THE OPPORTUNITY

Sonoma County is seeking a skilled and dynamic physician who is passionate about community health improvement as its next Health Officer. Recognized for its commitment to innovation and collaboration, the County of Sonoma strives to be the healthiest county in California. The Health Officer plays a key leadership role in bringing this vision to reality.

SONOMA COUNTY

Nestled in the heart of Northern California Wine Country, Sonoma County is the largest county in the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, covering over 1,600 square miles. Located in the northernmost part of the Bay Area, about 30 miles north of San Francisco, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, Marin County and San Pablo Bay to the south, and Solano, Napa, and Lake Counties to the east, Sonoma County is known for amazing wines and legendary vineyards, organic produce and sustainable farming. The County is also home to the scenic Russian River, a popular tourist destination where residents and visitors enjoy kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and swimming.

Encompassing nine cities and five federally recognized tribes, more than a third of Sonoma County’s almost 500,000 residents live in the City of Santa Rosa, the county seat, and a quarter live in unincorporated areas. Downtown areas such as Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Sonoma, Healdsburg, and Guerneville offer a mix of historic architecture, boutique shopping, and gourmet dining, providing a small-town feel with modern amenities. Festivals, farmers’ markets, and cultural events celebrate local talent and traditions. The County enjoys a diverse economy that includes agriculture, a world-class wine region, technology, healthcare, tourism, manufacturing, craft brewing, retail, and professional services.

Visit http://www.sonomacounty.ca.gov/ and https://sonomacountyconnections.org for additional information about Sonoma County—the place to live, work, and build your career legacy.

THE HEALTH SERVICES DEPARTMENT

The Sonoma County Department of Health Services is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the community's health and well-being. With over 700 staff members and numerous community partners, the department offers a broad range of programs and services to promote and sustain health for individuals, families, and communities. The Department is supported by an adopted budget of approximately $501.6 million for FY 2024-25, with departmental operating expenditures totaling $332.4 million. The department’s mission is to promote, protect, and ensure access to services supporting health, recovery, and well-being for all residents, guided by core values of equity, collaboration, and excellence. The Department of Health Services is composed of four Divisions: Executive Management and Administration, Behavioral Health, Homelessness Services, and Public Health.

THE POSITION

The Health Officer is a vital leader within Sonoma County’s Department of Health Services. Appointed by the Board of Supervisors and reporting to the Director of Health Services, the Health Officer plays a key role in protecting and promoting the health and safety of the community. This position provides expert medical oversight for public health programs and ensures compliance with public health regulations.

Working in partnership with the Director of Health Services, the Health Officer develops and refines medical policies and protocols that guide the department’s work. This individual also serves as a trusted advisor to elected officials, healthcare professionals, and the public, offering guidance on critical public health issues and strategies to address them. While the Director of Health Services manages the department’s overall operations, budget, and programmatic functions, the Health Officer focuses on medical leadership, shaping the County’s public health approach, and fostering a healthy, thriving community.

The ideal candidate is passionate about serving the public and finding collaborative solutions to complex health challenges. Trustworthy, approachable, flexible, and decisive, this individual will bring strong leadership and a forward-thinking mindset to the role.

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge and

abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Education: Graduation from an accredited medical school with a Doctor of Medicine degree.

• Experience: Three years of responsible work in a public health service that included both clinical and managerial experience. Training in Family Practice, Pediatrics or Internal Medicine is desirable.

• License/Certification: Possession of a valid Physician’s and Surgeon’s Certificate issued by the State of California is required.

SALARY & BENEFITS

Sonoma County provides a competitive compensation and benefits package. The salary for this role is $270,240 - $328,470, with specific placement within the range dependent on qualifications and experience. In addition, a 4% cost of living adjustment is scheduled for March 2025. Key elements of the County’s benefits program include a $25,000 hiring incentive; a hybrid, flexible work-schedule; and relocation reimbursement for the successful candidate upon approval. Retirement is provided by the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937, which has reciprocity with other public retirement systems. Retirement is fully integrated with Social Security.

For additional benefit information, interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed recruitment brochure by clicking on the .pdf link on this page.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

This recruitment currently has a continuous filing period. A first review date is scheduled for January 31, 2025, but it may close without notice at any time that a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted. To be considered for this position, interested candidates must complete an online job application, and submit a cover letter and résumé by clicking on the 'Apply Here' link above.

Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:

Greg Nelson | greg@mosaicpublic.com | (916) 550-4100

Bryan Noblett | bryan@mosaicpublic.com | (916) 550-4100