Public health positions in demand

Health educators teach community members about the many aspects of behavior that promote health and wellness. They develop programs to encourage people to make good health decisions. Health educators assess community needs; devise programs to teach about good health; create and distribute health materials; and assist people in finding needed health services.

(note- this requires at least a BS in health education or health promotion, CHES certification preferred and most ultimately pursue MPH)

https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes211091.htm

Directors of environmental health educate, provide training and regulate environmental practices of the government in both private and public operations. These regulations ensure the quality of water, food, and air in specific areas.

Epidemiologists exam the causes of disease and other public health issues and report their findings to public health officials and the public. They work in health departments, offices, universities and laboratories.

Director of epidemiology

A director of epidemiology works on the causes of diseases and various public health problems to prevent them from recurring. A director typically has several epidemiologists as direct reports. The director will direct the study of key public health issues to determine how to treat vulnerable populations; directs the collection and analysis of data and have junior epidemiologists communicate findings to appropriate professionals in government.

(note – this requires an MPH)

https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes191041.htm

Public health officers focus on the health of communities, rather than individual patients. They are educators of the public on serious health risks and healthy living. Public health officers typically work in nonprofit organizations, the military, local and state government and federal agencies.

Director of operations for public health

A director of operations for public health is an important role for the protection of county, state, and national public health. These professionals help to prevent epidemics and stop the spread of disease, including chronic health and communicable disease, e.g. SARS, West Nile Virus and influenza pandemics.

Clinical research coordinators (CRC) typically work under the direction of a clinical principal investigator. The CRC will usually support, facilitate and coordinate clinical trial activities and has an important role in all clinical studies at the site. Essential duties include coordinating with PI to ensure clinical trial activities are completed according to federal regulations; help PI develop material and tools needed to train people working on the study; and assist PI in assuring that all personnel in the project meet training requirements. 

Nonprofit coordinators develop and oversee staff and volunteers for a public health cause.

Executive Directors oversee the operations of nonprofit departments, e.g., marketing, program development, fundraising, human resources, and finance. Executive directors also can oversee various lower-level executives.

A healthcare consultant is an analyst employed in public health and typically performs the following duties: researches data related to an identified public health problem; collect data and provide information to public health officials and works with public health officials to devise an agreement on potential solutions.

Industrial waste directors usually work in local government, water, sewage and related facilities to promote public health. They typically oversee employees who work in removing solid and liquid waste and ensuring that the public health is not compromised.

An infection control officer conducting surveillance of infectious disease and reports in a public health setting.

A project manager in a public health facility is generally responsible for overseeing health services and facilities. Projects can fall into either the clinical or health information section depending upon the type of public health organization.

A radiation safety specialist develops, implements and monitors environmental and safety programs in a variety of public health-related facilities to ensure they are compliant with all federal, state and local laws. Job duties include control of hazardous materials, emergency preparedness, radiological safety and prevention of accidents.

A director of a water treatment plant deals with all functions of water treatment pertaining to public health, including water storage, treatment, and delivery.

A water quality investigator investigates various water problems and issues that afflict communities in various towns, states, counties and countries around the world. They often deal with various water measuring instruments and machines to treat and test water. They also monitor operating conditions with the local water supply with assorted meters and gauges.