Sanitarian I

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Athens, TX

9d•$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 supports 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 are conducted in Henderson and surrounding counties. The position inspects food manufacturers, retailers, warehouses, salvage firms, 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. It responds to complaints, foodborne outbreaks, disasters, and other assignments; collects samples and documentation; and prepares detailed technical inspection reports. The role works under general supervision with moderate latitude for initiative and independent judgment. Overnight travel may occur, and the employee may be on call or required to respond to emergencies.

Requirements

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 (or a combination), and two years of sanitation-field experience for the Sanitarian I classification.
A valid Texas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state.
A Texas Professional Registered Sanitarian license is stated as preferred and is also stated to be required for consideration for the Sanitarian I position.
Knowledge of scientific disciplines including microbiology, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, epidemiology, statistics, thermodynamics, nutrition, and food toxicology.
Knowledge of investigative methods and negotiating techniques; state and federal food, youth camp, and public sanitation laws and regulations; and technical inspection practices for food manufacturing, distribution, salvage, retail establishments, and youth camps.
Skill in professional verbal and written communication, technical report writing, word processing, computers and inspection software, field decision-making, investigation planning, applying investigative and negotiation methods, using photographic, laboratory, and field-testing equipment, and tracking multiple compliance activities.
Ability to provide personal transportation for inspections, training, emergencies, and other duties; prepare concise technical reports; interpret scientific data alongside field conditions to assess public health risks; and communicate effectively and tactfully.
Ability to perform work that may involve 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 printed in 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 work overtime, extended hours, or hours outside the usual 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday schedule, as required.
Applicants must demonstrate in their application how they meet the initial selection criteria; applicants must bring a transcript copy to the interview.
Applicants who do not qualify for Sanitarian I may be considered for Environmental Protection Specialist I (EPS I)/Sanitarian-In-Training (SIT), which requires the specified bachelor’s degree and science coursework, with less than two years or no sanitation-field experience.

Nice To Haves

Texas Professional Registered Sanitarian (RS) license is identified as preferred, although the posting also says it is required for consideration for Sanitarian I.

Responsibilities

Inspect and investigate food manufacturers, wholesalers, warehouses, salvage establishments, and brokers; complete detentions and destructions under 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 public-school cafeterias, retail food-service establishments, retail food stores, and mobile food establishments, for compliance with sanitary requirements.
Conduct environmental sanitation inspections at youth camps, mass gatherings, and field sanitation sites; submit inspection and survey reports and document findings using assigned software and digital photography.
Investigate complaints and foodborne outbreaks, conduct special investigations and assignments, and provide training through joint field inspections and reports.
Provide food-related information and assistance to citizens, regulated industry, and government agencies; prepare technical presentations and participate in agency and partner training.
Complete electronic travel reports, monthly activity reports, timesheets, and other required reports.
Present technical inspection information and testimony at hearings and court trials; prepare reports, summaries, and exhibits for counsel.
Participate in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activation, which may require a different shift pattern or work location.
Travel, including possible overnight and out-of-state travel, and be available for emergency response as needed.