Medical Officer of Health jobs

• Contribute to protecting and promoting the health of communities across the Northern region.
• Play a critical role in the areas of regulatory compliance, environmental health and disease investigations
• Full time permanent role based in Whangarei, and covering all of Northland

About the Role

As a Health Protection Officer, you will play a key role in protecting and promoting the health of communities across the Northern region. You will identify, assess and manage public health risks across environmental health, communicable disease surveillance and investigation, border health protection and risk communication. As a designated public health statutory officer, you will apply relevant legislation and provide evidence-based advice to support effective public health decision-making. You will also contribute to the development, implementation and review of public health processes, programmes and initiatives.

The role requires you to respond effectively to public health risks, outbreaks and emergencies, including participating in an on-call roster and supporting emergency management activities when required. You will work collaboratively with colleagues, communities and partner organisations to identify emerging risks, develop practical solutions and improve health outcomes. Your work will be guided by evidence, professional judgement, equity and a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, with a strong focus on protecting the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve.

About the Service

The National Public Health Service (NPHS) within Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora, work towards Pae Ora (healthy futures) for all by engaging with the wider determinants that impact people's health, focusing on oranga/wellbeing, prevention, protection, and population-level intervention. We are connected across boundaries to deliver public health services that are nationally planned, regionally delivered and locally tailored.

About you

You will be a public health professional with relevant qualifications and experience in health protection, environmental health or a similar public health setting. You will bring sound knowledge of public health legislation, risk assessment and management, with the ability to investigate issues, assess risks and provide practical, evidence-based advice. You will be confident working with public health data, undertaking research, planning and evaluating projects and programmes, and producing clear, well-considered reports. Strong written and verbal communication skills, sound professional judgement and the ability to work effectively in complex and changing environments will be important to your success.

You will also be a collaborative and relationship-focused professional who can work confidently with communities, iwi and hapū, health providers, government agencies and other stakeholders. You will demonstrate a genuine commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and achieving equitable health outcomes, with the ability to apply these principles meaningfully in your work. You will be adaptable, proactive and comfortable responding to public health incidents and emergencies, including participating in an on-call roster when required. A clean New Zealand driver's licence and willingness to travel across the region are also essential, along with the ability to meet the competencies required for appointment as a Health Protection Officer.

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• A relevant degree in public health, environmental health or a related discipline that meets the requirements for appointment as a Public Health Statutory Officer.

• Demonstrated experience in public health, ideally as a Health Protection Officer, Environmental Health Officer or in a similar role.

• Strong risk assessment, risk management and investigation experience, with the ability to apply relevant legislation, standards and policies.

• Experience in project and programme planning, evaluation, research and report writing.

• Ability to analyse and interpret public health data and use evidence to support sound decision-making.

• Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships and work collaboratively with communities and a diverse range of stakeholders.

• A practical commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, equity and improving health outcomes for Māori and other communities.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, sound judgement, adaptability and the ability to work effectively during public health emergencies.

• A clean New Zealand driver's licence and willingness to travel across the Northern region.

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers' portal by Wednesday, 4 November. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Priyanka Sharma via priyanka.sharma@tewhatuora.govt.nz.