Education level
Job area
Your role as a public health officer
As a public health officer, you’ll help us make decisions and plan big changes that improve the health of all Queenslanders.
This includes:
- finding ways to improve health and wellbeing
- managing programs and projects that protect and promote health and prevent illness
- developing policies and plans.
We have full time, part time and casual roles.
How a public health officer is different from a health promotion officer
Public health officers work on programs and decisions that improve the health and wellbeing of all Queenslanders. A health promotion officer works with local communities and organisations to help people understand their health needs.
What your day might look like
As a public health officer, you may work across a broad range of population health areas or specialise in a certain issue.
You’ll use information from a range of sources to investigate and solve challenges in areas like:
- mental and emotional health
- alcohol and other drugs, smoking and vaping
- environmental health
- cancer, infectious diseases and long term (chronic) conditions
- regular health checks and screening
- women’s health and pregnancy
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
A big part of your job is studying health data and thinking of ways to achieve better health in Queensland. You’ll meet with a range of health professionals and partners to develop policies and plans. For example, you might work on how to reduce the number of young people who are vaping.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in public health, health science or science with a major in public health
Pay and benefits
Your pay rate and benefits will depend on your role and your pay point. In your first year you’ll start at health practitioner grade 3, pay point 0. You’ll get a different rate if you’re a student.
We also offer:
- regular wage increases
- a superannuation rate of 12.75%
- a supportive workplace with flexible working arrangements
- several types of leave
- salary packaging
- help with ongoing professional development costs.
If you're moving to start a new job with us, you may be able to get help with moving and travel costs.
Professional growth
You’ll develop your professional skills through:
- orientation programs for new staff
- workplace learning and coaching
- self-directed learning
- professional development and upskilling opportunities.
Career paths
Getting experience as a public health officer or doing more study can lead to other roles.
- Policy officer
- Project officer
- Public health manager
If you plan to do more study, ask your training provider if your past studies can count towards a higher qualification.