Inspections Sanitarian I
About The Position
The Inspections Sanitarian I performs moderately complex, journey-level environmental sanitation inspection work under the supervision of the Manufactured and Retail Foods Branch Manager. The role supports compliance with the Texas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; Good Manufacturing Practices and Good Warehousing Practices regulations; FDA Food Code; Texas Food Establishment Rules; and other applicable Texas health and safety laws and regulations. Most inspections are conducted in San Antonio and surrounding areas. The position inspects food manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, warehouses, salvage firms, brokers, food-service facilities, public-school cafeterias, mobile food units, temporary-event vendors, youth camps, swimming pools, public interactive water features, playgrounds, and private water supplies. Work includes responding to complaints, foodborne outbreaks, disasters, and emergency situations; collecting samples and evidence; and preparing technical inspection reports. The position works under general supervision with moderate latitude to use initiative and independent judgment. It may involve overnight travel, being on call, overtime, extended hours, and work outside the normal Monday-through-Friday schedule.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a U.S.-accredited college or university, or equivalent evaluated foreign education, with at least 30 semester hours in basic or natural science, or any combination.
- For the Environmental Protection Specialist/Sanitarian-In-Training screening category: a qualifying bachelor’s degree and no experience or less than two years of sanitation-field experience.
- Valid Texas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state.
- Knowledge of scientific disciplines and their applications, including microbiology, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, epidemiology, statistics, thermodynamics, nutrition, and food toxicology.
- Knowledge of investigative methods, negotiating techniques, applicable state and federal food, youth camp, and public sanitation laws and regulations, and technical inspection practices for food operations and youth camps.
- Effective professional verbal and written communication, technical report writing, word processing, and use of computers and applicable inspection software.
- Ability to make field decisions, plan investigations in difficult and sensitive situations, select and apply investigative and negotiating methods, and track multiple program and compliance activities.
- Ability to use photographic, laboratory, and field-testing equipment for health and safety inspections.
- Ability to provide personal transportation for inspections, training, emergency response, and other job duties.
- Ability to perform physical 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 with 1/32-inch type.
- Ability to work occasionally 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 in relation to field conditions and public health risks; and communicate effectively and tactfully with industry, the public, coworkers, and managers.
- The posting states that a Professional Registered Sanitarian license from the State of Texas is preferred, and also states that this license is required to be considered for the Sanitarian I position.
Nice To Haves
- Professional Registered Sanitarian license, State of Texas (the posting also describes this license as required for consideration).
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; and prepare technical reports with photos, samples, and other exhibits.
- Inspect and investigate permitted and non-permitted food establishments, including school cafeterias, retail food-service establishments and stores, mobile food establishments, and other food facilities.
- Conduct environmental sanitation inspections for youth camps, mass gatherings, and field sanitation; submit inspection and survey reports; and document findings using assigned inspection software and digital photography.
- 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 citizens, regulated industry, and local, state, and federal agencies; prepare technical presentations and participate in training programs.
- Complete electronic travel reports, monthly activity reports, timesheets, and other required Division and Department reports.
- Present technical inspection information and provide testimony at hearings and court trials; prepare reports, summaries, and exhibits for counsel.
- Participate in disaster response or recovery and Continuity of Operations activities, which may require an alternate shift pattern or work location.
- Travel to inspection sites, training, and emergency responses, including possible overnight and out-of-state travel.
- Perform other assigned duties, including being available for emergency or disaster response.
Benefits
- Insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
