Consumable Hemp Branch Sanitarian I

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Sanitarian I or Environmental Protection Specialist (Sanitarian I in Training): Under the supervision of the Consumable Hemp Branch Manager, inspects consumable hemp manufacturers, consumable hemp wholesalers, retail hemp registrants, and many other types of firms for which the Unit is responsible, for compliance with the Texas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (TX Health and Safety Code Chapter 431) and Manufacture, Distribution, and Sale of Consumable Hemp Products Act (HSC 443). Investigates non-compliant activities involving consumable hemp manufacturers, consumable hemp wholesalers, and retail hemp registrants. Responds to complaints and disasters involving consumable hemp 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.
• Knowledge and skill in selecting, adapting, and applying investigative methods and negotiating techniques to conduct complete and professional inspections.
• Knowledge of State and Federal food safety laws and regulations covering the various types of food industry, food processing, food labeling, distribution, including applicable parts of the Code of Federal Regulations, Texas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, Manufacture, Distribution, and Sale of Consumable Hemp Products, Texas Administrative Code, and the Good Manufacturing Practices Regulations.
• Knowledge of the technical aspects of inspections of various types of food and drug manufacturing, distribution, and equipment utilized by these facilities and the equipment for conducting inspections.
• Skill in verbal and written communication, including writing detailed technical reports.
• Skill in word processing, database and spreadsheet software for submission of written correspondence, reports and presentations.
• Skill to make appropriate field decisions and to plan how the investigation should proceed to resolve difficult and sensitive situations.
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload to meet deadlines.
• Ability to provide own transportation for the purpose of conducting inspections, receiving training, responding to emergencies, and other job duties.
• Ability to 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).
• Ability to 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.
• Ability to travel as needed to satisfy program needs.
• Must pass the Texas Registered Sanitarian Examination within six (6) months from the initial date of employment.
• Registered Sanitarian status must be obtained within (2) years of the date of employment.
• Possess a valid Texas driver’s license, or equivalent license from another state.
• Bachelor's degree from a US 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.

Responsibilities

• Performs inspections and investigations involving consumable hemp manufacturers, consumable hemp wholesalers, and retail hemp registrants.
• Provides information and assistance on consumable hemp 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 observation for inspected facilities prior to completing the inspection.
• Prepares highly technical inspection reports that may include photos, samples, and other exhibits to document inspectional findings using word processing, database, and other computer software.
• Investigates complaints involving consumable hemp manufacturers, consumable hemp wholesalers, and retail hemp registrants and prepares detailed reports of findings.
• Investigates food-borne outbreaks and documents findings.
• Conducts special investigations and other special assignments as directed.
• Provides training, to include joint field inspections and review of inspection reports.
• 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.
• Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business.
• Participates in regulatory actions, to include presenting technical information regarding inspections and gives testimony during hearings and court trials; prepares special reports, summaries, and exhibits for use by counsel during hearings and trials.
• Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.
• Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
• Use of safety equipment is required.

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