Salary : $109,116.00 - $158,448.00 Annually
Location : Health Department - 509 Girard St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Health Department
Opening Date: 07/30/2026
Closing Date: 8/23/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Summary
Whatcom County Health and Community Services Department is seeking a Communicable Disease Division Manager to plan, direct, and evaluate countywide, communicable disease preparedness, prevention, response, and outbreak investigation, programs to protect public health and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. This position provides strategic and operational leadership by developing policies, establishing program priorities, managing personnel and financial resources, and overseeing program performance, regulatory compliance, and quality improvement initiatives. Collaborates with healthcare providers, governmental agencies, and community and regional partners to coordinate disease prevention and outbreak preparedness and response efforts that improve community health outcomes and support the mission of the Health and Community Services Department.

Essential Job Duties include:

• Develops and directs countywide communicable disease prevention, surveillance, investigation, and response programs
• Plans, organizes, and manages division operations by establishing program objectives, developing operational plans, assigning resources, and monitoring workload priorities
• Provides leadership and supervision to assigned professional, technical, and administrative staff by recruiting employees, assigning work, coaching performance, conducting evaluations, and resolving personnel issues
• Develops, administers, and monitors division budgets, grants, contracts, and other funding resources
• Directs communicable disease surveillance, outbreak investigations, and emergency response activities by analyzing epidemiological data
• Serves as the department's designated HIPAA Compliance Officer and oversees nursing practice standards by interpreting healthcare privacy requirements, monitoring compliance with applicable laws and professional standards,
• Provides executive-level consultation and technical expertise regarding communicable disease trends, public health risks, regulatory requirements, and program performance
• Builds and maintains partnerships with healthcare providers, laboratories, emergency management, and community organizations
• Leads continuous quality improvement and organizational planning efforts

For more information please see the
Supervisor: Health and Community Services Director
Hours of Work: Monday-Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Schedule may include occasional evenings or weekends based on operational needs.
Work Location: 509 Girard Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 Hybrid or field-based work may be required depending on assignment.

Salary Range: Unrepresented - Range 13, $9,093.00 - $13,204.00 per month DOQ

Hiring rate depends on qualifications. This position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (apx. 3.8%) subject to satisfactory performance, in addition to any negotiated Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).

We are required by State Law to list the full salary range. As a public entity, we are required to make pay decisions based on experience, qualifications, and equity with other employees. Hiring rate typically is limited to entry to mid of the posted salary range, subject to required approvals.

Qualifications
Required:

Master's degree in public health, epidemiology, nursing, healthcare administration, disease control, or a closely related field and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience managing public health or community health programs, including three (3) years of supervisory or management experience.
Preferred:

Experience or specific training in communicable disease control practices.

Special Requirements:

• If the educational requirement is met with a nursing degree, requires a valid license to practice as a registered nurse in the state of Washington.
• Background check must meet County criteria.
• Must obtain a First Aid/CPR card within six (6) months of employment and maintain throughout employment.

Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the essential duties of the position may be considered. Experience may substitute for education, and education may substitute for experience when appropriate. Substitution does not apply where a specific degree, license, or certification is required by law, regulation, or professional standards.

Supplemental Information

Benefits:

Whatcom County offers at no cost to employees, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees AND their family
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and 12 paid holidays annually. Prior related public service considered for setting accrual rate. Accrue up to 330 hours of PTO annually. Cash-out up to 40 hours over 330 maximum annually.

Employment YearAccrual - MonthAccrual - Year1st - 4th year18.00 hours5.4 Weeks5th - 9th year21.33 hours6.4 Weeks10th + year24.67 hours7.4 Weeks

• Lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), with joint contributions required from the employee and the County
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation Retirement with County match
• $50,000 Life Insurance coverage for employees
• Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available for health care and/or dependent care expenses
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Additional

Subject to satisfactory performance this position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated (apx. 3.8%), in addition to any approved Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).
01

Do you have a Master's degree (or higher) in nursing, public health, healthcare, disease control, epidemiology or a related field?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have at least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in disease prevention, surveillance, investigation and response, and/or related areas?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have at least 3 years of supervisory experience?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have at least 5 years of experience or specific training in communicable disease control practice?

• Yes
• No

05

Please attach a cover letter addressing the following questions and check Yes to confirm attachment:1. What experience, skills and traits qualify you for this position?2. Describe your experience working in the areas of disease prevention, surveillance, investigation and response;3. Describe your supervisory and/or leadership experience;4. Describe your experience with fiscal management, including budget preparation and monitoring, grant administration, and negotiating contracts for services;5. Describe your experience working with community partners to improve population health measures such as immunization rates and STD rates in a community and/or systemwide healthcare gaps for vulnerable and underserved populations;5. Why does Whatcom County Health Department's mission and service to the community appeal to you?6. Why is the Communicable Disease & Epidemiology Manager position the right next step for you in your career?

• Yes
• No

Required Question