Sanitarian

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Wichita Falls, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Sanitarian I performs independently, moderately complex (journey-level) environmental sanitation inspection work under the general supervision of the Public Health Region 2/3 Environmental and Consumer Inspections Program Manager. Conducts highly technical inspections and/or surveys of retail food establishments including retail food stores, food service firms, mobile food units, roadside vendors, temporary food service firms, bed & breakfast establishments, public schools, institutional care facilities for children/adults, youth camps, public swimming pools, public interactive water features & fountains, public health nuisances, and hotels and motels, utilizing the Policy and Standards Quality Assurance, (PSQA), Public Sanitation & Retail Food Safety Groups’ procedures and protocols. Sanitarian I refers to local jurisdiction or investigates complaints received related to environmental and consumer health. Serves as an expert for the Department in administrative penalty hearings and settlement conferences involving enforcement actions against retail food establishments. Conducts investigations of food-borne illness outbreaks and natural disasters. Prepares and submits all reports in an accurate and timely fashion and provides data for work completed as directed by regional management. Provides technical assistance on food safety issues to retail food establishment operators, local health departments, trade associations, professional associations, and the public. This position requires the ability to deal with challenging and unusual situations, which require good judgment and interpersonal skills. Must be able to independently travel extensively throughout the State of Texas and if directed, out-of-state travel to complete essential job functions. Member of the Incident Command Structure in response to public health emergencies. Must comply with HHS, DSHS, Texas Department of Public Safety applicable policies/procedures/standards.

Requirements

• Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to general sanitation, retail foods, and consumer health protection.
• Knowledge of the technical aspects of the inspection of various types of schools, camps, swimming pools, hotel/motels, nuisance complaints, and various food service establishments and the equipment used in those establishments.
• Knowledge of HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) principles and how they apply to retail food establishments.
• Skill to identify rodent filth and read labels with 1/32-inch type size during inspections.
• Skill to write and verbally communicate clearly and concisely when making decisions and recommendations
• Skill to successfully execute food program and public sanitation activities and deliver all services fairly, uniformly and ethically; establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff members, food establishments, local health officials and the public; deal tactfully and effectively with complainants and exercise good judgment when making assessments and recommendations while evaluating health related situations.
• Skill to use a computer for word processing, database applications, and spreadsheet software for submission of written correspondence, reports and presentations.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and organize work to efficiently use time and state resources.
• Ability to perform inspection of facilities requiring walking long distances, standing, bending, climbing, and other physical activities in all seasonal conditions.
• Ability to independently travel throughout the State of Texas to complete essential job functions.
• Texas Driver's license or driver's license from another state with the intent to obtain a Texas driver's license.
• Must hold a current registration as a Professional Registered Sanitarian in Texas which is currently administered by Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR).
• Bachelor’s degree from a U.S. accredited college or university (or a foreign degree determined to be equivalent).

Nice To Haves

• Experience conducting environmental sanitation inspection work.

Responsibilities

• Conducts technical science-based inspections, complaint or food borne illness investigations of retail food establishments, school cafeterias, bed & breakfast extended establishments, and non-profit food operations under state jurisdiction using HACCP principles (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) to ensure compliance with retail food statutes and regulations.
• Performs routine, compliance & complaint youth camp facility inspections. Also investigate or refer to the proper jurisdiction complaints on public school district facilities, public swimming pools, public interactive water features & fountains, alleged public health nuisances, and public lodging.
• Completes travel reimbursement requests, weekly activity reports, CAPPS time sheets, CAPPS time certification and other Division, Regional and Department reports as required in the performance of official duties, accurately and submitted in a timely manner according to Division policies.
• Investigates consumer complaints within state jurisdiction involving food products and prepares detailed reports of findings. Refers complaints received that are under local health department jurisdiction within 5 business days of receipt.
• Provides information and technical assistance to retail food establishments, public officials, and public on food safety and general sanitation in the interpretation and enforcement of State food and general sanitation statutes and regulations.
• Will attend worker safety training, program staff training, and other professional & required training to maintain and increase public sanitation and retail food expertise and maintain state employment.
• Participates in regional assignments/duties/special initiatives.

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