Sanitarian II

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Houston, TX

About The Position

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us. Employee 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). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page. Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs. Functional Title: Sanitarian II Job Title: Sanitarian II Agency: Dept of State Health Services Department: Food & Drug Posting Number: 15332 Closing Date: 04/10/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science Salary Range: $4,263.16 - $6,779.25 Pay Frequency: MonthlySalary Group: TEXAS-B-20 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Days (First) Telework: Travel: Up to 70% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt Facility Location: Job Location City: HOUSTON Job Location Address: 5425 POLK ST Other Locations: Houston MOS Codes: 8056,43HX,4E0X1,68S,740A,74A,74D,92W,MSSR,MST PLEASE NOTE: The posted salary range is the full range for this position. Agency salary policy, budget, and the candidate’s qualifications will dictate the final salary offer. Typically, salary offers are at or near the midpoint of the range, depending on qualifications or other factors. Most inspections and investigations will be conducted in the Manufactured Foods Coastal area (Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Harris, Galveston counties). Under the supervision of the Manufactured Foods Branch Manager, inspects 40+ types of food manufacturers including the following kinds of processors: low acid canned foods, acidified food processors, pasteurized juice, cheese, aseptic foods, bottled water, seafood, dietary supplements, bottling plants (wine, beer, soft drinks), bakeries, re-packers, warehouses, salvage firms, and 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 Regulations. Investigates illegal activities involving food manufacturers, warehouses, re-packers, and salvage facilities. Responds to complaints and disasters involving food and drug products; collects necessary samples; and prepares highly technical written reports documenting inspectional findings. Uses initiative and independent judgment in performing duties. Assists the Manager with conducting employee inspections, assessments, and in preparing Work plan for staff. Assists Manager with staff supervision during complex inspections, detentions, and sampling, and assists with staff itineraries and monthly activity reports, as needed. Employee actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.

Requirements

Knowledge of the theory and practical applications of disciplines including microbiology, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, epidemiology, statistics, thermodynamics, nutrition, and food toxicology.
Knowledge and skill in selecting, adapting, and applying investigative methods and negotiating techniques in order to conduct complete and professional inspections.
Knowledge of 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.
Knowledge of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles for inspections.
Knowledge of the technical aspects of inspections of various types of food manufacturing, distribution, and salvaging, and equipment utilized by these facilities and the equipment for conducting inspections (notebook computer, digital camera, black light, pH meter, etc.)
Skill in verbal and written communication, including writing detailed technical reports.
Skill in the use of computers using word processing, database, and spreadsheet software for submission of written correspondence, reports and presentations.
Ability to use judgment to make 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.
Ability to communicate effectively with the regulated industry and the general 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 the regulated industry.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of information and documents.
Ability to travel overnight and be on call or available to respond to emergency situations.
Ability to perform inspectional work which may require using ladders or catwalks to access equipment, moving up to 50 lbs. and standing for extended periods of time.
Ability to identify rodent and insect filth in dimly lit areas during inspections.
Ability to review and understand documentary evidence such as invoices and records relating to food processing, warehousing, and distribution.
Currently licensed as a Professional Registered Sanitarian in the State of Texas.
Possess a valid Texas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state.
Must be available to work hours other than Monday-Friday from 8 AM-5 PM.
Frequent daytime travel (70%) will be required to perform duties.

Nice To Haves

Experience in food safety inspection work.

Responsibilities

Performs highly technical, complex federal contract and non-contract inspections of 40+ types of food processing facilities including: low acid canned foods, acidified foods, pasteurized juices, cheese, aseptic foods, bottled water, seafood, dietary supplements, bottling plants (wine, beer, soft drinks), bakeries, re-packers, warehouses, salvage firms, and many other manufacturers for which the Division is responsible for compliance with the Texas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Good Manufacturing Practices Regulations. Uses assorted inspectional equipment. Supports objectionable conditions using such documentation 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 before completing the inspection. Prepares 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 the reports according to policy for review and possible regulatory action.
Assists the Manager with conducting employee inspection assessments and in preparing work plans for staff. Assists the Manager with staff supervision during complex inspections, detentions, and sampling assignments. Assists the Manager with staff itineraries, administrative duties, and monthly activity reports, and trains new employees.
Investigates complaints involving food products and prepares detailed reports of findings. Investigates food-borne disease outbreaks and documents findings. Conducts special investigations involving food imports, disasters, special sampling assignments, certificates of free sale requests, and other special assignments as directed. Provides training to assigned Manufactured Foods investigators, including joint field inspections and review of inspection reports.
Provides information and assistance on food-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. Provides training to food manufacturers, wholesalers, and salvage establishment operators. May provide training to local health department food inspection personnel. Participates in available educational programs and training.
Participates in regulatory actions, including presenting technical information regarding inspections and giving testimony during hearings and court trials; prepares special reports, summaries, and exhibits for use by counsel during hearings and trials. Completes travel reports, monthly activity reports, time sheets, and other reports as required by supervisor. Employee actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.

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).

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