Inspections Sanitarian I

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Houston, TX

3d • $3,793 - $5,921 • Onsite

About The Position

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) seeks an Inspections Sanitarian I to support 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 state laws and regulations. Most inspections will take place in Harris and Chambers Counties, although the posting lists many possible work locations across Texas. The position is based in Houston and is not eligible for telework, with travel of up to 70%. The role performs moderately complex, journey-level environmental sanitation inspections under general supervision of the Manufactured and Retail Foods Branch Manager, with moderate latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

The sanitarian inspects a wide variety of food manufacturers, distributors, retailers, food service operations, youth camps, swimming pools, public interactive water features, playgrounds, and private water supplies. The work includes responding to complaints, foodborne outbreaks, disasters, and emergencies; collecting samples and other evidence; and preparing detailed technical inspection reports. The position may involve overnight travel, on-call availability, overtime, extended hours, and work outside the normal weekday schedule. It may also require alternate shift assignments or a change of location during disaster response or Continuity of Operations activation.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree with at least 30 semester hours in basic or natural sciences and, for the Sanitarian I classification, two years of sanitation experience. A Texas Professional Registered Sanitarian license is preferred in the posting, while the posting also states that it is required to be considered for the Sanitarian I position. Applicants who do not qualify for Sanitarian I may be considered for Environmental Protection Specialist I (EPS I)/Sanitarian-In-Training (SIT), which requires the degree and coursework but allows less than two years of sanitation experience. A valid Texas driver’s license or equivalent out-of-state license is required. The salary range is $3,793.41 to $5,921.25 per month.

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 or a combination thereof.
• For Sanitarian I classification: two years of experience in the field of sanitation.
• Valid Texas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state.
• Knowledge of scientific disciplines and their practical applications, including microbiology, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, epidemiology, statistics, thermodynamics, nutrition, and food toxicology.
• Knowledge of investigative methods, negotiating techniques, state and federal food, youth camp, and public sanitation laws and regulations, and inspection practices for food operations and youth camps.
• Skill in professional verbal and written communication, technical report writing, word processing, computers, and applicable inspection software.
• Skill in making field decisions, 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 duties.
• Ability to perform physical inspection tasks that may include 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 with 1/32-inch type size.
• 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, accurate technical reports; interpret scientific data alongside field conditions to assess public health risks; and communicate tactfully with regulated industry, the public, coworkers, and managers.
• The posting states that a Professional Registered Sanitarian license (RS) from the State of Texas is preferred and also states it is required to be considered for the Sanitarian I position.

Nice To Haves

• Professional Registered Sanitarian (RS) license from the State of Texas; the posting describes this as preferred while also stating it is required for consideration for Sanitarian I.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and investigate food manufacturers, wholesalers, warehouses, salvage establishments, and brokers; complete detentions and destructions in accordance with Division policy.
• Issue written notices of inspectional observations before completing inspections and prepare technical reports documenting findings, including photos, samples, and other exhibits.
• Inspect and investigate permitted and non-permitted food establishments, including public school cafeterias, retail food service establishments, retail food stores, and mobile food establishments, for compliance with sanitary requirements.
• Conduct environmental sanitation inspections for youth camps, mass gatherings, and field sanitation; submit inspection and survey reports to the appropriate Operations Branch.
• Prepare detailed inspection findings using assigned inspection software and take digital photos 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 on food-related subjects to citizens, regulated industry, and other local, state, and federal agencies.
• Prepare technical presentations and participate in agency, FDA, and external-partner educational programs and training, including training that may take place out of state.
• Complete electronic travel reports, monthly activity reports, timesheets, and other required Division and Department reports.
• Present technical inspection information and testimony during hearings and court trials; prepare reports, summaries, and exhibits for counsel.
• Participate in disaster response or recovery and Continuity of Operations activities as assigned.
• Maintain availability for emergency response, including being on call as needed.

Benefits

• 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