Inspector

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Houston, TX

49d

About The Position

Sanitarian I or Environmental Protection Specialist I (understaffed Sanitarian I) – The majority of the inspections will be conducted in the Manufactured Foods Coastal area (Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Harris, and Galveston counties). Under the supervision of the Manufactured Foods Coastal Branch Manager, inspects 40+ types of food manufacturers including the following types of processors: low-acid canned foods, acidified food processors, pasteurized juice, aseptic foods, bottled water, seafood, dietary supplements, bottling plants (wine, beer, soft drinks), bakeries, re-packers, warehouses, salvage firms, and many other types of manufacturers for which the Unit is responsible for compliance with the Texas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Good Manufacturing Practices and Good Warehousing Practices regulations. Investigates illegal activities involving food manufacturers, warehouses, re-packers, etc. Responds to complaints, disasters, and truck wrecks involving food and drug products. Collects necessary samples, photos, exhibits, and prepares highly technical written reports documenting inspectional findings. Uses initiative and independent judgment in performing duties. Employee actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations in response and/or recovery in Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. May participate in overnight travel and be on call or available to respond to emergency situations as needed.

Requirements

• Knowledge of: the theory and practical applications of disciplines to include: microbiology, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, epidemiology, statistics, thermodynamics, nutrition, and food toxicology; selecting, adapting, and applying investigative methods and negotiating techniques to conduct complete and professional inspections; State and Federal food safety laws and regulations covering the various types of food operations, food processing, food labeling, distribution, including applicable parts of the Code of Federal Regulations, Texas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, Texas Administrative Code, and the Good Manufacturing Practices Regulations; and technical aspects of inspections of various types of food and drug manufacturing, distribution, and salvaging, and equipment utilized by these facilities and the equipment for conducting inspections.
• Skills in: verbal and written communication, including writing detailed technical reports; word processing, database and spreadsheet software for submission of written correspondence, reports, and presentations; making appropriate field decisions and planning how the investigation should proceed to resolve difficult and sensitive situations.; and in selecting, adapting, and applying investigative methods and negotiating techniques to conduct complete and professional inspections.
• Ability to: organize and prioritize workload to meet deadlines; provide own transportation for the purpose of conducting inspections, attending training, responding to emergencies, and other job duties; perform inspectional work which may require: using ladders or catwalks to access equipment, lifting/carrying up to 50lbs, pulling/pushing up to 100lbs., standing for extended periods of time, identifying rodent and insect filth, and reading labels with 1/32 inch type size during inspections; occasionally work outside normal duty hours and adjust work week to accommodate workload, and to be available for emergency or disaster response (24 hours on call); and travel as needed to satisfy program needs.
• Possess a valid Texas driver’s license, or equivalent license from another state.
• Bachelor's degree from a U.S. accredited college/university (or foreign education that has been determined to be equivalent) with at least 30 semester hours in basic science or natural science or any combination thereof and acquires two (2) years of experience in the field of sanitation.
• Must be available to work hours other than Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm.
• Experience using a computer including word processing and database software.

Nice To Haves

• Possess a Professional Registered Sanitarian license (RS) State of Texas is preferred.
• Environmental Protection Specialist (EPS I)/Sanitarian-In-Training (SIT): Bachelor's degree from a U.S. accredited college/university (or foreign education that has been determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator) with at least 30 semester hours in basic science or natural science or any combination. No experience or less than (2) years of experience in the field of sanitation.

Responsibilities

• Performs inspections and investigations involving food manufacturers, food wholesalers/warehouses, food salvage establishments, and brokers.
• Provides information and assistance on food and drug-related subjects as requested by citizens, regulated industry, and other local, state, and federal agencies.
• Completes detentions and destructions according to Division policy.
• Completes and issues a written notice of inspectional observations for inspected facilities upon completion of the inspection.
• Prepares highly technical inspection reports that may include photos, samples, and other exhibits to document inspection findings using word processing, database, and other computer software.
• Investigates complaints involving food manufacturers, food wholesalers/warehouses, food salvage establishments, and brokers, and prepares detailed reports of findings.
• Investigates foodborne outbreaks and document findings.
• Conducts special investigations and other special assignments as directed.
• Provides training including joint field inspections and review of inspection reports.
• Provides information and assistance on manufactured food-related subjects as requested by citizens, regulated industry, and other local, state, and federal agencies.
• Prepares technical presentations on applicable subject for Division training programs, as requested.
• Participates in available educational programs and training presented by the Division, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Department, and additional outside training as directed.
• Completes electronic travel reports, monthly activity reports, time sheets, and other Division and Department reports as required.
• Participates in regulatory actions including presenting technical information regarding inspections; gives testimony during hearings and court trials; and prepares special reports, summaries, and exhibits for use by counsel during hearings and trials.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• DSHS offers 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: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees