Sanitarian I

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Lumberton, TX

8d • $3,793 - $5,921 • Onsite

About The Position

The Sanitarian I performs moderately complex environmental sanitation inspection work under the supervision of the Manufactured and Retail Foods Branch Manager. The role ensures 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 Jefferson, Liberty, Hardin, San Jacinto, Polk, Tyler, and surrounding counties. The position is based in Beaumont, is not eligible for telework, and requires travel up to 70%. Overnight travel may occur, and the employee may be on call or respond to emergencies as needed.

Inspections cover food manufacturers and retailers, food processors and distributors, warehouses, salvage firms, school cafeterias, food service facilities, retail food stores, mobile food units, temporary-event vendors, youth camps, swimming pools, public interactive water features, playgrounds, and private water supplies. The Sanitarian responds to complaints and disasters involving food products; collects samples, photographs, and other exhibits; and prepares technical reports documenting inspection findings. The role operates under general supervision with moderate latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

The position also investigates complaints and foodborne outbreaks, provides information and training, prepares technical presentations and reports, and may provide testimony at hearings or court trials. Disaster response and continuity-of-operations duties may require an alternate shift pattern or work location. Occasional work outside normal duty hours, overtime, extended hours, and emergency availability may be required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a U.S.-accredited college or university, or equivalent foreign education, with at least 30 semester hours in basic science or natural science, or any combination thereof.
• At least two years of experience in the field of sanitation for Sanitarian I classification; applicants with less than two years may be considered for Environmental Protection Specialist I/Sanitarian-in-Training classification if they meet that classification’s education requirements.
• Possess a valid Texas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state.
• Possess a Professional Registered Sanitarian license (RS) from the State of Texas; the posting states this license is required to be considered for the Sanitarian I position.
• 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 facilities and youth camps.
• Effective professional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write detailed technical reports.
• Skill in word processing and using computers and applicable inspection software.
• Ability to make appropriate decisions in the field and plan investigations in difficult or sensitive situations.
• Ability to select, adapt, and apply investigative methods and negotiating techniques for thorough, professional inspections and investigations.
• Skill in using photographic, laboratory, and field-testing equipment for health and safety inspections.
• Ability to track multiple program and compliance activities at different stages of development.
• Ability to perform inspections that may require using ladders or catwalks, lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds, pulling or pushing 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, be available for emergency or disaster response, and be on call for 24 hours as required.
• Ability to prepare concise technical reports, interpret scientific data alongside field conditions to determine public health risks, and communicate effectively and tactfully with industry, the public, coworkers, and managers.
• Applicants must demonstrate in their application how they meet the initial selection criteria and bring a copy of their transcript to the interview.
• Applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks; employment offers are contingent on available budgeted funds.

Nice To Haves

• Professional Registered Sanitarian (RS) license from the State of Texas is identified as preferred in the license list, though the posting also says it is required for consideration for Sanitarian I.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and investigate food manufacturers, wholesalers, warehouses, salvage establishments, brokers, and other food facilities for regulatory and sanitary compliance.
• Complete detentions and destructions according to Division policy and issue written notices of inspectional observations before completing inspections.
• Prepare detailed technical inspection reports, including photographs, samples, and other exhibits; use assigned inspection software and follow agency protocols.
• Inspect permitted and non-permitted food establishments, including school cafeterias, retail food service establishments, retail food stores, and mobile food establishments.
• Conduct environmental sanitation inspections for youth camps, mass gatherings, and field sanitation, and submit inspection and survey reports to the appropriate Operations Branch.
• Investigate complaints and foodborne outbreaks and conduct special investigations and assignments as directed.
• Provide training, including joint field inspections and reports, and prepare technical presentations for Division training programs as requested.
• Provide information and assistance on food-related subjects to citizens, regulated industries, and local, state, and federal agencies.
• Participate in departmental, FDA, and external-partner education and training programs as directed, including training that may be out of state.
• Complete electronic travel reports, monthly activity reports, timesheets, and other required Division and Department reports.
• Present technical information and testimony during hearings and court trials; prepare reports, summaries, and exhibits for counsel.
• Participate in disaster response, recovery, and Continuity of Operations activities, potentially at an alternate shift or location.
• Provide own transportation for inspections, training, emergency response, and other job duties.

Benefits

• 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