Office of Health Protection Administrator

Overview

Job
Agency:
Department of Health - Division of Licensure and Accreditation

Location:

Pierre, Sioux Falls, Rapid City, SD
Salary: $68,950.98 - $81,118.80 Annual Salary, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: K
Closing Date: 2/17/26

This is a Full-Time position with the Department of Health - Division of Licensure and Accreditation. For more information on the Department of Health, please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Job Title: Administrator for the Office of Health Protection

Position purpose: This critical leadership role ensures safe food, lodging, and recreational environments for communities across the state.

The Administrator is responsible for directing and overseeing regulatory activities related to food services, lodging establishments, and campgrounds in South Dakota.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing licensure inspections for new facilities.
• Overseeing routine inspections conducted by the Department of Public Safety.
• Coordinating complaint investigations for all regulated facilities.

The Office consists of 7 FTE located across the state. The Administrator serves as a liaison with other offices within the Department of Health, other state agencies, health care providers, and federal and state partners. This position provides leadership and supervision of staff, manages budgets, develops policies and procedures, assists with rule making, ensures consistent application of regulations, and advocates for consumer protection.

• Provide leadership and supervision for Office of Health Protection staff.
• Coordinate with state and federal partners on regulatory and public health initiatives.
• Manage budgets, contracts, and grants.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and quality improvement strategies.
• Oversee complaint investigations and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and liaison to stakeholders.
• Travel statewide as needed.

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Retirement Plan through SDRS with employer contributions
• Generous Paid Time Off including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Flexible Work Schedule Options
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program for personal and family support
• Meaningful Work that impacts public health and safety statewide

• Certified as Registered Sanitarian (preferred)
• Educational background and work experience in public health, inspections or surveying, or related field
• Experience working in or with government entities or regulatory body
• Experience in staff supervision, team leadership, and personnel management

• State and federal laws governing food, lodging, and campground licensure
• Principles of public health, quality improvement, and public safety
• Personnel management, recruitment, and workforce development strategies
• Budgeting, contract/grant management, and fiscal stewardship
• Organizational leadership and change management in public health agencies

• Interpret and apply complex regulatory requirements
• Lead multidisciplinary teams, coaching and mentoring staff
• Develop and monitor policies aligned with legal mandates and best practices
• Manage investigations, resolve complaints professionally

• Communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including policymakers
• Build strategic partnerships across agencies and sectors
• Lead organizational change and quality improvement initiatives
• Prioritize competing demands while maintaining attention to detail
• Analyze and resolve complex regulatory and operational challenges
• Draft and propose legislation, rules, and policy guidance
• Advocate for ethical practices and customer service excellence

To be considered, please attach your resume.

This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

NCRC:
If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online: -stateofsout
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.

South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone:  Email: careers.us
/workforus

'An Equal Opportunity Employer'

#LI-Onsite