Inspections Sanitarian I

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

1d•$3,793 - $5,921•Onsite

About The Position

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Food & Drug Unit ensures compliance with the Texas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; Good Manufacturing Practices and Good Warehousing Practices regulations; the FDA Food Code; Texas Food Establishment Rules; and other applicable Texas health and safety laws and regulations. Most inspections will be conducted in the El Paso area and counties east to Gillespie County. Under the supervision of the Manufactured and Retail Foods Branch Manager, the Sanitarian I performs moderately complex, journey-level environmental sanitation inspections. The role inspects food manufacturers, retailers, warehouses, salvage firms, food-service facilities, youth camps, swimming pools, public interactive water features, playgrounds, and private water supplies. It responds to complaints and disasters involving food products, collects samples and other evidence, and prepares technical written reports documenting findings. The position works under general supervision with moderate latitude for initiative and independent judgment. Overnight travel may occur, and the employee may be on call or available to respond to emergencies. The position may require overtime, extended hours, or work outside the normal Monday-through-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. schedule. Travel may be up to 70%, and the role is not eligible for telework. Disaster response or Continuity of Operations participation may require an alternate shift pattern or work location.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from a U.S.-accredited college or university, or equivalent foreign education, with at least 30 semester hours in basic or natural science, and two years of experience in the field of sanitation for the Sanitarian I classification.
A valid Texas driver's license or an equivalent license from another state.
Possess a Professional Registered Sanitarian (RS) license in Texas; the posting states this license is required to be considered for the Sanitarian I position.
Knowledge of scientific disciplines and their practical applications, including microbiology, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, epidemiology, statistics, thermodynamics, nutrition, and food toxicology.
Knowledge of investigative methods and negotiating techniques; state and federal food, youth camp, and public sanitation laws and regulations; and technical inspection practices for food manufacturing, distribution, salvaging, retail establishments, and youth camps.
Skill in professional verbal and written communication, detailed technical report writing, word processing, computers, and applicable inspection software.
Skill in making field decisions and planning investigations in difficult and sensitive situations; selecting, adapting, and applying investigative methods and negotiation techniques; using photographic, laboratory, and field-testing equipment; and tracking multiple program and compliance activities.
Ability to provide personal transportation for inspections, training, emergency response, and other duties.
Ability to perform work that may involve using ladders or catwalks, lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds, pushing or pulling up to 100 pounds, standing for extended periods, identifying rodent and insect filth, and reading labels printed in 1/32-inch type.
Ability to occasionally work outside normal duty hours, be available for emergency or disaster response, including 24-hour on-call availability, prepare concise technical reports, assess public health risks using scientific data and field conditions, and communicate tactfully and effectively with industry, the public, coworkers, and managers.
Applicants must demonstrate in their application how they meet the initial selection criteria.

Nice To Haves

Professional Registered Sanitarian (RS) license in the State of Texas is described as preferred, although the posting also states it is required for consideration for the Sanitarian I position.
Relevant military occupations may relate to the selection criteria and licensing requirements.

Responsibilities

Inspect and investigate food manufacturers, wholesalers and warehouses, salvage establishments, and brokers; complete detentions and destructions according to Division policy.
Issue written notices of inspectional observations before completing inspections and prepare technical reports documenting findings, with photographs, samples, and other exhibits as appropriate.
Inspect and investigate permitted and non-permitted food establishments, including public school cafeterias, retail food-service establishments and stores, mobile food establishments, and other food establishments for compliance with sanitary requirements.
Conduct environmental sanitation inspections at youth camps, mass gatherings, and in field sanitation settings; submit inspection and survey reports to the appropriate Operations Branch.
Prepare detailed findings using assigned inspection software and take digital photographs in accordance with agency protocols.
Investigate complaints and foodborne outbreaks, conduct special investigations and assignments, and provide training, including joint field inspections and reports.
Provide information and assistance about food-related subjects to citizens, regulated industry, and local, state, and federal agencies.
Prepare technical presentations and participate in educational programs and training offered by the Department, FDA, and external partners.
Complete electronic travel reports, monthly activity reports, timesheets, and other required Division and Department reports.
Present technical inspection information and testimony at hearings and court trials; prepare reports, summaries, and exhibits for counsel.
Participate in or support agency disaster response and recovery or Continuity of Operations activities, which may involve alternate shifts or locations.
Perform other duties as assigned.