Town of Richmond Health Officer
Apply to be RICHMOND HEALTH OFFICER or DEPUTY HEALTH OFFICER
3-year term recommended by Selectboard for approval by Vermont Health Commissioner
The current Richmond Health Officer will be stepping down at the end of his term on February 1, 2026. The Selectboard is seeking to fill the position in time for the start of the new term on February 1, 2026.
By law, each Vermont town has a Town Health Officer and a local Board of Health (composed of the Selectboard and the Town Health Officer). In addition, some towns choose to have one or more Deputy Health Officers. These are very important positions in the community. There is a long Vermont tradition for Town Health Officers. The position is well over 100 years old and initially involved controlling the spread of communicable disease. Today, the majority of a Town Health Officer's work has shifted toward environmental health issues such as failed septic systems, unsafe drinking water, rental housing sanitation, and animal bites.
As Town Health Officer, it is important for you to become familiar with the Vermont laws and regulations covering public health and to learn how these may need to be administered in the town. Town Health Officers have the authority to prevent and abate public health hazards in their communities. The attached copies of some Vermont Statutes contain information about the Town Health Officer's authority and duties. You may also access other public health statutes at these websites: https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/title/18
https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/fullchapter/18/011
For further assistance please consult the Vermont Department of Health's Town Health Officer webpage which is located at: http://www.healthvermont.gov/local/tho/tho.aspx At that site, we have also provided forms to assist you in your duties:
-Town Health Officer Recommendation and Oath Forms
-Town Health Officer Complaint & Inspection Form
-Essential Maintenance Practices Checklist
-Rental Housing Inspection Checklist
-Animal Bite Report Form.
There is also a link to a list of agencies that can help you with common environmental health problems.
If you are interested in serving as Richmond’s Health Officer then please apply before 12/10/2025 so the Selectboard may make a recommendation on 12/15/2025.
APPLICATION (use .pdf or online form)
Appointment-Application-Committees (.pdf)
Appointment-Application-Committees (online form)
https://www.richmondvt.gov/boards-meetings/vacancies-committees-commissions
The activities of town health officers are essential in supporting the health of each Vermont community. Contact Deputy Town Manager, Duncan Wardwell (dwardwell@richmondvt.gov, 802-336-2092), if you have any questions.