Sanitarian IV

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. Most inspections will be conducted in East Texas and surrounding areas. The Sanitarian IV will assist the manager they report to and work with staff concerning complex inspections and training needs. Under the supervision of the Foods East Manager, the position will inspect 40+ types of food manufacturers, including the following types of processors: low-acid canned foods, acidified food processors, pasteurized juice, aseptic foods, bottling plants (wine, beer, soft drinks), bakeries, re-packers, warehouses, salvage firms, and other types of manufacturers. Ensuring 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 inspection findings. Coordinate with staff from other Food and Drug branches regarding inspection-planning and assignments, training, conveyance of information, and preparation of compliance cases. Prepares and delivers presentations about manufactured foods to internal and external stakeholders. Assists with stakeholder engagement, report review, and compliance case preparation for other programs in the Food and Drug Section. Works under minimal direction, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Use initiative and independent judgment in performing duties. Employees participate and/or serve 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 emergencies as needed. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Employees at this level may be considered technical experts in the field and can independently perform the most complex environmental sanitation inspection work. This position is a technical expert for the Branch and program. The Sanitarian IV will be aware of and participate in the overall goals and work being performed by the Branch and will assist the manager in ensuring the Branch complies with the standards put forth for the Foods program.

Requirements

Knowledge of the theory and practical applications of disciplines, including microbiology, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, epidemiology, statistics, nutrition, and food toxicology.
Knowledge and skill in selecting, adapting, and applying investigative methods and techniques 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, and the Texas Administrative Code.
Knowledge of the technical aspects of inspections of various types of food manufacturing, distribution, and salvaging, and the equipment utilized by these facilities and the equipment for conducting inspections.
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 provide own transportation for the purpose of conducting inspections, receiving training, responding to emergencies, and other job duties.
Ability to 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).
Ability to oversee environmental and public health programs; to lead complex investigations related to environmental health concerns, public outbreaks, or sanitation compliance issues; to develop and implement policies and procedures; to evaluate laws and ordinances; and to supervise the work of others
Ability to safely operate either a state-owned vehicle or a personal vehicle is required to conduct state business, and an acceptable driving record must be maintained.
Ability to travel is needed to satisfy program needs.
Must be registered as a professional sanitarian by 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.

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.
Prepares highly technical inspection reports that may include photos, samples, and other exhibits to document inspection findings using word processing, database, and other computer software.
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 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.
Completes electronic travel reports, monthly activity reports, time sheets, and other Division and Department reports as required.
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.
Actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.
May assist with report review and compliance case preparation for other programs in the Food and Drug Section.

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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