Public Health Director

The Town of Nantucket is seeking a dynamic and experienced Public Health Director to lead the Health & Human Services Department in protecting and promoting the health and wellbeing of our year-round and seasonal community. This is an opportunity to guide a full-service municipal public health department serving an island community known for its environmental stewardship, engaged residents, and commitment to excellence in local government.

BENEFITS

The Town of Nantucket offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package including 90% employer-sponsored health insurance plan options and retirement pension.

Application Deadline: March 31, 2026, 4:00pm

The Town is actively working to secure housing for this position.

 

STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Appointed by the Town Manager. The Public Health Director performs and oversees a wide variety of functions related to the physical well-being of residents and visitors. The Public Health Director is responsible for enforcement of the state sanitary code, Massachusetts public health laws and local rules and regulations; and recommending pertinent regulations related to public health including food service, septic systems, wells. In addition to regulatory and operational responsibilities, the Public Health Director provides strategic leadership to advance community-wide public health priorities, utilizing data-driven planning, and evidence-based initiatives to promote long-term health, resilience, and equity for Nantucket’s residents and visitors.

The Public Health Director acts as the Board of Health’s day-to-day representative and principal staff person and assumes an active role in addressing problems and situations falling under the Board’s jurisdiction. The Director oversees the Town’s regulation of short-term rentals and the Town’s human services functions, including but not limited to analysis of community data, development of plans to address emerging needs. The Director is the central point of contact for state and local human services program coordinators, including public health nurse services. 

SUPERVISION REQUIRED: Works under the supervision of the Town Manager or their designee. Performs a variety of duties requiring the exercise of independent and objective judgment. Works frequently on own initiative to handle areas of responsibility and assigned tasks in a professional manner. 
 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: The employee is responsible for the direct supervision of all support staff of the Health and Human Services department. Supervisory responsibilities include training, scheduling, disciplinary actions, payroll, budget oversight, and performance evaluation of direct reports. 

CONFIDENTIALITY:  The employee has regular access to confidential information such as department records, collective bargaining documents, and executive session strategies that are obtained during performance of regular position responsibilities in accordance with the State Public Records Law. 

ACCOUNTABILITY: Consequences of errors, missed deadlines or poor judgment may include adverse public relations, endangering public health, legal repercussions, and fines where applicable. The Health Director is considered an essential services employee and is required to maintain or protect the health, safety or physical well-being of the Town given the conditions of a declared emergency. 

JUDGEMENT: Numerous standardized practices, procedures, laws or general instructions govern the work performed and in some cases may require additional interpretation. Independent judgment is needed to facilitate exceptional customer service with the public and maintain confidentiality.

COMPLEXITY: The work consists of the practical application of a variety of concepts, practices, expertise and specialized techniques relating to a professional or technical field. Assignments typically involve evaluation and interpretation of factors, conditions or unusual circumstances; inspecting, testing or evaluating compliance with established standards or criteria; gathering, analyzing and evaluating facts or data using specialized fact-finding techniques; or determining the methods to accomplish the work as well as presenting information to the public. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Normally works under standard office practices, policies and conditions. Interruptions can be frequent. Work may involve outdoor exposure to varying weather conditions. 

The workday may frequently be greater than eight (8) hours. Some exposure to various types of chemicals related to public health needs may occur. Potential exposure to communicable diseases may exist. The standard workweek shall be 40 paid hours per week (Monday – Friday). Daily schedule may vary to accommodate department operations. Work outside of the standard work week and outside of the typical daily schedule may be necessary to accommodate emergencies or other atypical situations. 

NATURE AND PURPOSE OF PUBLIC CONTACT: Relationships with co-workers, the public, other Town departments and other agencies involving frequent explanation, discussion or interpretation of practices, procedures, regulations or guidelines in order to render service, plan or coordinate work efforts, or resolve operating problems. Other regular contacts are with service recipients. More than ordinary courtesy, tact, and diplomacy may be required to respond to requests for information. 

OCCUPATIONAL RISK: Essential functions may present potential risk of injury to the employee that could result in loss of time from work. Special safety precautions, training and protective clothing such as gowns, coats, gloves, glasses, hard hats, or safety boots is required. 

Essential duties/ responsibilities/functions

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

 

1. Department Administration and Strategic Leadership

• Leads the department and ensures the efficient and professional delivery of inspectional and administrative functions
• Exercises supervisory authority over departmental personnel, with responsibility for work assignment, performance management, and professional development.
• Is accountable for the development, administration, and monitoring of the departmental budget, along with oversight of administrative operations including invoice approval, record maintenance, required reporting, and preparation of the annual report.
• implements departmental plans and Select Board strategic plans, procedures, and programs in response to new laws, regulations, and directives from Town Administration.
• Participates in senior management meetings and executive sessions, as appropriate.

2. Regulatory Enforcement and Compliance

• Senior level public health professional who integrates health and human services, regulatory enforcement, crisis management and long-range public and environmental health strategies for the island
• Enforces all applicable state and local sanitary codes, public health regulations, short-term rental regulations, bylaws, and other regulatory matters within the jurisdiction of the Board of Health and Health Department.
• Ensures departmental compliance with all laws and regulations the Health Department is authorized to enforce.
• Interprets and enforces laws and regulations firmly, professionally, and with discretion when conditions dictate.
• Governs investigations of violations, complaints, nuisances, and potential threats to public health, including matters related to trash, septage, hazardous waste, and unsanitary conditions.
• Initiates and oversees corrective actions to eliminate public health hazards.
• Assists with preparation of legal cases and enforcement actions as directed.

3. Inspectional and Environmental Health Oversight

• Exercises authority over inspectional services under the jurisdiction of the department to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and proper issuance of permits. Including, but not limited to: restaurants, retail and wholesale food establishments, lodging facilities, short-term rentals, retail businesses, swimming pools, fuel and chemical storage systems, and hazardous waste sites.
• Maintains professional standards and technical expertise in environmental and public health practices, licensing, and regulatory developments.
• Oversees compliance with federal and state PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) regulations, including coordination of sampling, monitoring, reporting, public notification, and mitigation efforts related to drinking water and environmental exposure, in collaboration with state agencies and local stakeholders.

4. Board of Health Support and Policy Development

• Attends Board of Health meetings and provides professional recommendations on regulatory, environmental, and public health matters, including variance requests and subdivision applications.
• Prepares reports, documentation, and recommendations related to appeals and other matters before local or state public health authorities.
• Drafts regulations, policies, bylaws, and warrant articles for consideration by the Board of Health and/or Town Administration.
• Oversees development and implementation of public health and environmental programs as directed by Town Administration.

5. Public Health Programs and Community Engagement

• Develops and provides public health information and resources to residents, businesses, and stakeholders.
• Assists the public, town departments, and external agencies on matters related to public health and sanitation.
• Conducts or coordinates training programs, including food handler licensing as required.
• Serves as liaison between the Board of Health, the healthcare community, town departments, state agencies, and the general public.
• Serves on committees at the direction of the Town Manager.

6. Human Services Division Management

• Governs and integrates the Town’s Human Services programs as a core component of community health and well-being, including providing leadership, supervision, and strategic direction for the Human Services division, ensuring alignment with the Town’s mission to connect residents to needed support, resources, and services.
• Oversees the integration of public health objectives with human services functions, including programs for seniors, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other resident groups.
• Guides the delivery of core human services, including Senior Services (Council on Aging and Saltmarsh Senior Center), Veterans’ Services, Commission on Disability, and related community support programs.
• Supports community needs assessments and planning efforts that identify gaps in services and shape future human services initiatives.
• Foster partnerships with community organizations, boards/commissions (e.g., Council for Human Services), and volunteers to enhance service delivery, coordinate support, and address wellness, behavioral health, and social needs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or required.

Required minimum qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree in public health, environmental health, biology, public administration or a closely related field required; or an equivalent combination of education and 5-7 years of progressively responsible managerial experience. Master’s degree preferred. 

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Required at Time of Hire:

• Valid Massachusetts Class D Driver’s License

Required Within [12–24 Months] of Appointment (timeframe to be established by the Town):

• Certified Health Officer (CHO) designation
• Title 5 Certification
• Certified Foodborne Outbreak Investigator

Preferred / Supplemental Certifications:

• ServSafe Certification, Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS), Soil Evaluator

 

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS: 

 

Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of state and local public health, environmental health, and sanitation laws, regulations, and enforcement practices. Strong technical understanding of environmental health systems, including water quality analysis, laboratory testing methodologies, and subsurface sewage disposal system design and compliance. Demonstrated expertise in public health principles, risk assessment, regulatory interpretation, and investigative procedures necessary to identify and mitigate public health hazards. Working knowledge of organizational leadership, personnel management, budgeting, and municipal administrative practices.

 

Ability: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, professionally, and diplomatically with residents, businesses, elected officials, and Town departments under a variety of circumstances, including potentially sensitive or adversarial situations. Ability to clearly interpret, explain, and apply state and local laws, codes, and regulations related to public and environmental health to diverse audiences.

Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills required, including the ability to prepare reports, correspondence, and regulatory documentation. Demonstrated public speaking skills necessary to present information effectively before boards, committees, and community groups. Ability to review, analyze, and interpret complex technical documents, plans, specifications, and blueprints. Proficiency in the use of standard office technology and equipment as well as the ability to operate a motor vehicle in the performance of duties.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Standing, sitting, walking, lifting and/or driving may be frequent during the work day. Must be able to traverse varied topographical terrain to conduct various inspections. Must have sufficient manual dexterity and physical flexibility to bend and reach to complete basic office tasks and maneuver blueprints and other plans. Lifting and carrying objects of varying weights may be frequent. 

MOTOR SKILLS: Must have sufficient manual dexterity to perform duties associated with, but not limited to collecting water samples, using a thermometer, tape measure and performing other tests related to the duties of the Health Department.

VISUAL DEMANDS: The employee is constantly required to read documents and reports for understanding and routinely for analytical purposes. The employee is required to determine color differences.