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Job description
Salary: $131,164.80 Annually
Location : County of San Diego, CA
Job Type: Regular - Full time
Job Number:
Department: Health & Human Serv Agcy
Division: Public Health Services
Opening Date: 09/25/2026
Closing Date: 10/5/ :59 PM Pacific
Job Summary
The County of San Diego is currently accepting applications for:
Public Health Nurse
Interviews will take place week of October 19, 2026.
Job Offers for selected candidates will be week of October 26, 2026.
Reflecting our commitment to attracting and retaining top talent, candidates selected for this classification are hired at the highest step 5, at the base pay of $131,164.80 within the salary range.
Future Salary Increases
** June 2027 - 7.40% increase to base pay (3% Across-the- Board + 4.40% Market Adjustment)
Hourly Salary with Premiums
Qualified employees assigned to a position which has been determined to require bilingual skills may receive a bilingual premium.
Applicants who are fluent in Haitian Creole, Spanish, Persian (Farsi & Dari), Arabic, Somali, Chinese (Mandarin), Korean, Vietnamese, Russian, and Tagalog are encouraged to apply.
Public Health Nurse is the journey level class in the Public Health Nurse series. Under general supervision, a Public Health Nurse performs the full range of public health nursing duties in homes, public health centers, public health settings and other community settings.
Public Health Nurses can be assigned to various programs including, but not limited to: Tuberculosis (TB) Control, Refugee Health, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD), Immunizations, Foster Care, Maternal Child Health, Border Health, Public Health Preparedness & Response, Bioterrorism, Epidemiology, Adult Protective Services, In-Home Support Services (IHSS) and Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP).
NOTE: Public Health Nurse in Adult Protective Services in Aging and Independence Services (AIS) identifies dependent and elder abuse for case investigation.
Duties include: providing public health nursing services to individuals and/or families; conducting home visits in urban and rural communities; examining patients to identify health problems; assessing and identifying individual and community health needs; providing case management to high-risk populations; instructing families in health promotion and management of health and health-related problems.
The current openings are in Public Health Services (PHS); however, the list established from this recruitment may be used by other departments.
To learn more about Public Health Services of the Health and Human Services Agency, see the Strategic Plan:
Please read for complete job description including examples of duties, essential functions, working conditions, etc.
***Effective September 9, 2022, this hard to recruit position qualifies for the Employee Referral Reward Program. If a current County of San Diego employee referred you to apply for this position, please indicate the employee's name on your job application in the space provided. ***
Hiring Process and Timeline
The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.
Job Offer and Background Process: Shortly after interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.
If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.
Minimum Qualifications
Valid California Registered Nurse License (RN) is required at time of appointment; AND,
Valid Public Health Nurse Certificate (PHN) from a State Public Health Nursing or other regulatory agency is required at time of appointment; AND,
A Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degree in nursing from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency.
Notes: Applicants who do not possess a Public Health Nurse Certificate at the time of application should begin the process of obtaining their certification to avoid delays in the hiring process.
A copy of your final transcripts or diploma or foreign studies equivalency report MUST be submitted immediately.
A valid CPR card is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
A valid National Provider Identification Number (NPI) is required at the time of employment.
Some positions require that incumbents acknowledge that they are aware of child abuse reporting requirements and agree to comply with them in accordance with California Penal Code Section 1166.5.
NOTE: Public Health Nurses may be required to attend the professional development program for nurses at the County of San Diego in the Public Health Nurse Residency Program.
Public Health Nurse Certification
Please be advised that candidates must possess a current California Public Health Nurse (PHN) Certificate in order to be hired for this position. Candidates who do not possess a PHN Certificate at time of application should begin the process of obtaining a PHN Certificate immediately in order to avoid any delays in the hiring process.
The process for obtaining Public Health Nurse Certification involves completing one (1) online child abuse course and the necessary application. Please visit to obtain the application and information on the application process. You may also contact the California Board of Registered Nursing at .
Blind Applicant Screening
The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, hides a candidate's personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process helps contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.
Condition of Employment
As part of the County of San Diego's pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.
Evaluation
The names of qualified applicants will be placed on a three (3) month employment list based upon scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental application questionnaire. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate, as the responses you provide on the supplemental application questionnaire will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process, your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.
Accommodation
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
Veteran's Preference Policy
The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the for additional information.
Military Skills Translator
Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please read the to access the tool.
Disaster Service Worker
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of :a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our .
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.
Click here to see the Non-Management Benefits Summary
01
Please be sure to answer the following questions in a thorough and complete manner, as your responses may be used to determine your overall score . Please note that if you are invited to a selection interview by a department, your responses to the following questions may be subject to verification.
Please do not indicate "See Resume" or "See Application" as these are not acceptable responses.
Do you understand this information? Yes
No
02
Are you licensed by the State of California as a Registered Nurse? If no, please do not apply as your application will be rejected. Yes
No
03
Please provide your RN license number and expiration date in the space below.
Note: Your license will be verified.
04
If you do not possess a current Registered Nurse license (RN), please check one of the following. I am currently licensed in the State of California as a Registered Nurse (RN).
I have applied to the State of California for a Registered Nurse (RN) license and am waiting to receive my license.
I have a Bachelor's degree in Nursing.
I am currently finishing my Bachelor's degree in Nursing.
None of the above.
05
Please indicate below the degree(s) you possess. Select all that apply.
Note: In order for your education to be considered, you must submit a copy of your diploma, final transcripts, or foreign studies equivalency report immediately. Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing
Master of Science degree in Nursing
None of the above
06
Do you possess a California Public Health Nurse (PHN) Certificate? I currently possess a California Public Health Nurse (PHN) Certificate.
I have applied for a California Public Health Nurse (PHN) Certificate.
No, I do not possess a PHN certificate and I am not in the process of obtaining one.
07
If you possess a PHN certificate, please provide your PHN certification number below.
If you have applied for PHN certification but have not yet received your certification number, please provide your application date below.
08
Please be advised that candidates must possess a current California PHN Certificate in order to be hired for this position. Candidates who do not possess a PHN Certificate at time of application should begin the process of obtaining a PHN certificate immediately in order to avoid any delays in the hiring process.
Please visit to obtain the application and information on the application process.
Do you understand this information? Yes
No
09
If you indicated that you have applied for, but have not yet received, your Public Health Nurse Certification from the State of California, you should notify Human Resources as soon as it is received. Failure to do so may delay your consideration for employment as the certification is required at time of hire.
Do you understand this information? Yes
No
10
Do you possess a current and valid CPR card?
Note: CPR card is required at time of appointment. Yes
No
11
Are you fluent in speaking a language other than English? Note: If you answer "Yes", you will be tested on your bilingual language skills. Yes
No
12
If you responded "Yes" to question #11, please indicate any language(s) other than English that you can speak fluently below.
Note: If this does not apply, please indicate "N/A" in the space below.
13
Do you have nursing experience as an RN working in a generalized public health nursing program, immunizations and vaccine management, or working with at least one of the following groups: pregnant women; infants and toddlers; community groups regarding maternal and child health issues and communicable disease; or low-income populations? Yes
No
14
How many years of nursing experience as an RN do you have working in a generalized public health nursing program, or working with at least one of the following groups: pregnant women; infants and toddlers; community groups regarding maternal and child health issues; communicable disease; low-income population? None
Less than two (2) years of experience
At least two (2) of years of experience but less than five (5) years
Five (5) or more years of experience
15
Do you have nursing case management experience? Yes
No
16
How many years of nursing case management experience do you possess? None
Less than two (2) years of experience
At least two (2) of years of experience but less than five (5) years
Five (5) or more years of experience
17
If you indicated having nursing case management experience, please describe your experience and include employer name, job title, and dates of employment.
If you do not have this experience, please indicate "N/A".
18
In which of the following areas or groups do you have nursing experience as an RN or LVN? Tuberculosis patients
Mental Health
Infectious Diseases or Infection Control
Refugee populations
Diverse populations
High risk mothers
Labor and delivery
Disaster Preparedness
Community Health Nursing
Home Health Nursing
Immunizations/Vaccine Management
Childhood lead poisoning prevention
Needs of Persons with Disabilities
Older Adults and the Aging Process
Maternal Child Health
Other
None of the above
19
If you indicated having nursing experience in the specified areas in question #18, please provide the employer name, job title, dates of employment, and describe your experience and the population you served.
If you do not have this experience, please indicate "N/A".
20
If you selected other in question #18, please indicate the area in which you have experience.
21
Were you referred by a County employee to apply for this position? Note: effective September 9, 2022, County employees are eligible to earn cash awards for any candidates they refer to hard to recruit positions that are then hired. Yes
No
22
If you responded "Yes" to the above, in the space provided please list the name of the County employee that referred you. If not applicable, please indicate "n/a".
23
Where did you hear about this job opportunity? San Diego County website
Governmentjobs.com
Veteran Outreach / FFSC
Southern California American Indian Resource Center (SCAIR)
Mana de San Diego
Family, Neighbors, Friends
County Employee Resources Group
College/University Career Site
County Social Media
Champions for Health
American Public Health Nursing Association
San Diego National Association of Hispanic Nurses
Indeed.com
Voice & Viewpoint
Other
24
If you selected "other", please tell us how you first heard about this job opportunity.
Please indicate "N/A" if not applicable.
Required Question
Worksite address
san diego, CA, 92189, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.