Territorial Specialist, Public Health

Government of Northwest Territories; Yellowknife; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A government health organization in Canada seeks a Territorial Specialist in Public Health who will lead public health initiatives across the Northwest Territories. The ideal candidate should have a Baccalaureate in Nursing along with extensive experience in clinical and public health settings. This role emphasizes mentorship, collaboration, and the implementation of culturally safe health programs. A unique opportunity to shape public health policy in the region.

Qualifications

• 10 years of recent experience in a clinical health care setting.
• 5 years of experience in Public Health or Community Health.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the planning, delivery, and evaluation of public health programs.
• Provide expert advice on disease prevention and outbreak management.
• Mentor public health staff and students to enhance performance.

Skills

Public health programming

Clinical practice

Disease prevention

Outbreak management

Education

Baccalaureate in Nursing

Job description

Department: Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority

The Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) offers challenging and exciting careers in health and social services delivery and administration in Canada’s North. The Territorial Authority has service locations in communities across the territory and a staff of more than 1,600 serving over 43,000 residents of the NWT and 5,900 residents of the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut. Challenging work, welcoming communities, and expanded opportunities are some of the benefits offered to employees of the NTHSSA.

Job Information

The Territorial Specialist, Public Health is a key leader in advancing the health and well-being of communities across the Northwest Territories. This exciting and impactful role is central to shaping how public health programs are designed, delivered, and evaluated, ensuring residents receive the highest standard of safe, equitable, and evidence-based care.

As an expert in both public health programming and clinical practice, the Specialist drives the strategic planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of territorial public health initiatives in alignment with the vision and priorities of the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA). Working closely with partners across the territory, this position provides expert guidance on disease prevention, health promotion, outbreak response, and public health policy, and may be appointed as a Public Health Officer under the Public Health Act.

The Specialist also plays a hands-on role in mentorship, education, and leadership development, helping to strengthen public health capacity across the NWT. With portfolios that may include immunizations, communicable disease control, outbreak management, and nursing outreach, this position ensures programs are coordinated, culturally safe, and responsive to community needs.

If you are a passionate public health professional who thrives on collaboration, innovation, and making a tangible difference in the lives of Northerners, this is an exceptional opportunity to lead meaningful change and help shape the future of public health in the Northwest Territories.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and support the planning, delivery, and evaluation of territorial public health programs and services.
• Provide expert advice and direction on communicable disease prevention, treatment, and outbreak management.
• Coordinate and assess quality improvement activities to strengthen service delivery and public health outcomes.
• Support the development and implementation of public health policies, procedures, and protocols across all regions.
• Mentor, coach, and provide professional guidance to public health staff and students to enhance clinical and program performance.
• Collaborate with the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer, regional authorities, and community partners to ensure consistency and excellence in service delivery.
• Represent the NTHSSA on working groups, committees, and special projects related to territorial public health priorities.
• Promote evidence-based, culturally safe, and client-centered care through leadership and advocacy.

Typically, the above qualifications would be attained by:

A Baccalaureate in Nursing plus ten (10) years of recent experience in a clinical health care setting, with five (5) years of experience in Public Health or Community Health. Other related experience or equivalencies may be considered.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.