Inspections Sanitarian I

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Houston, TX

1d•$3,793 - $5,921•Onsite

About The Position

The Sanitarian I performs moderately complex, journey-level environmental sanitation inspection work under the supervision of the Manufactured and Retail Foods Branch Manager. The position supports 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 state laws and regulations. Most inspections are conducted in the Harris County and Chambers County area. The role works under general supervision, with moderate latitude to use initiative and independent judgment. The position inspects food manufacturers and retailers, including low-acid canned food and acidified food processors, pasteurized juice and aseptic food producers, bottled water and seafood operations, dietary supplement facilities, bottling plants, bakeries, repackers, warehouses, salvage firms, school cafeterias, food service facilities, retail food stores, mobile food units, temporary-event vendors, youth camps, swimming pools, public interactive water features, playgrounds, and private water supplies. It also responds to food-product complaints and disasters, collects samples and other evidence, and prepares technical reports documenting findings. The position may involve overnight travel, emergency response availability, overtime or work outside normal business hours, and alternate shifts or locations during disaster response or Continuity of Operations activation. The role is full-time, day shift, not eligible for telework, based in Houston, with travel up to 70%.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from a U.S.-accredited college or university, or equivalent foreign education, with at least 30 semester hours in basic science or natural science (or a combination), and at least two years of experience in sanitation for Sanitarian I classification.
A valid Texas driver's license or an equivalent license from another state.
A Texas Professional Registered Sanitarian (RS) license is preferred; the posting also states that this license is required to be considered 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 practices for food manufacturing, distribution, salvaging, retail food establishments, and youth camps.
Skill in professional verbal and written communication, detailed technical report writing, word processing, computer use, and applicable inspection software.
Skill in field decision-making and planning investigations in difficult or sensitive situations, and selecting and applying investigative and negotiating methods for inspections and investigations.
Skill in using photographic, laboratory, and field-testing equipment for health and safety inspections, and tracking multiple program and compliance activities.
Ability to provide own transportation for inspections, training, emergency response, and other job duties.
Ability to perform work that may require ladder or catwalk access, 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 with 1/32-inch type.
Ability to occasionally work outside normal duty hours and be available for emergency or disaster response, including 24-hour on-call availability.
Ability to prepare concise technical reports, correlate scientific data with field conditions to determine public health risks, and communicate effectively and tactfully with industry, the public, coworkers, and managers.
Applicants who do not qualify for Sanitarian I may be considered for Environmental Protection Specialist I (EPS I)/Sanitarian-In-Training (SIT): a qualifying bachelor's degree with at least 30 semester hours in basic or natural science and less than two years or no experience in sanitation. TDLR determines qualifying education and experience.

Nice To Haves

Possession of a Professional Registered Sanitarian (RS) license in Texas is identified as preferred in the registration and licensure section.

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 before completing inspections and prepare technical inspection reports with photographs, samples, and other exhibits.
Inspect and investigate permitted and non-permitted food establishments, including school cafeterias, retail food service establishments, retail food stores, mobile food establishments, and other food operations.
Conduct environmental sanitation inspections for youth camps, mass gatherings, and field sanitation; prepare and submit inspection and survey reports to the appropriate Operations Branch.
Document findings using assigned inspection software and digital photographs in accordance with agency protocols.
Investigate complaints and foodborne outbreaks, conduct special investigations and assignments, and provide training through joint field inspections and reports.
Provide information and assistance on food-related subjects 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 as directed.
Complete electronic travel reports, monthly activity reports, timesheets, and other required Division and Department reports.
Present technical inspection information and provide testimony during hearings and court trials; prepare special reports, summaries, and exhibits for counsel.
Participate in agency disaster response or recovery and Continuity of Operations activities, including possible alternate shift patterns or work locations.
Respond to emergencies as needed, including being on call and available for emergency response.