EPS II

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Harlingen, TX

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

A Texas Department of State Health Services Environmental Protection Specialist II performs complex environmental, public health and safety work. Work involves inspecting buildings and establishments such as retail stores, and public facilities for compliance with environmental laws and to identify deficiencies of the regulatory requirements for hazardous consumer products, inhalant abuse prevention, tattoo, and body piercing. Work may involve conducting special investigations and surveys as assigned by the supervisor. Collects evidence, compiles information, and prepares detailed reports for the initiation of regulatory actions as necessary. Inspector will prepare weekly inspection summary reports, travel expenditure reports, and monthly and quarterly performance reports. Duties are performed under the general supervision of the Environmental Sanitation Branch Manager, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Employee will participate in disaster training and/or emergency response as assigned by the regional or central office. Inspections may require irregular working hours, overnight travel, and working hours other than Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. Frequent day time travel will be required to conduct routine inspections and complaint investigations. Inspections may require stooping, bending, or kneeling and ability to lift 40 pounds.

Requirements

• Knowledge of state and federal laws and rules pertaining to abusable volatile chemicals, hazardous consumer products, tattoo and body piercing studios, and public health.
• Knowledge of inspection and sampling criteria, evidence development, disaster investigations, and special investigations using established inspection techniques.
• Knowledge of natural, basic, and environmental sciences.
• Knowledge of the principles of aseptic technique, universal precautions, blood borne pathogen control and quality assurance.
• Skill in composing, editing, and reviewing technical reports and documents.
• Skill in using Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Software; and using the Internet and websites to perform searches for data.
• Skill in the use of assorted inspection tools to include iPhone and notebook computer.
• Skill in testifying in court actions or giving depositions.
• Ability to observe and interpret situations; analyze and solve work problems; develop logical conclusions.
• Ability to communicate and interact effectively with other state and federal agencies, industry, staff, media and the public.
• Ability to coordinate program activities, including execution of an inspection program following a work plan and established policies and procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and deal tactfully and effectively with the public, industry, and the media.
• Ability to exercise balanced judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.
• Ability to adhere to policies and procedures pertaining to confidential documents and information.
• Ability to organize, prioritize and meet deadlines as assigned.
• Ability to move up to 40 lbs. and climb during inspections.
• Texas Department of Public Safety issued driver's license.
• A minimum of one year of work experience conducting compliance inspections, complaint investigations, or surveys, and interpreting or explaining, or enforcing laws or regulations.

Nice To Haves

• Prefer a four-year college degree or two years of work experience enforcing laws or regulations plus an associate degree may be substituted for the college degree.

Responsibilities

• Conducts compliance inspections and complaint investigations at retail, and public facilities to determine the compliance status.
• Conduct inspections in following environmental programs: hazardous consumer products (Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 501), inhalant abuse prevention (Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 485), tattoo and body piercing (Texas Health and Safety Code Chapters 146 and 431)
• Conduct special investigations/inspections in accordance with division and departmental policies and procedures.
• Reviews and analyzes documents, conducts inspections, field surveys, assessments, and/or investigations to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal environmental or public health laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Provide technical assistance and consultations on site, via telephone and mail to the regulated community.
• Answers technical questions concerning the requirements of applicable laws, rules and regulations.
• Prepare weekly and monthly activity reports, travel requests, travel vouchers, time sheets and other administrative tasks as required.
• Participate in Compliance Review Committees as needed to provide information and technical expertise for the determination of enforcement actions.
• Participate in informal conferences on an as needed basis.
• Consult legal staff, testify in court actions, prepare affidavits, and give depositions as required in litigation to seek administrative, civil, and criminal relief from violations of applicable laws.
• Participate in staff meetings to receive training regarding inspection standards and procedures, and to participate in discussions of current inspection topics and issues.
• Participates in Emergency Response Support Operations and training exercises as assigned by management, which may involve working extended, non-standard shifts on any day of the week.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Benefits

• DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree