Sanitarian

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). Brief Job Description Sanitarian I. The position performs moderately complex (journey-level) food service and environmental sanitation inspection work under the supervision and technical review of the Sanitarian III, Public Health Region 9/10. Responsibilities include conducting inspections for permitted programs, public facilities, buildings, or plants upon request; performing institutional and field sanitation; investigating complaints; providing consultative services to local jurisdictions and the general public; and assisting during emergency situations or natural disasters. Essential Job Functions (EJFs) EJF 1 (60%) Regulatory inspections: Conduct inspections of retail food establishments, mobile food units, youth camps, school cafeterias, and other facilities. Prepare inspection documentation and special reports. Participate in planning of special regional initiatives and pursue legal enforcement actions when necessary. EJF 2 (15%) Complaints and consultative activities: Investigate consumer complaints, recommend sanitation improvements, provide education on sanitary practices, and support public health preparedness initiatives. EJF 3 (10%) Legal actions and enforcement: Prepare for legal and enforcement actions with supervisor and central office program for administrative penalty hearings, permit revocation, and settlement conferences. EJF 4 (10%) Technical Assistance: Provide technical assistance to retail food establishments and public facilities on food safety and interpretation of state food codes. Assist local health department inspectors with federal standardization. EJF 5 (5%) Other duties: Participate in disaster response, continuity of operations, and other duties as assigned. Operate state-owned or personal vehicles with a valid driving record. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) Knowledge of state and federal statutes/regulations regarding food safety and environmental sanitation. Knowledge of inspection techniques and equipment used in retail food establishments. Knowledge of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles and application to retail food establishments. Skill in using word processors, spreadsheets, databases, and web browsers to document inspections. Skill in using photographic equipment and laboratory/field testing equipment. Skill in verbal communication with diverse groups of people. Skill in meeting critical deadlines and tracking multiple program activities. Ability to prepare concise technical reports and interpret scientific data for public health risk assessment. Ability to communicate effectively and tactfully with regulated industry, the public, and management. Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work to meet deadlines. Physical ability to climb, bend, stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 lbs., and travel. Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications Must be a Registered Sanitarian in the State of Texas. Initial Screening Criteria Sanitarian I Requirements: Bachelor's degree from a U.S.-accredited college/university (or foreign education deemed equivalent) with at least 30 semester hours in basic or natural science, and two years of experience in the field of sanitation. Environmental Protection Specialist (EPS I)/Sanitarian‑In‑Training (SIT): Bachelor's degree with at least 30 semester hours in basic or natural science and less than two years of experience in the field of sanitation. Additional Information This is a career track position. The successful applicant must achieve Professional Registered Sanitarian status within two years from the date of employment and pass a Professional Sanitarian exam within six months. Salary Information, Pre‑employment Checks, and Work Eligibility The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines and is contingent upon available budgeted funds. Applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks. DSHS uses E‑Verify and requires I‑9 documentation on the first day of work. #J-18808-Ljbffr