Sanitarian I

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

1d

About The Position

PLEASE NOTE: The posted salary range is the full range for this position. Agency salary policy, budget and candidate’s qualifications will dictate final salary offer. Typically, salary offers are at or near the midpoint of the range, depending on qualifications or other factors.
Sanitarian I or Environmental Protection Specialist (understaffed Sanitarian I) - Most of the inspections will be conducted in the Manufactured Foods North area, Dallas County and surrounding southeast areas).
Under the supervision of the Manufactured Foods North Branch Manager, inspects 40+ types of food manufacturers including the following types of processors: low acid canned foods, acidified food processors, pasteurized juice, aseptic foods, bottled water, seafood, dietary supplements, bottling plants (wine, beer, soft drinks), bakeries, re-packers, warehouses, salvage firms, and many other types of manufacturers for which the Unit is responsible for compliance with the Texas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Good Manufacturing Practices and Good Warehousing Practices regulations. Investigates illegal activities involving food manufacturers, warehouses, re-packers, etc. Responds to complaints and disasters involving food and drug products; collects necessary samples, photos, exhibits and prepares highly technical written reports documenting inspectional findings. Use 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; selecting, adapting, and applying investigative methods and negotiating techniques to conduct complete and professional inspections; 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, Texas Administrative Code, and the Good Manufacturing Practices Regulations; and technical aspects of inspections of various types of food and drug manufacturing, distribution, and salvaging, and equipment utilized by these facilities and the equipment for conducting inspections.
• Skills in: verbal and written communication, including writing detailed technical reports; word processing, database and spreadsheet software for submission of written correspondence, reports and presentations; making appropriate field decisions and planning how the investigation should proceed to resolve difficult and sensitive situations.; and in selecting, adapting, and applying investigative methods and negotiating techniques to conduct complete and professional inspections.
• Ability to: organize and prioritize workload to meet deadlines; provide own transportation for the purpose of conducting inspections, receiving training, responding to emergencies, and other job duties; 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; 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); and travel as needed to satisfy program needs.
• Must meet educational requirements (30 hours of science) and 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 food manufacturers, food wholesalers/warehouses, food salvage establishments and brokers.
• Provides information and assistance on food and drug related subjects as requested by citizens, regulated industry, and other local, state, and federal agencies.
• Completes detentions and destructions according to Division policy.
• Complete and issue a written notice of inspectional observations 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 food manufacturers, food wholesalers/warehouses, food salvage establishments and brokers, and prepares detailed reports of findings.
• Investigates foodborne outbreaks and documents findings.
• Conducts special investigations and other special assignments as directed.
• Provides training including joint field inspections and review of inspection reports.
• Provides information and assistance on manufactured food related subjects as requested by citizens, regulated industry, and other local, state and federal agencies.
• 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 and acceptable driving record must be maintained.
• Participates in regulatory actions including 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.
• 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
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees