D coverage up to $100,000.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Work is primarily performed outside the office, either in the field or in licensed establishments.
• Attendance at off-site meetings and continuing education trainings, with potential night and weekend commitments and frequent out-of-town travel.
• On-call at all times for truck wrecks involving the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act or public health emergencies.
• Work may involve negotiating controversial matters, dealing with aggressive behaviors, and operating in dangerous environments with animals, extreme weather, or hazardous materials.