State Medical Officer

Taleo; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 209,000 - 283,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Leave & Holidays

Retirement Plan

Job summary

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services seeks a State Medical Officer to provide medical leadership within the Director’s Office, guiding public health policy and epidemiology across the state. This role advances Montana’s health priorities through strategic oversight of programs and surveillance.

Qualified candidates hold an MD/DO, complete residency, and board certification; a Master’s in Public Health or EIS training is preferred.

Qualifications

• MD or DO degree required.
• Residency program completed.
• Board-certified by ABMS or AOA; preference for Preventive Medicine.
• Master’s in Public Health or EIS training preferred.
• Licensed to practice medicine in Montana or eligible for licensure within 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Provide medical leadership within the Director’s Office.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate public health programs.
• Oversee epidemiologic surveillance and responses to outbreaks.
• Coordinate with federal, state, and local partners on health initiatives.
• Promote health policy and preventive medicine across the state.

Skills

Public health

Epidemiology

Medical leadership

Public health law

Organizational skills

Physician license MT

Master of Public Health

Epidemiology training

Supervisory experience

Medical board certification

Education

MD/DO degree

Residency completion

ABMS or AOA board certification

Master’s in Public Health or EIS training

Job description

Job Description - State Medical Officer (00617) (26142497)

Position Title:

State Medical Officer (00617) - ( 26142497 )

To be considered for this position you must complete the state application and attach all required documents through the Montana State Careers site at www.statecareers.mt.gov . The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity within the Director’s Office.

The Mission of the Department of Public Health and Human Services is to promote and protect the health, well-being, and self-sufficiency of all Montanans. The Department provides a wide range of preventive and public health services to individuals and communities. Services are provided by a wide range of private and public providers including public health departments, physicians, clinics, and hospitals. The Department also contracts with many private non-profit providers leadership for statewide public health policy, program planning, and administrations; offering medical direction and oversight to Department, Division programs, and the Governor’s Office to prevent and control disease, mitigate disease outbreak, and promote healthy behavior; and to provide oversight for epidemiologic and surveillance of public health-related issues.

Why Join DPHHS

Our mission at DPHHS is serving Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, well-being, and empower independence. By joining our department, you will have the opportunity to perform meaningful work in public service to our state and its residents.

The State of Montana's comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, work/life balance, and eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. In addition, DPHHS is the largest state agency with a wide range of advancement opportunities w hether you are joining the workforce or have several years of experience.

Qualifications for this Career Opportunity

Knowledge of principles and practice of public health.

Knowledge of public health epidemiology and surveillance, including responses to potential and current disease outbreaks.

Knowledge of the practice of medicine, current standards of care, and the health care delivery system.

Knowledge of public health-related law and regulations.

Strong organizational skills to support the development, implementation, and evaluation of public health programs.

A Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree

Completion of an appropriate residency program:

Board-certified by a specialty board approved by the American Board of Medial Specialties (ABMS) or the America Osteopathic Association, with a preference for those with Board Certification in Preventive Medicine.

A minimum of two years’ experience as a practicing Physician.

A minimum of five years of experience working in a federal, state, or other public health agency.

Licensed to practice medicine in the State of Montana or willing to obtain license to practice medicine in the State of Montana within twelve months of starting the position.

Training in epidemiology including a Master’s in Public Health, EIC Officer (Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer), or equivalent education and training in public health epidemiology.

Candidates who have experience in a supervisory role or demonstrated experience managing and coordinating different teams will be given preference.

Candidates who have authored/coauthored a minimum of five articles published in peer-reviewed public health and/or medical literature will be given preference.

How to Apply

To be considered for a DPHHS position, submit the following required documents with your application on the State of Montana Careers website. When submitting the required documents, you must check the "relevant document" box to ensure your attachments are uploaded correctly to your application for this position.

Resume

References

Successful applicants will be subject to background checks relevant to the position and must pass reference checks before an offer will be extended. DPHHS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a copy of the full job description or if you need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, contact DPHHS Human Resources listed below.

Additional Information

This position is open until filled with frequent screening of applicants.

Applicant Pool Statement : If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment : This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Salary: $

245,861.98 - 245,861.98 Yearly Telework Eligibility : Not Telework Eligible Benefits Package Eligibility : Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings

1

Employee Status

Regular Schedule : Full-Time

Job Type

Standard

Shift

Day Job

Travel

Yes, 15 % of the Time

Primary Location

Helena

Agency

Department of Public Health & Human Services

Union

000 - None

Posting Date

Oct 4, 2026, 2:13:55 PM

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone)

Ongoing

Required Application Materials

Cover Letter, Resume, References

Contact Name

Erin Sampson

Contact Email

[e-mail]

Contact Phone

406-444-7852
Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.