OSM Thome Recruitment is looking for experienced Public Health Officer for unique career opportunities in the cruise industry, on behalf of Carnival Cruise Line.
Role Summary:As a Public Health Officer, you play a critical behind-the-scenes role in safeguarding the health and safety of both guests and crew. You’ll lead shipboard compliance with global public health standards through proactive audits, training, and clear communication across departments. Your focus areas include disease surveillance and prevention, infection control, food and water safety, and integrated pest management.
Serving as the ship’s primary public health liaison, you’ll ensure adherence to infectious disease protocols, including COVID-19 response measures, while reporting directly to the Captain and shoreside Public Health leadership.
Key Responsibilities:
Disease Prevention & Control
- Oversee all onboard disease prevention and control measures (COVID-19, AGE, etc.)
- Serve as a core member of the Outbreak Management Team (OMT), ensuring execution of OMT strategies
- Manage infection control supplies (PPE, disinfectants, hand sanitizers), and monitor usage compliance
- Support illness investigations, contact tracing, and risk assessments
- Monitor and manage quarantine/isolation protocols for crew and guests
- Lead regular outbreak preparedness drills and training
- Liaise with Medical Team and health authorities for public health data and responses
- Report regularly on illness trends, response readiness, and infection control measures
Vessel Sanitation & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with Global HESS Public Health policies and corporate health protocols
- Monitor cleanliness, sanitation, and maintenance of facilities and equipment
- Coordinate with Technical and Deck Departments to resolve public health-related issues
- Conduct testing and review of potable and recreational water systems for compliance
- Audit food safety and air handling systems and documentation
- Accompany and support shipboard and external public health inspections
- Review inspection reports, escalate findings, and follow up on corrective actions
- Assess public health standards at private destinations and shore excursions when needed
- Coordinate third-party sampling and public health vendor services
Auditing & Inspections
- Perform internal audits to assess compliance with health regulations
- Provide feedback and action plans based on audit findings and trends
- Conduct daily public health rounds and at least one weekly unannounced inspection
- Coach crew, escalate violations, and provide disciplinary recommendations when necessary
- Maintain detailed audit reports for shipboard and shoreside review
Training & Development
- Deliver targeted and engaging public health training based on identified needs
- Provide ad hoc training for shore excursion staff and destination teams
- Analyze trends to enhance training effectiveness
- Collaborate with the shoreside Public Health Department to standardize training content
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
- Lead the implementation and compliance of the ship's IPM program
- Ensure timely and documented departmental inspections
- Manage pest control activities and oversee pesticide inventory and safe storage
- Coordinate with third-party pest control providers for scheduled or emergency services
Qualifications:
Education & Certifications:
- Degree in Public Health, Environmental Health, Sanitary Engineering, Biological/Medical Sciences, or related fields
- Preferred: USPH VSP certification, Infection Control certification, SHIPSAN, IPM, potable/recreational water facility certification
Experience:
- 2+ years of shipboard public health experience or 3+ years in a shoreside public health role involving auditing or implementation
Skills & Competencies:
- Strong knowledge of infection control practices and USPH Vessel Sanitation Program standards
- Ability to work independently in a dynamic shipboard environment
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with multicultural teams
- High proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint
- Experience with electronic health record systems
- Cruise industry experience strongly preferred
Additional Requirements:
- Must be at least 21 years of age
How to apply for the job
Register your profile with OSM Thome Recruitment tool on https://jobs.osmthome.com/jobs
Upload your English CV to OSM Thome.
OSM Thome Recruitment will share your information with Carnival Cruise Line which will handle the recruitment process.