Christy Lattin
The Central Nevada Health District approved new job descriptions at its Aug. 14 meeting, following the adoption of a new organizational structure in late June. The new structure necessitates the creation of several new positions and the reworking of job descriptions for other positions. This is the first reorganization since the district began offering services two years ago.
The newly created positions include Administrator/Health Officer, Health Services Officer, and Public Health Program Coordinator. The Administrator/Health Officer, who will lead the organization, will receive an annual salary and benefits package totaling $262,215. The Health Services Officer will be paid $142,378.01, and the Public Health Program Coordinator will earn $85,231.69.
Another new position is that of Clinical Services Manager, which combines the roles of the clinical services manager and family nurse practitioner. This position requires an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) and offers a salary of $126,412.42 per year. The final new position is Environmental Health Specialist I, with a salary and benefits package totaling $90,642.06.
Job descriptions for some existing positions within CNHD were also updated to better reflect their role in the new structure. Those jobs include Environmental Health Specialist II, Public Health Investigator, and Public Health Preparedness Planner. While job duties were modified, pay rates for these positions remain unchanged. The CNHD board approved the new descriptions, which will be presented to Churchill County Commissioners for final approval on Aug. 20.
Interim Administrator Shannon Ernst said because the Administrator/Health Officer role is so crucial, she wants to begin advertising for the position on Aug. 21. She said three to five candidates will interview with a selection committee, with the final candidate to interview before the CNHD board on Sept. 25 and potentially begin work around Oct. 9.
Ernst, who is also the Director of Churchill County Social Services, has served as Interim Administrator for several months, and Dr. Tedd McDonald has been the county’s Health Officer since 2013. He said he would not be applying for the new combined role of Administrator/Health Officer as he doesn’t have any grant writing experience and is looking to reduce his commitments. McDonald assured the CNHD board he will continue working with them until the new officer is in place.
The board also reviewed amended bylaws for the district. Deputy Civil District Attorney Jeff Weed said the changes were minor, focusing on board member terms and removing the requirement for a committee to review applications from physician members. Final review and approval of the amended bylaws will take place at the next regularly scheduled meeting.
The board also heard or acted on the following agenda items:
Presentation by Dr. John Packham from the UNR School of Medicine on the Nevada Health Workforce report. The report is a snapshot of the health workforce trends in Nevada.
Review of the media campaign produced by KPS3 advertising agency. The Nevada Association of Counties paid for the campaign.
Approval of an agreement with Consilium to provide clinical staffing during shortages. There is no base contract amount, and CNHD will only pay hourly rates for services provided.
Ratification of an agreement with the Department of Public and Behavioral Health for the Public Health Fund. CNHD will receive $96,044 per year for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support its general functions.
Ratification of a lease with Eureka County for space at the Eureka County Clinic. Eureka County has provided space at its existing clinic free of charge for CNHD services, including family planning, vaccines, and environmental health permits.
Approval of a release and waiver of liability for volunteers of the Burning Man experience. CNHD will need volunteers to assist with health permit inspections and operational support during the event.
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