Advertisement Closes:

01/18/2026 12:00 AM

Pay Grade:

Non-Merit Grade

Salary:

$7.25 - $50.00 Hourly

Time Type:

Full time

Health Department:

Purchase District Health Department

Summary:

If you have any questions or would like any more information about this job posting please contact Jake Hobbs at jhobbs@purchasehealth.org.

Description:

Public Health Preparedness Coordinator
Full-Time Position
Location: McCracken Co (Paducah), KY
Service Area: Purchase District Health Department’s service region
Work Week: 37.5 hours
Starting Pay: $21 – $24/hour, based on experience and qualifications.

Position Overview

The Public Health Preparedness Coordinator plays a critical role in ensuring the Purchase District Health Department is ready to respond to public health emergencies and natural or man-made disasters. This position leads preparedness planning, training, and response coordination for incidents such as infectious disease outbreaks, bioterrorism, and other public health threats.

The ideal candidate is organized, collaborative, and mission-driven, with a passion for protecting community health and building resilient local systems through proactive planning and partnership.

Primary Responsibilities

Program Coordination & Planning

• Develop, implement, and maintain the agency’s Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) plan in compliance with state and federal guidelines.
• Conduct risk assessments, gap analyses, and after-action reports to strengthen emergency readiness.
• Coordinate preparedness training exercises, drills, and evaluations for agency staff and community partners.
• Ensure program documentation, reporting, and grant deliverables meet all regulatory standards.
   

Collaboration & Communication

• Maintain strong working relationships with hospitals, emergency management, first responders, schools, and local officials to support coordinated response efforts.
• Represent the agency on regional preparedness committees and workgroups.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for preparedness-related communication during planning and response operations.
• Assist with risk communication and public messaging during emergencies.
   

Operational Readiness

• Oversee and maintain inventory of emergency supplies and response equipment.
• Plan and manage logistics for receipt, storage, and distribution of vaccines and medical countermeasures during public health events.
• Provide training and technical assistance to staff on preparedness protocols, safety, and emergency procedures.
• Participate in real-world emergency response as needed.
• May work on other projects and grants as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and two (2) years of experience in public health, emergency management, or a related health field.
• A master’s degree in Public Health, Emergency Management, Nursing, or Business Administration may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
• A high school diploma or GED with a combination of education and experience totaling seven (7) years in public/community health or emergency management may substitute for minimum requirements.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, with the ability to coordinate across multiple agencies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and willingness to learn preparedness software and data systems.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.

Pay and Schedule

• $21 - $24/hour starting rate, negotiable with experience.
• 5% raise after successful completion of 6-month probationary period.
• Full-time, non-exempt role with a 37.5-hour work week.
• Eligible for full benefits, paid holidays, retirement programs, and professional development opportunities.

Why Join Purchase District Health Department?

If you're looking to make a meaningful impact while enjoying one of Kentucky's most competitive public benefits packages, this role is for you. Our HANDS specialists don’t just serve, they thrive with:

Holidays & Time Off

• 13 Paid Holidays including Juneteenth, Veterans Day, and two days each for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.
• Accrual of 3.5 hours of vacation and 3.5 hours of sick leave per pay period, with vacation increasing based on years of service.
• Up to 12 days of vacation and 12 days of sick leave available within your first year of employment.
• Additional