County Health Officer

County of San Luis Obispo, CA

$236K — $316K *
Healthcare
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Medical degree with a focus in public health or related field
  • 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in public health
  • Proven ability to analyze health data and make strategic recommendations
  • Strong understanding of community health needs and program development
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills

Responsibilities

  • Lead the Public Health Department to achieve community health goals
  • Collaborate with community organizations and healthcare providers
  • Provide expert advice to the Board of Supervisors on health-related issues
  • Translate health data into actionable strategies for improvement
  • Promote community engagement and health education initiatives

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Mental health resources and programs
  • Flexible work schedule options
  • Generous retirement pension plan
  • Paid personal, sick days, and holidays
  • Employee wellness and education allowances
  • Childcare assistance and family-friendly policies
Full Job Description
Salary: $236,017.60 - $316,305.60 Annually
Location : All Locations - San Luis Obispo County, CA
Job Type: Officials - Appointees
Job Number: 0926PM-300878-01
Department: Health Agency
Division: Health Agency - Public Health
Opening Date: 09/02/2026

About the Position
The County of San Luis Obispo, California, is seeking a visionary and mission-driven physician leader to serve as County Health Officer at a transformational moment for public health in the region. As the County launches its newly structured Public Health Department, the Health Officer will help shape a new era of integrated, responsive, and community-centered public health leadership. Appointed by and reporting directly to the Board of Supervisors, this leader will work in close strategic partnership with the newly appointed Public Health Director to establish priorities, enhance systems, and improve community health outcomes. With day-to-day administrative responsibilities residing with the Public Health Director and staff, the Health Officer will have a unique opportunity to focus on community health, partnerships, and strategic vision while serving as a visible, engaged, and respected medical voice for more than 280,000 residents.

The Health Officer works at the center of a dynamic network, strengthening connections and bringing together County leadership, healthcare providers, emergency services, community organizations, and residents to advance shared health priorities. As a trusted advisor to the Board of Supervisors, the Health Officer will translate health data, community perspectives, and emerging needs into strategic recommendations that advance the Board's priorities. This is a role for a credible physician who brings deep public health expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to build relationships that inspire confidence and action. Apply today to shape the future of public health in San Luis Obispo County!
View the full recruitment brochure here: https://indd.adobe.com/view/93fee5cd-3a43-4023-b2b8-350b8845f215
SALARY AND BENEFITS

Annual Salary: $236,017.60 - $316,305.60 DOE/DOQ, PLUS an attractive benefits package.
How to Apply
For first consideration, apply ASAP at:

View the WBCP Job Board: wbcpinc.com/job-board/
INTERVIEW PROCESS

This position will remain open until filled. Qualified candidates will be interviewed as they are identified.
QUESTIONS?

Please contact your recruiter, Terri Maus-Nisich, with any inquiries:
  • 866-929-WBCP (9227) toll free
  • 541-664-0376 (direct)

Compensation and Benefits
Your annual salary is supplemented by a generous benefit package.

In general, temporary employees are not eligible for County-sponsored benefits and may have limited benefit options available to them. For more information on benefit eligibility, please e-mail .

For additional information regarding the benefits listed that may be available to you, visit the associated .

Some benefits include:

- Medical (PPO, EPO, HDHP), Dental (HMO, PPO) and Vision Insurance
- Health enhancing programs such as Hinge Health, GIThrive and Carrum Health for medical enrollees.
- Cafeteria (County contribution to pay for insurance premiums)
- Free visits to the employee health clinic
- Mental Health resources/benefits including Headspace
- Voluntary insurance plans (life insurance, disability, critical illness and many more)
- A lifelong retirement benefit through the San Luis Obispo County Pension Trust
- Optional deferred compensation plan with up to $500 per year match (depending on bargaining unit)
- Tax savings accounts (medical and dependent care)
- Paid personal, sick and vacation days
- 12 paid holidays
- Employee Assistance Program
- Education and Wellness Allowance
- Post Employment Health Plan
- Family Friendly workplace policies
- Flexible work schedule options
- Rideshare commuter benefits
- Pet Insurance
The County of San Luis Obispo has been recognized as a Diamond Level Family Friendly Workplace by San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce. We support our employees through: childcare assistance, flexible scheduling practices, paid and unpaid leave, comprehensive health benefits, flexible spending accounts, and employee assistance programs.

Pension Benefit and Employee Contribution Rates:
The County's pension is a defined benefit plan that provides a guaranteed monthly pension payment for life based on your time in service, wages, and other factors. The County is the primary contributor to the pension fund, but the health of the pension fund also depends on mandatory employee contributions. Employees are required to pay a percentage of their base pay towards the pension fund, ranging from 5% to 19%. This amount is deducted from your paycheck pre-tax every pay period. To find out how much will be deducted from your paycheck should you be hired for this position, please contact Pension Trust at (805) 781-5465.

Healthcare Benefits and Cafeteria Contributions:
The County offers comprehensive medical coverage to you and your family, along with two dental plan options and vision coverage. All permanent employees receive a monthly employer contribution (or 'cafeteria' contribution) to help them pay for their portion of the medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums. The amount of the cafeteria contribution varies by Bargaining Unit (BU) and the extent to which employees enroll their dependents. If the cafeteria amount is greater than your selected premiums, the remainder of the cafeteria is paid out to you in your paycheck as taxable income. If the cafeteria amount is less than your monthly premiums, you pay the remainder of the premiums with pre-tax wages.

To estimate your out-of-pocket costs (or cashback from extra cafeteria),

Learning and Development
The County prioritizes your learning, personal and professional development, and career growth. Employees have access to over 1500 on-demand courses, instructor led courses, and job-specific trainings.

Employees can take courses to upskill to make themselves more competitive for promotional opportunities and further their career growth. Examples of courses include:

- Emotional Intelligence
- Supervisor/Manager academies
- Microsoft Suite courses
- Defensive Driving
- Financial management
- Retirement preparedness
- Teambuilding
- Written Communication
- Conflict Management
- Clifton StrengthsFinder and DISC
- Job specific conferences/trainings

Student Loan Forgiveness
Did you know that if you are employed by a government agency you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
County employees also have access to GotZoom, a program that offers tools and support to navigate your federal student loans.

Homebuyer assistance program
Employees have access to the "Assist-to-Own" program sponsored by to get a loan for the down payment.

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