Public Health Model Job Descriptions Project 2.0
The purpose of the Public Health Model Job Description Project (MJDP) 2.0 is to support the public health workforce by offering updated, standardized job descriptions and postings for state, territorial, local, and Tribal (STLT) agencies. Public-facing job postings and detailed internal job descriptions are critical tools for recruiting and retaining top talent in the governmental public health workforce. The updated set of job descriptions builds on existing job descriptions developed by the Region V Public Health Training Center and the Public Health Management Corporation by offering a foundation that public health departments can adapt to meet their needs. Version 1.0 was co-sponsored by the University of Minnesota Center for Public Health Systems.
These job descriptions and postings are meant as a starting point for health departments that are aiming to update existing descriptions or ensure their job descriptions are attractive to new candidates. Local or state health departments should work with their HR or civil service department to ensure the job matches a job analysis of the position and to ensure they are listing the essential functions of the role.
A job description is an internal document used by human resources departments and hiring managers to provide a detailed description of the purpose of the job, the key tasks to be conducted, and the job requirements.
A job posting is an externally-facing marketing document meant to attract qualified candidates to apply for the job.
These descriptions are not meant to replace the guidance of your human resources or civil service department, nor do they replace a thorough job analysis with specific information on the percentage time spent on different tasks. They are not meant as legally binding documents and are not meant to include information which may be specific to a particular agency with regard to probationary periods, union contracts, exempt vs. non-exempt positions, specific state or local regulations regarding the hiring of public health professionals, public health department accreditation, disability accommodations, or Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
To access the Public Health Model Job Descriptions Project 2.0, you will be asked to please complete this brief form. After submitting the form, you will be able to access a link to download all of the job descriptions and the corresponding job postings for each position.
Jobs Included in this Project:
| Administrative Assistant | Deputy Director | Financial Specialist^ | Informatics Specialist | Public Health Accreditation Specialist |
| Call Center Team Lead^ | Disease Intervention Specialist | Grants Manager | Laboratory Scientist | Public Health Director |
| Community Health Worker | Environmental Engineer | Health Educator | Logistics/ Maintenance Coordinator^ | Public Health Nurse |
| Communications Specialist | Environmental Health Specialist | Health Equity Coordinator | Mental Health Counselor | Public Health Planner |
| Data Analyst | Emergency Preparedness Director | Health or Medical Assistant | Nutritionist or Dietitian* | Public Health Program Manager |
| Dentist* | Epidemiologist | Human Resources Specialist | Policy Analyst | Social Worker* |
| ^New roles from a set developed by the Public Health Management Corporation (see User Guide for more information). | ||||
| *Entirely new roles in MJDP 2.0. |
Additional Resources:
-
Krasna, H. (2022). Recruitment Toolkit. Region 2 Public Health Training Center. Available at https://region2phtc.org/recruitment-toolkit/.
-
Krasna H, Kulik PG, Karnik H, Leider JP. Recruiting New Talent for Public Health Jobs With Evidence-Based Job Descriptions and Attractive Job Postings. Journal Of Public Health Management And Practice. 29(5):p E162-E168, September/October 2023. DOI: 10.1097/PHH.0000000000001776
-
Seltzer, B. & Krasna, H. (2021). 101+ Careers in Public Health (3rd ed.). Springer Publishing Company.
Citation: Warren-Green, K. & Krasna, H. (2025). Public Health Model Job Descriptions 2.0. Region V Public Health Training Center & Public Health Infrastructure Grant. Available at https://www.rvphtc.org/public-health-model-job-descriptions-project/.
This work is supported by funds made available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Center for STLT Public Health Infrastructure and Workforce, through OE22-2203: Strengthening U.S. Public Health Infrastructure, Workforce, and Data Systems grant. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.