Quality Assurance Officer

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

7d•$4,801 - $7,762

About The Position

The Quality Assurance Officer monitors and reviews inspection reports and laboratory sample results for the milk and dairy program, maintains licensing, sampling, inspection, and retention records, and completes administrative reporting. The role conducts quality assurance reviews of reports and inspected facilities, responds to open records and information requests, and supports training and enforcement activities. The position supports investigations involving sanitation ratings at non-IMS Grade A Milk facilities, including producer dairies, milk transfer stations, milk processing facilities, and container or packaging manufacturing plants. It also supports field staff with certifications and inspection materials, conducts statewide sampling surveillance as needed, serves as backup to the Operation Team, and performs other assigned duties. The position is based in Austin and requires travel up to 25%.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public health, agriculture, or natural sciences.
Current registration as a Sanitarian with the State of Texas or as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian with the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA).
Experience with inspection procedures pertaining to dairy operations and milk processing facilities, and conducting sampling surveillance.
Extensive knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning the regulation of milk and dairy products.
Knowledge of policies, procedures, standards, and methodologies for inspections and surveys of milk and dairy products, including dairy farms, transport tankers, and pasteurization plants.
Knowledge of milk program administrative functions and departmental policy, administrative rules, and practices.
Familiarity with RAS and VERSA systems.
Skill in interpreting highly technical federal regulations.
Skill in time management and planning activities.
Verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate with program staff, regulated industry, trade associations, and the public.
Ability to analyze and evaluate regulatory requirements for emerging and complex technologies.
Ability to prepare concise reports and organize and express ideas effectively in writing.
Ability to make decisions and establish and maintain sound interpersonal relationships with staff and the public.
Ability to establish and implement project goals and objectives.
Ability to meet deadlines and establish priorities.
Ability to analyze and solve administrative and work-related problems.
Ability to represent the Department at national and/or state meetings where complex health issues are discussed and solutions are sought.

Responsibilities

Monitor and review inspection reports to ensure they are logged in the appropriate database.
Review and monitor laboratory sample results and provide required notices to inspectors, dairy operators, and farms.
Submit required administrative reports.
Conduct quality assurance reviews of inspection reports and inspected facilities.
Maintain licensing, sampling, and inspection records and complete required record retention.
Respond to Open Record Requests and Requests for Information.
Support the state training officer for the milk and dairy program.
Prepare cases for enforcement.
Issue laboratory result reports and warning letters to milk and dairy licensees when needed to provide notice of violations.
Support investigations of sanitation ratings at non-IMS Grade A Milk facilities, including producer dairy BTUs, milk transfer stations, milk processing facilities, and container or packaging manufacturing plants.
Support field staff by issuing milk tank hauler certification numbers, tanker inspection stickers, and sampler certification numbers and cards.
Conduct statewide Sampling Surveillance activities as needed.
Serve as backup to the Operation Team and perform other duties as assigned.