Sanitarian I

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Houston, TX

3d • $3,793 - $5,921 • Hybrid

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Drugs and Medical Devices Manager, this role performs highly technical and complex federal contract and non-contract inspections of various drug, device, and cosmetic manufacturers and distributors. The position is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Texas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and Good Manufacturing Practices Regulations. Duties include investigating illegal activities, responding to complaints and disasters, collecting samples, and preparing detailed technical reports. The employee must use initiative and independent judgment and actively participate in the agency's Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.

Most inspections will be conducted in the Greater Houston and surrounding areas. The posted salary range is the full range, and the final salary offer will depend on agency policy, budget, and candidate qualifications. Typically, offers are near the midpoint of the range.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• Must be available to work hours other than Monday-Friday from 8AM-5PM.
• Experience using a computer including word processing and database software.
• 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 drug and medical device laws and regulations covering the various types of drug manufacturers, drug wholesalers, device/drug/cosmetic salvage establishments and brokers, device distributors, device manufacturers, and cosmetic manufacturers/distributors.
• Knowledge of applicable parts of the Code of Federal Regulations, Texas Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, Texas Administrative Code, and the Good Manufacturing Practices Regulation.
• Knowledge of the technical aspects of inspections of various types of drug manufacturers, drug wholesalers, device/drug/cosmetic salvage establishments and brokers, device distributors, device manufacturers, and cosmetic manufacturers/distributors, and equipment utilized by these facilities and the equipment for conducting inspections (notebook computer, digital camera, black light, etc.).
• 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 exercise good professional judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.
• Mature judgment must be used to make field decisions and to plan how the investigation should proceed to resolve difficult and sensitive situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with regulated industry and the public.
• Ability to plan, prepare and present technical programs related to food safety.
• Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with co-workers, managers, the public and regulated industry.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information and documents where appropriate.
• 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. and standing for extended periods of time.
• Ability to identify rodent and insect filth in dimly lighted areas during inspections.
• Ability to review and understand documentary evidence such as invoices and records relating to drug manufacturers, drug wholesalers, device/drug/cosmetic salvage establishments and brokers, device distributors, device manufacturers, and cosmetic manufacturers/distributors.
• Ability to provide own transportation for the purpose of conducting inspections and receiving training.
• Ability to occasionally work outside normal duty hours and adjust work week to accommodate workload, and to be available for emergency or disaster response involving food or drugs (24 hours on call).
• Ability to travel as needed to satisfy program needs.

Nice To Haves

• Acquires two (2) years of experience in the field of sanitation (for Sanitarian I classification).
• Less than two (2) years of experience in the field of sanitation (for Environmental Protection Specialist I/Sanitarian-In-Training classification).

Responsibilities

• Performs highly technical, complex federal contract and non-contract inspections of drug manufacturers, drug wholesalers, device/drug/cosmetic salvage establishments and brokers, device distributors, device manufacturers, and cosmetic manufacturers/distributors.
• Supports objectionable conditions using documentation such as samples, photographs, filth exhibits, and written records.
• 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 and detailed inspection reports for all establishment inspections.
• Utilizes word processing, databases, and spreadsheet software and a laptop computer to complete inspection reports and submit them for review and possible regulatory action.
• Investigates complaints involving drug manufacturers, drug wholesalers, device/drug/cosmetic salvage establishments and brokers, device distributors, device manufacturers, and cosmetic manufacturers/distributors and prepares detailed reports of findings.
• Investigates disease outbreaks and documents findings.
• Conducts special investigations involving drug and medical device imports, disasters, special sampling assignments, and other special assignments as directed.
• Provides training to assigned drug manufacturers, drug wholesalers, device/drug/cosmetic salvage establishments and brokers, device distributors, device manufacturers, and cosmetic manufacturers/distributors investigators, including joint field inspections and review of inspection reports.
• Provides information and assistance on drug and medical device related subjects as requested by citizens, regulated industry, and other local, state, and federal agencies.
• Prepares technical presentations on applicable subjects 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 by the Division or supervisor.
• 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.
• 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 an acceptable driving record must be maintained.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Use of safety equipment is required.

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