Job Description

Position Summary:

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health is dedicated to promoting and protecting the health of individuals and communities in Wellington County, Dufferin County and the City of Guelph. With a vision of health and well-being for all, we strive to address the diverse health needs of our population through innovative programs and initiatives, upstream interventions and collaborative partnerships. From immunization campaigns to disease surveillance and community health promotion, our team of dedicated professionals works to ensure the well-being of everyone in our communities.



As a workplace, WDG Public Health offers a dynamic environment where passion for public health meets professional excellence. Employees have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the health outcomes of our communities while enjoying a supportive and inclusive work culture. With ongoing opportunities for professional development, a commitment to work-life balance, competitive compensation and benefits and a strong sense of community within our organization, WDG Public Health is not only a great place to work but also a rewarding place to grow and thrive in your career.



Read our 2024-2028 Strategic Plan on our Careers homepage for more about our vision, mission, values, goals and priorities.



If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity to use your knowledge and skills to make a difference in the health of our communities, we invite you to apply.



WDG Public Health is a hybrid work environment. Certain employee groups may be permitted to work hybrid based on the nature of the position and program. A minimum expectation of onsite presence is required, which will be dependent on operational needs.



We offer a competitive compensation package including:

Employer paid benefits, including extended health and dental; Defined benefit OMERS Pension Plan with 100% employer matching; Paid sick time, Short-Term Disability Plan, and Long-Term Disability Plan; EAP wellness program for individuals and family; Employer paid parking; 35-hour work week; Many opportunities for growth and development, including employer paid courses to obtain

certifications;

We value work-life balance, as such we pride ourselves on our generous vacation allowance and employee time off.


Job Overview:


The Vice President (VP) of Health Protection and Emergency Preparedness will ensure the protection and well-being of the Wellington, Dufferin, and Guelph community, including employees, clients, and stakeholders. Involved in extensive collaboration with various government ministries, local public health units, healthcare partners, and academics to support provincial and local public health efforts. Represents the health unit at inter-agency planning tables, emergency response activities, and policy development consultations. Responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining comprehensive strategies for health protection, risk mitigation, and emergency preparedness in alignment with both internal policies and external regulations. Provides executive leadership to the health protection and emergency preparedness functions of the health unit. Supports union and non-union staff, and the labour relations effort in the division. Synthesizes data and evidence to advise decision-makers on public health programs and policies, particularly in the areas of infection prevention and control. Plays a key role in outbreak response, communicable disease surveillance, and infection prevention and control. Directs the operational planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of an on-call system and divisional programs by providing senior leadership, direction, and support to management, who are accountable for the daily operation of these programs. Monitors program performance and makes necessary adjustments to ensure program targets are met and resources are deployed effectively. Oversees the on-call program, policies, and procedures for the agency. Actively monitors emerging health issues and evolving practices, identifies opportunities for innovation within their portfolio, and serves as a champion for the adoption and successful implementation of new approaches.


Knowledge and Scope of Position:


Develop and implement a robust health protection and emergency preparedness strategy to safeguard the health and safety of employees, visitors, and other stakeholders. Serve as the executive lead on crisis management, public health emergencies, and health protection, ensuring readiness for all potential emergency situations. Design, enforce, and periodically update emergency preparedness and health protection policies and protocols, ensuring alignment with local, national, and international regulations. Develop health protection programs, including the control of infectious diseases, infection prevention and control, rabies and vector control, health hazard investigation, food safety, safe water, tobacco control and enforcement, and emergency management. Lead the development of training and communication programs to ensure staff and stakeholders are well prepared for health and safety emergencies. Advise the MOH/CEO and Senior Leadership Team on emerging health risks, policy changes, and potential impacts on operations. Conduct risk assessments and manage the organization's preparedness plans for a variety of potential public health crises. Oversee compliance with occupational health and safety laws, emergency regulations, and industry best practices as they relate to emergency preparedness. Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to ensure the organization meets all health protection and emergency preparedness standards and guidelines.


Leadership:


Build effective management teams and support the development of collaborative working relationships and coordination of activities across all programs. Mentor and guide the ongoing development of public health professionals, ensuring directors, managers, and supervisors act in accordance with agency, legal, and regulatory requirements. In collaboration with other members of the Senior Leadership Team, support the overall functioning and direction of the agency, including strategic direction, program prioritization, and long-term goal setting. Attend and support the MOH/CEO at Board of Health meetings. May be assigned to speak on behalf of the MOH/CEO with local and/or provincial media. May be assigned to act on behalf of another VP in their absence. Participate in an on-call rotation as required.


Program and Operational Planning and Management:


Develop multi-year strategic and operating plans for the division that are innovative and evidence-based, maximizing service delivery efficiencies. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, contribute actively to the development and collective attainment of the agency's strategic direction and performance objectives.


Financial Planning and Management:


Develop and administer the annual budget for the division, ensuring expenditures are controlled and maintained within the approved budget. Prepare and/or review applications and reports related to funding, grant proposals, and special projects. Collaborate with the Human Resources and Corporate Services division to ensure all required updates and progress reports, including financial updates, are submitted accurately and according to expected timelines. Identify and pursue opportunities for revenue generation, including fee-for-service programming and alternative funding sources such as one-time grants, when appropriate.



Human Resources Planning and Management:


Establish a positive, healthy, and safe work environment in compliance with applicable government legislation and regulations. Determine staffing requirements to ensure effective program delivery within the division. Oversee the employee performance management process, including ongoing monitoring of performance. Coach and mentor staff as needed to improve performance, ensuring orientation and training needs are met.


Communication and Collaboration:


Develop and maintain communication, consultation, and partnership strategies to ensure effective working relationships with external agencies, municipal governments, local businesses, and health service providers. Ensure the effective communication of emergency preparedness plans across the division when responding to emerging or urgent public health issues. Represent the agency on matters of health protection significance, providing leadership on community or provincial advisory boards, planning tables, and committees as appropriate. Act as a spokesperson for the division when required and communicate with the media on matters relevant to the division.


Risk Management:


Direct and ensure compliance with mandatory programs and protocols defined in the Ontario Public Health Standards, including the development of policies and procedures to support agency success. Direct activities within the division related to quality assurance, risk management, and serious
occurrence response, ensuring directors, managers, and supervisors act in accordance with agency, legal, and regulatory requirements.


Monitor significant and sensitive issues related to divisional programming, budgets, and human resource matters, ensuring the MOH/CEO is informed of divisional impacts. Direct and oversee the agency's response to major environmental health and infectious disease concerns in collaboration with other directors and the MOH/CEO, as necessary. Ensure health hazard reports and other required reports or risk management documentation under the Ontario Public Health Standards or as directed by the MOH/CEO are completed to the highest standards. Review and oversee the division's risk management processes. Provide leadership in implementing orders made by the MOH/CEO under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, ensuring coordinated, timely, and effective action.

Hours of Work:

Monday - Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Will be required to provide on-call services.

Position Effective:

November 3, 2025

Requirements:

Master's degree in Public Health, Administration, Biology/Environmental Sciences or a related discipline. An undergraduate degree in a relevant science discipline such as Food Sciences or Environmental Sciences. Minimum 10 years of experience in job specialty. Minimum 6 years of senior management experience. Minimum 2 years of policy development experience. Minimum 4 years of experience in managing communicable diseases preferred. Minimum 6 years of demonstrated experience with human resource planning, finance and budget development and implementation, and business planning. Experience managing in a unionized environment is required. Current member in good standing with the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI).


Preferred certification through Emergency Management Ontario in:


IMS 100 (Introduction to Incident Management System) IMS 200 (Basic Incident Management System) IMS 250 (IMS in EOCs) IMS 300 (Intermediate Incident Management System)


Preferred Certification in:

Certification in Infection Control (CIC) preferred. Certification in Small Drinking Water Systems Training. Certification in Toxicology. Certification in Basic Incident Command System (ICS I-200)


Special Skills and Training:


Familiarity with legal contracts and statements, demonstrated knowledge of legislative requirements under the Health Protection and Promotion Act. Familiarity with public health legal authorities, including relevant statutes (e.g., HPPA, SFOA) and the use of orders and regulatory tools. Demonstrated experience in the development and implementation of Emergency Response Plans (preferred). Understanding of all program and workplace legislative requirements; population health surveillance and health promotion strategies. Research and evaluation skills would be an asset Knowledge of epidemiological methods and tools relevant to the portfolio; experience with
geographical information system (GIS) mapping would be an asset.


Excellent risk assessment and risk management skills (training in risk communication would be an asset). Ability to build consensus, function in a team environment. Critical thinking, ability to analyze complex technical and medical information. Thorough knowledge of finance and administration functions

Closing Statement:

We thank all applicants, however, only individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.



WDG Public Health is committed to providing accommodation during the recruitment process for people in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code. If you require accommodation(s), please advise Human Resources in advance and we will work with you to meet your needs. The organization will maintain the confidentiality of information related to an accommodation request and will only disclose this information with the consent of the employee or applicant.



WDG Public Health is an equal opportunity Agency. Personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and will be used to determine eligibility.



If successful in the hiring process, it is important to understand that you would be an employee of a health care organization that strongly believes in the importance of immunizations as a necessary public health measure to control the spread of infectious diseases. Subject to any duty to accommodate under the Human Rights Code of Ontario, successful applicants will be required to comply with the Agency's Immunization Policy. This policy is available upon request. Applicants who are unable to be immunized due to a valid medical contraindication must have a Statement of Medical Exemption Form completed by their primary care provider.