Inspections Sanitarian I
About The Position
The Inspections Sanitarian I performs moderately complex, journey-level environmental sanitation inspection work under the supervision of the Manufactured and Retail Foods Branch Manager. The role supports compliance with the Texas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, Good Manufacturing Practices, Good Warehousing Practices, the FDA Food Code, Texas Food Establishment Rules, and other applicable laws and regulations. Most inspections will be conducted in the San Antonio area and surrounding communities. The position inspects food manufacturers, retailers, warehouses, salvage firms, food-service facilities, school cafeterias, mobile food units, temporary-event vendors, youth camps, swimming pools, public interactive water features, playgrounds, and private water supplies. The Sanitarian responds to complaints, foodborne outbreaks, disasters, and other special assignments; collects samples and evidence; and prepares detailed technical reports. 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 for emergency response. The role may require overtime, extended hours, or work outside the normal weekday schedule, as well as alternate shifts or locations during disaster response or Continuity of Operations activation.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or equivalent foreign education, with at least 30 semester hours in basic science or natural science, or a combination of these subjects.
- For Sanitarian I classification: two years of experience in the field of sanitation.
- A valid Texas driver's license or equivalent license from another state.
- A Professional Registered Sanitarian (RS) license in Texas is stated to be preferred and is also stated as required for consideration for the Sanitarian I position.
- Knowledge of scientific disciplines 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 of food manufacturing, distribution, salvaging, retail food 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 or sensitive situations; selecting and applying investigative and negotiating methods; using photographic, laboratory, and field-testing equipment; and tracking multiple program and compliance activities.
- Ability to prepare concise technical reports; correlate scientific data with field conditions to determine public health risks; and communicate tactfully with industry, the public, coworkers, and managers.
- Ability to perform work requiring use of ladders or catwalks, lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds, pulling or pushing up to 100 pounds, standing for extended periods, identifying rodent and insect filth, and reading labels with 1/32-inch type.
- Ability to occasionally work outside normal duty hours and be available for emergency or disaster response.
- Applicants must demonstrate how they meet the initial selection criteria in their application and bring a copy of their transcript to the interview.
Nice To Haves
- Professional Registered Sanitarian (RS) license from the State of Texas (noted as preferred in the posting).
Responsibilities
- Inspect and investigate food manufacturers, wholesalers, warehouses, salvage establishments, and brokers; complete detentions and destructions according to Division policy.
- Issue written notices of inspectional observations and prepare technical reports documenting findings, including photographs, samples, and other exhibits.
- Inspect and investigate permitted and non-permitted food establishments, including school cafeterias, retail food-service establishments, stores, and mobile food establishments, for compliance with sanitary requirements.
- Conduct environmental sanitation inspections at youth camps, mass gatherings, and field sanitation operations; submit inspection and survey reports to the appropriate Operations Branch.
- Prepare detailed findings in assigned inspection software and take digital photographs according to agency protocols.
- Investigate complaints and foodborne outbreaks; conduct special investigations and assignments as directed.
- Provide training, including joint field inspections and preparation of reports.
- Provide food-related information and assistance to the public, regulated industry, and local, state, and federal agencies.
- Prepare technical presentations and participate in agency, FDA, and external partner education and training programs.
- Complete electronic travel reports, monthly activity reports, timesheets, and other required reports.
- Present technical inspection information and testimony at hearings and court trials; prepare related reports, summaries, and exhibits for counsel.
- Participate in disaster response, recovery, and Continuity of Operations activities, which may require alternate shifts or locations.
- Provide transportation for inspections, training, emergency response, and other job duties.
- Be available for emergency or disaster response, including being on call for 24 hours when needed.
Benefits
- Insurance coverage and other benefits through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
