Public Health Nurse I

About the role

The Springfield Local Health District is seeking a dedicated, compassionate, and collaborative Public Health Nurse to join our team, with a primary focus on infectious disease epidemiology. In this role, you will play an important part in protecting the health of our communities by investigating and responding to infectious diseases, collaborating with healthcare providers, schools, childcare centers, long-term care facilities, and community partners to prevent the spread of illness. Beyond epidemiology, this position offers opportunities to support a variety of public health initiatives, including immunization clinics, community outreach, and other district-wide programs. We are looking for someone who is not only passionate about public health but also brings a positive attitude, flexibility, kindness, and a genuine commitment to teamwork. Our small but dedicated team values collaboration, mutual respect, adaptability, and a willingness to support one another as we work toward shared goals. Above all, we seek a colleague who is committed to advancing health equity, building meaningful community relationships, and helping create a welcoming, supportive environment for both the people we serve and the colleagues we work alongside.

Responsibilities

• Conduct disease investigations
• Provide evidence-based public health guidance
• Support individuals receiving treatment for tuberculosis through Directly Observed Therapy (DOT)
• Participate in public health emergency preparedness and response activities
• Collaborate with healthcare providers, schools, childcare centers, long-term care facilities, and community partners to prevent the spread of illness
• Support immunization clinics, community outreach, and other district-wide programs

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's degree in nursing AND two (2) years or more of professional nursing experience
• OR Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• OR College senior in the final semester of a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) program (graduation must occur prior to hire and continued employment contingent on passing the Nursing Licensure Exam (NCLEX))
• Possession of, or eligibility for, licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Vermont OR eligible to practice in the state of Vermont via a multi-state license
• Must maintain Vermont licensure or multi-state license as a Registered Nurse as a condition of employment

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Work Environment

Duties primarily performed in a standard office setting. Work may be performed in clinic settings and possibly client homes. Exposure to communicable diseases and other stressful situations may occur. Private means of transportation is required. May be required to work evenings, weekends and 12 hour shifts.

The Department of Health supports a hybrid work environment which combines both in person and remote work. Upon hire, employees work with their supervisor to create a schedule that aligns with the business needs of the unit and complies with State of Vermont policy.

Mission & Values

Mission: Promote the physical, mental, and social well-being of people in Vermont by advancing equity, protecting against disease and injury, and preparing for health emergencies.

Vision: All people and communities in Vermont have equitable opportunities to achieve their highest level of health and well-being.

Values:

• Equity: We aim to center health justice and address racism and all forms of oppression in our programs and policies, our approach to collaboration, and how we build and nurture our workforce.
• Collaboration: We engage with staff and partners to understand complex problems and design responsive solutions.
• Inclusion: We support a culture of belonging and diversity where people are valued, trusted, and able to be their authentic selves.
• Harmony: We endorse a balanced, thoughtful, and intentional work environment that allows employees to care for themselves, their families, and the people they serve.
• Data: We strive for scientific excellence and cultural responsiveness in the collection, analysis, sharing and use of data.

Benefits

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 12 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

This position (Public Health Nurse I, Job Requisition #55981) is open to all State employees and external applicants. The position is being recruited at multiple levels: Level I (Job Requisition #55981) and Level II (Job Requisition #56006). Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position, including Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks as appropriate (with exceptions for current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or persons exercising re-employment rights).