Careers, Volunteering, and Student Placements

An Epidemiologist is responsible for providing epidemiological and statistical support to the Public Health Branch, in the form of collection, analysis, interpretation and reporting of data on a variety of health indicators that include but are not limited to mortality, morbidity, natality and risk-related statistics; and for authorizing and carrying out studies on the health status and quality of life of the residents of the City of Ottawa. The Epidemiologist is also responsible for reviewing and critiquing proposed research ideas or projects with regards to methodology and analyses.

Key responsibilities and duties include:

• Responsible for the implementation of the Population Health Assessment and the Surveillance Foundational Standard (as required under the Ontario Public Health Standards pursuant to the Health Protection and Promotion Act);
• Conducting complex data analysis, and interpreting results to inform intervention decisions;
• Communicating sensitive information to health professionals, the general public, senior management and politicians, etc.;
• Providing epidemiological assistance and information to support City of Ottawa management and staff;
• Providing advice on the design of epidemiologic studies, the interpretation of data/health information and the application of epidemiology to the planning and evaluation of public health programs;
• Investigating and monitoring community events and trends through data collection, data analysis and report generation;
• Identifying and monitoring health problems/hazards using health risk assessment methodology;
• Implementing a strategy to disseminate health status report(s) and data/health information;
• Writing of health status reports for dissemination to Public Health staff, community and professional groups and the general public;
• Planning methodology and designing surveys;
• Identifying and designing appropriate health status indicators, performance measures and monitoring systems for departmental programs;
• Designing surveillance systems, as needed;
• Acquiring health related data while maintaining strict confidentiality;
• Liaising with and maintaining effective working relationships with critical stakeholders such as other City departments, Public Health Ontario, other Health Units, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Statistics Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, Universities and Colleges, etc.

Requirements and eligibility

An Epidemiologist holds a Master's degree in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, or Public Health (with a focus on Epidemiology).

• Minimum of five years work experience in a public health environment, specializing in data analysis; complex survey design and health risk assessment methods.
• Experience should be in the context of public health and combined with research.

The Public Health Dietitian provides nutrition education and consultation to Ottawa Public Health staff, health and other professionals, agencies, community groups and consumers.

The Dietitian leads/participates in planning, developing, implementing and evaluating nutrition programs and resources. The Dietitian contributes to initiation and maintenance of partnerships within the Ottawa community to increase the accessibility and availability of healthy food and to promote healthy living.

Key responsibilities and duties include:

• Participates in planning, developing, implementing and evaluating nutrition programs, resources, services, strategies and campaigns in keeping with the Ontario Public Health Standards under the Health Promotion and Protection Act for Ottawa Public Health and the community.
• Co-ordinates and facilitates partnerships between Ottawa Public Health and other sectors of the community.
• Provides information, resources and consultation on food and nutrition to Ottawa Public Health staff, health professionals, other professionals, community agencies/groups and clients.
• Participates in research, education and activities promoting professional excellence.

Requirements and eligibility

The Public Health Dietitian holds a Baccalaureate degree in foods and nutrition from an accredited university.

The Public Health Dietitian must have completed a Dietitians of Canada approved Dietetic Internship or integrated undergraduate program in nutrition.

Experience of one year and membership with the College of Dietitians of Ontario is required.

The Public Health Nutritionist is accountable for the overall nutrition content of their program area.  The Public Health Nutritionist is also responsible for planning, developing, implementing and evaluating nutrition programs and services that will inform consumers of healthy food choices and contribute to the overall effectiveness and quality of Ottawa Public Health services.

The Public Health Nutritionist co-ordinates and facilitates partnerships between Ottawa Public Health and other sectors of the community to promote healthy eating and increase the accessibility and availability of healthy foods. She/he collaborates with and provides nutrition consultation to Ottawa Public Health staff, health and other professionals, community agencies/groups and consumers.

Key responsibilities and duties include:

• Leads the planning, developing, implementing and evaluation of nutrition programs, services, strategies and campaigns in keeping with the Ontario Public Health Standards and the Health Protection and Promotion Act for Ottawa Public Health.
• Co-ordinates and facilitates partnerships between the Ottawa Public Health and other sectors of the community.
• Provides information, resources and consultation on food and nutrition to Ottawa Public Health staff, health professionals, other professionals, community agencies/groups and customers.
• Leads research and participates in education and activities promoting professional excellence.

Requirements and eligibility

The Public Health Nutritionist holds a Baccalaureate degree in foods and nutrition and a Master's degree in nutrition or related area from an accredited university.

The Public Health Nutritionist must have completed a Dietitians of Canada approved Dietetic Internship or completed a graduate program that meets the requirements for membership with the College of Dietitians of Ontario.

Experience of one year and membership with the College of Dietitians of Ontario is required.

The clinical dentist provides general level treatment services to eligible patients at a designated Ottawa Public Health clinic.

Key responsibilities and duties include:

The clinical dentist is responsible for the provision of services in accordance with dental program limits, legislation and Ottawa Public Health protocol and policies by:

• Performing all phases of general dentistry, including diagnostic, preventive and restorative services, oral surgery, periodontics, prosthodontics (fixed and removable) and endodontics.
• Maintaining adequate patient records.
• Ensuring the day-to-day administration of the respective clinic is carried out in accordance with Branch and Unit policies and procedures.
• Keeping abreast of current issues and technical advances in the field of dentistry.
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Requirements/Eligibility

The Clinical Dentist is a university graduate from a recognized school of dentistry and holds a current license to practice dentistry from the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario.

The role of a PHI is unique, exciting and constantly evolving. 

Primary responsibilities and duties include:

• Inspect all food premises, public institutions, long term care facilities, recreational facilities, personal services settings (e.g. tattoo shops and estheticians) and other public premises regularly to ensure they operate in accordance with all applicable guidelines and legislation.
• Educate the public on issues such as safe food, safe water, mould, air quality, infection control and rabies.
• Educate food premises staff on preventing foodborne illnesses through proper food handling, infection control, sanitation, good personal hygiene.
• Investigate foodborne complaints, suspect foodborne illness, follow-up with food recalls.
• Investigate, identify, and assess health hazards (e.g. chemicals, toxins, wastes, vermin, indoor air quality, foodborne non-communicable diseases, etc.).
• Assist in emergency planning such as drinking water advisories and power outages.
• Intervene and apply corrective action in situations that may be hazardous to the public.
• Advise, review, and/or approve architectural plans for existing and proposed food premises and other relevant establishments.
• Collect water, food, and biological samples for laboratory analysis.
• Investigate and manage animal to human bites for potential rabies exposure.
• Provide consultation and support to physicians in regards to rabies post exposure prophylaxis and deliver rabies vaccine to physicians.

Requirements and eligibility

Public Health Inspectors (PHI) hold a university degree in public health/environment health and are certified by the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI). The Certificate in Public Health Inspection (Canada), CPHI(C) is granted to candidates who have fulfilled all of the following requirements.

To become a certified Public Health Inspector, you must:

• Satisfy the educational requirements set by the Board of Certification (BOC).
• Satisfactorily complete a 12-week practicum at an agency approved by BOC.
• Pass the BOC certification exam which includes an oral exam and two written reports.

There are six educational institutions in Canada that offer education programs accredited by the BOC. For a list of schools and for more information on how to become a PHI and the certification process, visit ciphi.ca.

Graduates may apply to complete their required 12-week practicum at Ottawa Public Health. 

A public health inspector trainee (PHI(T)) works under a certified public health inspector (CPHI(C)) to fulfill their practicum requirements, as required by the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI) Board of Certification (BoC). The PHI (T) promotes health and safety awareness and enforces laws that protect human health. Trainees will work with their mentors and with Ottawa Public Health’s Practicum Development Group to complete training, shadowing, inspections and assignments to prepare to challenge CIPHI’s national certification exam. 

Often PHI(T)s conduct their work under the supervision of a PHI. Under this supervision, responsibilities of a PHI (T) may include:

• Inspect food premises, institutions recreational facilities, personal services settings (e.g. tattoo shops and estheticians) and other public premises regularly to ensure they operate in accordance with all applicable guidelines and legislation.
• Educate food premises staff on preventing foodborne illnesses through proper food handling, infection control, sanitation, good personal hygiene.
• Investigate foodborne complaints, suspect foodborne illness, follow-up with food recalls.
• Investigate, identify, and assess health hazards (e.g. chemicals, toxins, wastes, vermin, indoor air quality, foodborne non-communicable diseases, etc.).
• Advise, review, and/or approve architectural plans for existing and proposed food premises and other relevant establishments.
• Collect water, food, and biological samples for laboratory analysis.
• Maintaining accurate records of work undertaken through report writing and completion of daily activity forms
• Work in accordance with all health and safety legislation, policies and procedures and any other legislation, policies, and procedures relevant to work performed.
• Prepare for their BoC exam including but not limited to: completion of the written reports, certification of the practicum by OPH, participation in exam preparation such as mock oral exam(s).

The program offers:

• Award winning 12-week practicum program approved by the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors Board of Certification (BOC)
• Curriculum meets BOC requirement
• Electronic study guide
• 1:1 mentorship
• Weekly knowledge check-ins and ongoing support from Practicum Development Group
• Performance tracker
• Mock oral BOC exams
• Competitive wages
• Field trips and special projects

Requirements and eligibility 

• Bachelor’s degree from a Board of Certification (BoC) accredited program.
• Active student membership with the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI).
• Challenge CIPHI’s next BoC exam following the completion of the 12-week practicum. 
• The Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors grants the Certificate in Public Health Inspection (Canada), or CPHI(C), to candidates who fulfill the requirements established by the BoC.

For more information on the certification process please visit ciphi.ca. 

Prospective candidates may submit their applications through the City of Ottawa job portal by February 14, 2025. 

Public Health Nurses (PHN) work to promote, protect and preserve the health and well-being of individuals, families, groups, communities and populations. Ottawa Public Health PHNs offer services in various settings including: homes, schools, daycares, shelters, community health centres, on the street, clinics, workplaces and long-term care facilities.

Responsibilities and duties are varied and dependent on the program in which the PHN works. For example, a PHN may:

• Provide vaccination at immunization clinics.
• Manage cases of reportable communicable diseases and outbreaks.
• Perform telephone calls and home visits to families with newborns.
• Offer growth and development clinics.
• Provide parenting support and education.
• Provide information, consultation and conduct presentations/workshops on a variety of topics such as early pregnancy health, lifestyle issues, healthy eating, injury prevention, mental health, infection control, etc.
• Collaborate with school staff, parents, students and agencies to promote and facilitate healthy living behaviours and learning environments for children and youth.
• Promote behaviours and environments to prevent falls across the lifespan.
• Address needs faced by vulnerable populations.
• Participate in City and public health emergencies.
• Provide screening, treatment and counseling on sexually transmitted infections and contraception.

Requirements and eligibility

Public Health Nurses must hold a 4-year Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing. As well, they must have a current Certificate of Registration from the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) and be entitled to practice without restrictions.

In Ontario, universities are the only academic institution authorized to issue baccalaureate degrees in nursing; however, colleges and universities work together to offer collaborative nursing programs. For a list of approved baccalaureate programs, visit the CNO's website.

PHNs must possess a broad range of knowledge and competencies. Please refer to the job posting for more information and details.

Some positions may require the following:

• Language proficiency in French.
• A valid unrestricted "G" class driver's license.

Successful candidates will be required to:

• Complete a Police Record Check to the City of Ottawa's satisfaction. 
• Comply with Ottawa Public Health's Immunization of Employees Policy.  

New graduates should also register with the Health Force Ontario - Nurse Guarantee Program.

Occasionally upon hire, new graduates are unable to provide final documentation and/or certification from the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) and therefore cannot fulfill all PHN job requirements. These staff will be hired into a temporary PHN Trainee position and perform those duties. The PHN Trainee position may lead to a PHN position upon obtaining a valid Certification of Registration from the CNO.

Requirements and eligibility

These would be similar to the PHN position. Please refer to the job posting for more information and details.

New graduates should also register with the Health Force Ontario - Nurse Guarantee Program.