Inspections Sanitarian II

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Amarillo, TX

1d•$4,263 - $6,779•Onsite

About The Position

The Inspections Sanitarian II performs advanced environmental sanitation 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, Good Warehousing Practices, the FDA Food Code, Texas Food Establishment Rules, and other applicable laws and regulations. Most inspections take place in the Panhandle region and south to Tom Green County and surrounding areas. The role inspects food manufacturers and retailers, including processors and facilities handling low-acid canned foods, acidified foods, pasteurized juice, aseptic foods, bottled water, seafood, dietary supplements, bakeries, bottling plants, repackers, warehouses, salvage firms, and other food operations. It also inspects public-school cafeterias, retail food establishments, mobile food units, temporary-event vendors, youth camps, swimming pools, public interactive water features, playgrounds, and private water supplies. The position responds to complaints, foodborne outbreaks, disasters, and other emergencies; collects samples and evidence; and prepares technical inspection reports. It also supports work planning, inspection assignments, report review, staff training, and special investigations. The position works with limited supervision and considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment. The position is based in Amarillo, Texas, with travel of up to 60%. Overnight travel may occur, and the employee may be on call or required to respond to emergencies. Work may involve overtime or hours outside the normal Monday-to-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. schedule, as well as disaster-response assignments that may involve an alternate shift or location.

Requirements

At least two years of combined experience conducting manufactured-food, retail-food, youth-camp, or public-sanitation inspections.
Professional Registered Sanitarian license issued by the State of Texas.
Valid Texas driver's license or equivalent license from another state.
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, salvage, retail food establishments, and youth camps.
Skill in professional verbal and written communication, detailed technical report writing, computer use, 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; tracking multiple program and compliance activities; proactive problem solving; organization; work planning; and inspection report review.
Ability to recognize and interpret scientific data alongside field conditions to determine public-health risks, and to communicate effectively and tactfully with regulated industry, the public, coworkers, and managers.
Ability to prepare concise, accurate technical reports, manage time across core duties and regulatory requirements, and assist managers with administrative work-group assignments.
Ability to perform inspection work that may require 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, including being available for emergency or disaster response on call 24 hours.
Must provide own transportation for inspections, training, emergency response, and other job duties.

Responsibilities

Inspect and investigate food manufacturers, wholesalers, warehouses, salvage establishments, and brokers.
Investigate complaints and foodborne outbreaks; complete detentions and destructions according to Division policy.
Issue written notices of inspectional observations and prepare technical reports documenting findings, including photos, samples, and other exhibits.
Inspect permitted and non-permitted establishments, including school cafeterias, retail food service establishments and stores, mobile food establishments, and other food establishments.
Conduct environmental sanitation inspections for youth camps, mass gatherings, and field sanitation, and submit inspection and survey reports.
Use assigned inspection software and digital photography according to agency protocols to document inspection findings.
Assist management with scheduling, data tracking, reporting, work planning, inspection assignments, and inspection report review.
Plan, organize, and execute high-priority assignments; manage time across inspections, desk work, and changing project goals.
Serve as a subject matter expert and resource for inspection staff; provide training, including joint field inspections.
Conduct special investigations and other assignments as directed.
Provide information and assistance on food-related subjects to citizens, regulated industry, and other government agencies.
Prepare technical presentations and participate in educational and training programs.
Present technical information and provide testimony at hearings and court trials; prepare reports, summaries, and exhibits for counsel.
Complete electronic travel reports, monthly activity reports, timesheets, and other required reports.
Participate in agency disaster response or recovery and Continuity of Operations activities, which may require alternate shifts or work locations.
Provide personal transportation to conduct inspections, attend training, respond to emergencies, and perform other duties.