Deputy Commissioner of Public Health Services, Tompkins County
TOMPKINS COUNTY CIVIL SERVICE VACANCY
Inclusion Through Diversity
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Tompkins County Department of Human Resources Office
125 E. Court Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-5526
Tompkins County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply
TITLE: Deputy Commissioner of Public Health Services
SALARY: $60.98/hr - Hire Rate; $68.23/hr - Work Rate (after 9 months)
TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT: Full Time
ISSUE DATE: 10/02/26
THE FINAL DATE TO FILE APPLICATIONS: 11/01/26
RESIDENCY: Candidates must have been legal residents of Tompkins County or one of the six adjoining counties (Cayuga, Chemung, Cortland, Schuyler, Seneca, Tioga) for at least one month immediately preceding the date of application and maintain residency.
For Examinations: The eligible list resulting from the examination will be established in accordance with the final earned numerical ratings of passing candidates regardless of residence. A municipality or district may exercise its right under section 23-4-a. of Civil Service Law to request a certification of eligible candidates who have been residents of that municipality or district for at least one month prior to appointment. After the names of residents have been exhausted, Tompkins County must then certify the names of non-residents on the list.
Tompkins County Whole Health is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Deputy Commissioner of Public Health Services to provide strategic leadership and administrative oversight for our Environmental Health, Family and Child Health, and Community Health divisions. This is a 40-hour-per-week position with a hire rate of $60.98 per hour and a working rate of $68.23 per hour after nine months. As a member of the Department’s executive leadership team, this position helps shape Whole Health priorities while advancing effective, equitable, and data-informed public health services.
The Deputy Commissioner leads strategic planning, program evaluation, workforce development, policy implementation, partnership building, and the responsible management of public health resources. The position works closely with state agencies, community partners, healthcare systems, elected officials, and internal leaders to respond to community health needs, strengthen collaboration between public health and mental health services, and ensure compliance with New York State requirements. The ideal candidate is a thoughtful and decisive leader who can set a clear vision while understanding the operational details
needed to carry it forward. They should value collaboration, continuous learning, accountability, and the expertise of their team; communicate complex public health issues clearly; and be prepared to lead through organizational change, competing priorities, and public health emergencies.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master's degree in Public Health, Health Administration, or related field from a regionally accredited or New York State-registered college or university that demonstrates the core competencies of a public health education (Biostatistics, Environmental Health Sciences, Epidemiology, and Health Policy and Management) AND Five (5) years of administrative experience, two of which must be in a senior supervisory capacity, in a health-related organization or government agency that demonstrates that the candidate possesses the knowledge and skills necessary to administer public health programs including workforce and budget management, effective communication, effective establishment and implementation of policy or business goals, and compliance with legal requirements. OR
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Health Administration, or related field from a regionally accredited or New York State-registered college or university that demonstrates the core competencies of a public health education (Biostatistics, Environmental Health Sciences, Epidemiology, and Health Policy and Management) AND Seven (7) years of administrative experience, two of which must be in a senior supervisory capacity, in a health-related organization or government agency that demonstrates that the candidate possesses the knowledge and skills necessary to administer public health programs including workforce and budget management, effective communication, effective establishment
and implementation of policy or business goals, and compliance with legal requirements OR - Any combination of training and experience equal to or greater than that described in (a) or (b) above.
NOTE: This role may be designated as the Public Health Director. All appointments as the Public Health Director and the appointment and arrangements for the medical consultant are subject to the approval of the State Commissioner of Health. Preference in appointment may be given to those with a Doctoral degree.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- This role requires the ability to meet travel demands, with or without reasonable accommodation. A valid New York State driver's license is required at the time of appointment, or within 30 days of appointment if in possession of a valid out-of-state driver’s license and license shall be maintained for the duration of employment. This position is considered to be a public officer. Pursuant to Article 3 of the NYS Public Officers law, the holder of this position must be a United States citizen and a resident of Tompkins County.
- While this work involves 24/7 on-call responsibilities, Tompkins County supports work-life balance and provides resources to promote employee wellness.
- Tompkins County Government centers diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to the empowerment of employees and residents to dismantle systemic barriers that inhibit inclusive governance and the provision of government services to all. Guided by our values of Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Equity, and Stewardship, we strive to build a workplace and community
rooted in trust, belonging, and opportunity for all. Learn more about our Strategic Plan and Institutionalizing Equity Report, which embed equity across our operations.
For more information and to apply, please visit: https://www.tompkinscivilservice.org/civilservice/apply/9857
Point of Contact
Ashley Siegard,
Staff Retention and Human Resources Coordinator,
Tompkins County Whole Health
(607)2745520