Salary : $160,734.08 - $169,404.04 Annually
Location : Houston
Job Type: Executive Level
Job Number: 39525
Department: Houston Health Department
Opening Date: 09/08/2026
Closing Date: 9/16/2026 11:59 PM Central

POSITION OVERVIEW
APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: CURRENT HOUSTON HEALTH DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES ONLY

DIVISION: REGULATORY SERVICES
REPORTING LOCATION: 8000 N. STADIUM
WORKDAYS & HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM - 5PM

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Houston Health Department is seeking an experienced and strategic public health executive to serve as Assistant Director of the Regulatory Services Division. This executive-level position provides leadership and oversight for regulatory programs that support community safety, disease prevention, and public health readiness. The Assistant Director provides strategic direction for regulatory programs while ensuring alignment with departmental priorities, public health accreditation standards, and applicable local, state, and federal requirements.

Essential Duties

• Provide executive oversight of programs that protect public health, including food safety, aquatic facilities, pollution control and prevention, ambulance permitting, and special waste/Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) compliance programs.
• Evaluate and advance policies, regulations, ordinances, and operational standards to strengthen public health protections, ensure regulatory compliance, and improve program effectiveness.
• Establish performance expectations and utilize data, quality improvement methodologies, accreditation standards, and performance management systems to improve operational outcomes and regulatory effectiveness.
• Provide strategic leadership for pollution control and prevention activities designed to identify, prevent, reduce, and mitigate environmental conditions that may adversely affect public health.
• Facilitate a "no wrong door" approach to services and support, ensuring customers receive assistance, information, or appropriate referrals regardless of which office or program they contact first.
• Develop organizational capacity through workforce planning, succession planning, coaching, professional development, and performance management of bureau leaders and division staff.
• Represent the department with executive leadership, regulatory agencies, elected officials, community partners, auditors, funding organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Oversee division budgets, grants, contracts, and funding sources while ensuring fiscal responsibility, compliance, and long-term sustainability.
• Develop and implement strategic priorities, operational plans, policies, procedures, and performance measures aligned with department goals and regulatory requirements.
• Advise executive leadership on regulatory issues, emerging public health risks, program performance, compliance concerns, and opportunities for improvement.
• Evaluate and recommend updates to policies, ordinances, regulations, and operational standards that strengthen public health protections and enhance regulatory effectiveness.
• Promote collaboration across departmental divisions and external partners to address emerging public health risks, improve regulatory processes, and advance community health outcomes.
• Serve in leadership roles during public health emergencies and Incident Command System activations, which may require extended hours, emergency assignments, and non-traditional schedules.
• Oversee additional programs and functions as assigned based on departmental priorities and evolving community needs, ensuring the division remains responsive and positioned to effectively serve the community.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS
This position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort in a normal office environment.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Seven years of administrative experience are required, with at least three of those years in a managerial capacity.

A Master's degree may be substituted for two years of experience.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
None
PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to candidates who have the following:

• Master's degree in Public Health (MPH), Health Administration (MHA), Public Administration (MPA), Nursing, Social Work (MSW), Nutrition, Business Administration (MBA), or a related field.
• Experience providing executive leadership for public health programs, regulatory services, or complex governmental operations.
• Experience overseeing environmental health programs such as food safety, swimming pool safety, Special Waste, pollution control, or other public health infrastructure programs.
• Experience with laboratory accreditation, quality systems, regulatory compliance, or public health standards.
• Experience developing and implementing policies, regulations, ordinances, and operational standards.
• Experience managing complex budgets, grants, contracts, and multiple funding sources.
• Experience leading organizational change, workforce development, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience collaborating with regulatory agencies, industry organizations, community partners, and government stakeholders.

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**
GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION / SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED
Department may administer skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION No
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

PAY GRADE: 32

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: or call (832-393-0453).

If you need special services or accommodations, call (832-393-0453). (TTY 7-1-1)

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable Sick Leave
• Personal Leave
• Flexible schedules
• Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html
01

Are you a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces (United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) for more than 90 consecutive days and received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions?

• Yes
• No

02

Which best describes your highest level of education?

• High School Diploma / GED
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher
• None of the Above

03

Which best describes your years of experience that relate to the duties of this position?

• I have no experience that directly relates to the duties of this position.
• Less than 5 years
• 5 - 6 years
• 7 - 8 years
• 9 - 10 years
• 11 or more years of related experience

04

Please describe your related experience. If none use N/A.
05

Which best describes your years of experience in a managerial capacity?

• I have no managerial experience
• I have less than 3 years of managerial experience
• I have 3 or more years of managerial experience

06

Do you have previous Senior Leadership experience within the Houston Health Department?

• Yes
• No

07

Describe your experience in providing leadership or administrative oversight for environmental health, pollution control, regulatory compliance, inspection, permitting, investigation, or enforcement programs. If none, use N/A. (See resume is not an acceptable answer.)
08

How many years of experience do you have managing programs responsible for ensuring compliance with federal, state, or local laws, regulations, ordinances, permits, or public health requirements?

• Less than 1 year
• 1 - 3 years
• 4 - 6 years
• 7 - 9 years
• 10 years or more

09

Do you have experience evaluating, developing, or recommending changes to policies, ordinances, regulations, or operational standards at the local, state, or federal level?

• Yes
• No

10

Do you have experience managing complex budgets, grants, contracts, or other funding sources while ensuring fiscal accountability and operational effectiveness?

• Yes
• No

11

This position may be activated as part of the Department's Incident Command System (ICS) response during public health emergencies or other critical events. Are you willing and able to work extended hours, non-traditional schedules, nights, weekends, or holidays when operational needs require?

• Yes
• No

Required Question