Sanitarian I

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

1d•$3,793 - $5,921

About The Position

The Sanitarian I, or Environmental Protection Specialist (Sanitarian I in Training), works under the supervision of the Consumable Hemp Branch Manager. The position inspects consumable hemp manufacturers, wholesalers, retail hemp registrants, and other firms within the Unit’s responsibility for compliance with the Texas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Manufacture, Distribution, and Sale of Consumable Hemp Products Act. It investigates noncompliant activities, responds to complaints and disasters involving consumable hemp products, collects samples and other evidence, and prepares technical reports of inspection findings. The role requires initiative and independent judgment, and may include overnight travel, emergency response availability, and participation in disaster response or Continuity of Operations activation. The position conducts inspections and investigations, issues written notices of observation, and carries out detentions and destructions in accordance with division policy. It prepares reports and other documentation, provides information and technical assistance to the public and government agencies, participates in training and regulatory proceedings, and completes required travel, activity, timekeeping, and other reports. Safe operation of a state-owned or personal vehicle is required. The position is listed as full-time, with a day shift and eligibility for telework. Travel may be up to 70%. Applicants must meet the applicable education and experience requirements for Sanitarian I or may be considered for Environmental Protection Specialist I/Sanitarian-in-Training. A Texas Registered Sanitarian examination must be passed within six months of employment, and Registered Sanitarian status must be obtained within two years. The posting states a salary range of $3,793.41–$5,921.25 per month; additional salary details distinguish the Sanitarian I and Environmental Protection Specialist I classifications.

Requirements

Sanitarian I: bachelor’s degree from a U.S.-accredited college or university, or equivalent foreign education, with at least 30 semester hours in basic or natural science and two years of sanitation experience.
Environmental Protection Specialist I/Sanitarian-in-Training consideration: bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or equivalent foreign education, with at least 30 semester hours in basic or natural science; this pathway applies to applicants with no experience or less than two years of sanitation experience.
Must pass the Texas Registered Sanitarian examination within six months of initial employment and obtain Registered Sanitarian status within two years of employment.
Valid Texas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state.
Experience using a computer, including word-processing and database software.
Knowledge of relevant scientific disciplines, including microbiology, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, epidemiology, statistics, thermodynamics, nutrition, and food toxicology.
Knowledge of investigative methods, negotiation techniques, state and federal food-safety laws and regulations, food-industry operations, food processing and labeling, distribution, applicable federal regulations, Texas laws, and Good Manufacturing Practices regulations.
Knowledge of inspections of food and drug manufacturing and distribution facilities, and of equipment used by those facilities and for inspections.
Verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write detailed technical reports.
Ability to use word-processing, database, and spreadsheet software for correspondence, reports, and presentations.
Ability to make field decisions, plan investigations, resolve difficult or sensitive situations, organize and prioritize work, and meet deadlines.
Ability to provide own transportation for inspections, training, emergency response, and other job duties.
Must be available to work outside Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; occasionally work outside normal hours, adjust the work week, and be available for emergency or disaster response, including 24-hour on-call availability.
Ability to travel as needed, including possible overnight travel and training outside the state.
Ability to perform inspection work requiring ladder or catwalk access, 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.

Responsibilities

Inspect consumable hemp manufacturers, wholesalers, retail hemp registrants, and other firms for compliance with applicable Texas laws and regulations.
Investigate noncompliant activities and complaints involving regulated consumable hemp businesses; investigate food-borne outbreaks and special assignments as directed.
Respond to complaints and disasters involving consumable hemp products and collect samples, photographs, exhibits, and other necessary evidence.
Complete detentions and destructions according to division policy and issue written notices of observation before completing inspections.
Prepare technical inspection reports and detailed reports of investigation findings, including supporting photographs, samples, and exhibits.
Provide information and assistance on consumable hemp subjects to citizens, regulated industry, and local, state, and federal agencies.
Prepare technical presentations and participate in division, Department, FDA, and other directed training; provide training through joint field inspections and inspection report review.
Complete electronic travel reports, monthly activity reports, timesheets, and other required reports.
Participate in regulatory actions, present technical inspection information, testify at hearings and court trials, and prepare reports and exhibits for counsel.
Operate a state-owned or personal vehicle safely for state business and maintain an acceptable driving record.
Participate in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activation, which may require an alternate shift pattern or location.
Use required safety equipment and perform other duties as assigned.