Sanitarian II - Inspections
About The Position
The Sanitarian II performs advanced environmental sanitation work for the Department of State Health Services’ Food & Drug program, ensuring 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 take place in Northeast Texas, generally in counties east of Grayson, Collin, and Rockwall counties. The position works under the supervision of the Manufactured and Retail Foods Branch Manager, with limited supervision and considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment. The role inspects food manufacturers, retailers, warehouses, salvage firms, food service facilities, school cafeterias, mobile food units, youth camps, swimming pools, public interactive water features, playgrounds, and private water supplies. It investigates complaints, foodborne outbreaks, and emergencies; collects samples and other evidence; and prepares detailed technical inspection reports. The Sanitarian II also supports work planning, scheduling, data tracking, staff training, and inspection report review, and provides technical information to the public, regulated industry, and government agencies. Overnight travel may occur, and the position may be on call to respond to emergencies. The position is based in Tyler, Texas, with travel to other listed locations and up to 60% travel; telework is not available.
Requirements
- Must be registered as a Professional Sanitarian by the State of Texas; this license is required for consideration.
- At least two years of combined experience conducting manufactured foods, retail foods, youth camp, or public sanitation inspections.
- Valid Texas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state.
- 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 food establishments, and youth camps.
- Skill in professional verbal and written communication, detailed technical report writing, computer use and applicable inspection software, field decision-making, investigative methods, negotiation, and use of photographic, laboratory, and field-testing equipment.
- Skill in tracking multiple program and compliance activities, proactive problem solving, organization, work planning, and inspection report review.
- Ability to provide own transportation for inspections, training, emergency response, and other job duties.
- Ability to perform inspection work that may involve ladders or catwalks, lifting and 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.
- Ability to work occasionally outside normal duty hours and be available for emergency or disaster response, including 24-hour on-call availability.
- Ability to prepare concise, accurate technical reports; interpret scientific data alongside field conditions to assess public health risks; and communicate tactfully with regulated industry, the public, coworkers, and managers.
- Ability to manage time across core duties and regulatory requirements and assist managers with administrative work supporting operations.
- May be required to work overtime, extended hours, or outside the usual 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday schedule.
Responsibilities
- Inspect and investigate food manufacturers, wholesalers, warehouses, salvage establishments, brokers, and other regulated facilities.
- Investigate complaints and foodborne outbreaks; complete detentions and destructions in accordance with Division policy.
- Issue written notices of inspectional observations and prepare technical inspection reports with photos, samples, and other exhibits.
- Inspect permitted and non-permitted food establishments, including public school cafeterias, retail food service establishments, retail food stores, and mobile food establishments.
- Conduct environmental sanitation inspections for youth camps, mass gatherings, and field sanitation, and submit inspection and survey reports to the appropriate Operations Branch.
- Use assigned inspection software and take digital photographs in accordance with agency protocols.
- Assist management with scheduling, data tracking, reporting, work planning, and inspection report review.
- Plan and carry out high-priority assignments, manage time across field and desk work, and serve as a subject matter expert and resource for inspection staff.
- Conduct special investigations and assignments, provide training and joint field inspections, and review inspection reports.
- Provide food-related information to citizens, regulated industry, and local, state, and federal agencies; prepare technical presentations and participate in educational programs and training.
- Present technical inspection information and testimony at hearings and court trials; prepare reports, summaries, and exhibits for counsel.
- Complete electronic travel reports, monthly activity reports, timesheets, and other required reports.
- Participate in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities, which may require alternate shifts or a change of work location.
- Travel to inspection and training locations, potentially including out-of-state training; respond to emergencies as needed.
Benefits
- 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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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
