Assistant Public Health Officer - TB Controller

Reimagine Public Health Leadership. Protect Community Health.

The County of Santa Clara is not just any government agency – it’s a premiere public institution recognized for its high standard of excellence, strategic leadership, and innovative thinking. With a population of more than 1.9 million residents, Santa Clara County is the largest of the nine Bay Area counties and larger than 12 states. With a workforce of 24,000+ employees across 30+ departments, the County delivers critical services in health, public safety, social services, housing, and more. Our mission is clear: to plan for the needs of a dynamic community, provide quality services, and promote a healthy, safe, and prosperous community for all.

The County Public Health Department’s mission is to protect and improve the health and well-being of our community. We work to prevent disease and injury, promote healthy lifestyles, create healthy environments, use data to inform decision-making, and advocate for policy and systems changes that advance racial and health equity. The Public Health Department is composed of:

• The Healthy Communities Branch addresses risk factors and environmental conditions that promote community equity, healthy and peaceful communities, and injury prevention while decreasing chronic diseases.
• The Infectious Disease and Response Branch is responsible for the prevention and control of infectious diseases, harm reduction from substance use, public health preparedness and response, as well as recovery related to natural or human-made disasters.
• The Maternal Child and Family Health Branch offers services and programs focused on the County’s vulnerable children and families.
• The Science, Epidemiology, Informatics, and Improvement Branch strengthens the scientific capacity of the Department, improves access to data, and improves data systems for infectious diseases and many other conditions of public health significance.
• The Environmental Health Branch works to preserve and improve those environmental conditions that affect our community's health and safety.

We’re seeking a visionary public health leader to join our team as Assistant Public Health Officer – TB Controller. This is your opportunity to lead a multidisciplinary program dedicated to eliminating tuberculosis and safeguarding the health of our community.

Your Mission

Lead the County’s Tuberculosis Prevention & Control Program within the Infectious Diseases & Response Branch. In this role, you will provide clinical, scientific, and administrative oversight of all TB program activities and staff, consult on treatment of all active TB cases in the county, provide patient care in the County’s TB clinic, and collaborate with local, state, and national partners to advance TB prevention and elimination strategies. You will also represent the Department to the media and with public health, academic, and community partners. In conjunction with the Health Officer team, you will lead staff in the entire Department in the management of public health-related disasters, crises, or emergencies.

What Makes This Role Unique

• Impact at Scale: Oversee TB prevention and control for a diverse population of nearly 2 million residents in one of the most dynamic regions in the country.
• Innovation in Public Health: Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, we leverage data, technology, and evidence-based practices to improve health outcomes.
• Equity at the Core: Ensure access to care and prevention strategies for vulnerable populations disproportionately impacted by TB.
• Direct Clinical and Policy Influence: Provide expert consultation, shape public health policy, and represent the County at state and national levels.

What You’ll Do

• Program Leadership: Direct all TB-related activities, including surveillance, research, evaluation, and prevention strategies. Supervise and provide administrative oversight of all program staff and program budget.
• Medical Oversight: Consult with providers on medical treatment plans, lead TB case conferences, and ensure compliance with reporting and public health laws related to TB control.
• Collaboration & Representation: Partner with regional and national organizations, serve on committees, and act as a spokesperson for TB-related issues.
• Emergency Response: Share 24/7 on-call responsibilities for public health emergencies and support disaster response efforts.
• Education, Outreach, & Policy: Inform medical providers and the community about TB trends, prevention strategies, and treatment protocols. Serve as the County’s TB expert and spokesperson in governmental and community policy discussions.

What You Bring

• Medical Expertise: Active California medical license and board certification (or eligibility) in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Preventive Medicine, Pediatrics, or related specialty OR be an out-of-state licensed physician who is eligible for licensure in the State of California upon appointment.
• Preferred Qualifications: Board certification or eligibility in Infectious Diseases or Pulmonary Medicine; MPH or advanced training in epidemiology or public health administration.
• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to manage and interact with multidisciplinary teams and individuals with a wide array of backgrounds and experiences, oversee complex programs, and drive quality improvement.
• Management Skills: Attention to detail and strong organizational and project management skills including the ability to prioritize amongst multiple competing tasks.
• Creative Thinking: Ability to adapt to evolving public health needs and emerging threats, leverage data, systems, and other public health resources, and strategically problem-solve.
• Commitment to Public Health: Deep understanding of TB control strategies, health equity, and community engagement.

What Success Looks Like

In the first 6–12 months, you will:

• Establish strong relationships with internal teams, healthcare providers, and community partners.
• Assess and optimize TB program operations, including surveillance, case management, and prevention strategies.
• Implement improvements in infection control measures and reporting compliance.
• Lead effective TB case conferences and ensure timely, evidence-based treatment plans.

In the long term, you will:

• Reduce TB incidence and improve treatment completion rates across the county.
• Strengthen partnerships with state and national organizations to advance TB elimination goals.
• Position the County of Santa Clara as a leader in TB prevention and control through innovative practices and research.
• Build a resilient, equity-driven program that adapts to emerging public health challenges.

Why Join Us?

• Impact TB prevention and control in a large county with a diverse population and high TB burden.
• Influence public health policy and practice in one of California’s most impactful counties.
• Collaborate with a team of dedicated professionals committed to protecting community health.
• Enjoy a culture of innovation, inclusion, and continuous learning.

More About Our Competitive Executive Benefits

Strategic Financial and Retirement Benefits

• CalPERS pension with reciprocity across most California public agencies (2.5% @ 55 for Classic Members, 2% @ 62 for Non-Classic Members)
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan with both pre-tax and Roth options, up to IRS limits
• $325,000 in term life insurance plus $300,000 in accidental death and disability coverage
• Eligible employer under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

Executive-Level Health, Wellness, and Family Support

• Premium health insurance options (Kaiser, HealthNet, Valley Health Plan) with up to 96% County-paid coverage
• Fully covered dental (Delta or Liberty) and vision (VSP) plans for individuals and families
• Employee Assistance Program, Dependent Care Assistance, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Access to wellness and leadership development programs designed to support executive performance and resilience

Leadership Mobility, Time Off, and Professional Growth

• 39 days of annual leave with a cash-out option, plus 13 paid holidays
• Relocation assistance to support seamless transitions
• Tuition reimbursement and internal executive development programs
• Valley Transportation Agency Smart Pass/Clipper Card for sustainable commuting
• To learn more about benefits, check out our dedicated page.

Ready to join the leadership team? Apply now.

Learn more about the County and the impact you can have as a leader.

Application Process and Key Dates

Filing Deadline: Continuous – Open until filled. First review deadline: Tuesday, March 31, 2026. This recruitment may close or be extended as early as 10 days after posting. Early application is strongly encouraged. Please check the website regularly for updates.

Apply at: https://esa.santaclaracounty.gov/career-seekers

What to include in your application:

• Résumé
• Cover Letter (maximum 3 pages)
   Describe why you are the ideal candidate, highlighting relevant leadership experience and accomplishments.

Next steps in the process: Following mutual interest, a comprehensive background investigation and reference check will be conducted. Finalists will be asked to provide at least five professional references, with prior authorization obtained by Executive Services.

Questions regarding this Executive recruitment may be directed to:

Quynh Truong, Executive Services at (408) 299-5701 or Quynh.truong@esa.sccgov.org.

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Employment Standards:

Must be a Physician licensed in California and Board Certified in an appropriate medical specialty (e.g. Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Preventive Medicine, or Family Medicine) OR be an out-of-state licensed physician who is eligible for licensure in the State of California upon appointment; and have significant training and administrative management experience in the planning, organization, and coordination of local government-based and community public health programs in order to perform the above tasks.

A Master in Public Health, completion of the CDC's or California’s Epidemic Intelligence Service, or Board Eligibility in Infectious Diseases or Pulmonary Medicine is highly desirable.