Branch Team Lead

About the role

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. This job posting is for three Sanitarian IV positions, with one position headquartered in the “Central” area, one in the “South Central” area, and one in the “South” area of the state.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Manufactured & Retail Foods Branch Manager, performs highly advanced, senior-level environmental sanitation inspection work. Assists the manager and works closely with staff. Inspects food manufacturers, retail food stores, public-school cafeterias, mobile food vendors, youth camps, swimming pools, playgrounds, and private water supplies.

• Coordinates with staff from other Manufactured & Retail Food Branches to plan and assign inspections and training, disseminate information, and prepare compliance cases.
• Prepares and delivers presentations to internal and external stakeholders.
• Works under minimal direction, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
• May participate in overnight travel and be on call or available to respond to emergencies as needed.

Essential Job Functions

• Assists the manager in ensuring the Branch follows standards set forth by the Food and Drug Section, Manufactured & Retail Food Unit (35%).
• Serves as a subject matter expert, provides information and assistance to internal and external stakeholders, and prepares technical presentations (25%).
• Investigates complaints involving licensed and unlicensed activity, prepares detailed reports of findings, and conducts special investigations (25%).
• Conducts inspections, prepares highly technical inspection reports, and completes detentions and destructions according to policy (10%).
• Other duties assigned, including disaster response and Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation (5%).

Requirements

• Must be registered as a professional sanitarian by the State of Texas.
• At least four (4) years of combined experience conducting manufactured foods, retail foods, youth camp, or public sanitation inspection.
• Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, processes, and procedures related to manufactured foods, retail foods, youth camps, and public sanitation. They will also have skills in effective and professional verbal and written communication, problem-solving and decision-making, and the ability to oversee the work of others and provide training.

Skills

• Effective and professional verbal and written communication, including detailed technical reports.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Responding to difficult and sensitive situations, especially when conducting an investigation.
• Word processing, databases, and spreadsheets for submission of written correspondence, reports, and presentations.

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).

Pay

The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines, ranging from $5,425.33 to $8,886.16 per month.

Schedule

This is a full-time position with a regular schedule, but may require overtime, extended hours, and/or hours outside of the normal 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday schedule.