ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST III

About the role

The Houston Health Department is actively seeking a skilled and talented Environmental Health Specialist III to perform core functions.

Responsibilities

• Conducts pre-opening inspections for regulated establishments to ensure compliance with applicable public health regulations, codes, and operational requirements.
• Reviews and evaluates inspection requests, coordinates with applicants and internal stakeholders, and supports timely completion of the business permitting process.
• Works collaboratively with Health Plan Review and Houston Permitting Center staff to improve workflow coordination, resolve inspection-related issues, and enhance customer service delivery.
• Performs technical reviews, provides guidance to business owners and operators regarding inspection requirements, and assist applicants in navigating the permitting and approval process.
• Identifies process improvements and recommend operational changes to improve inspection efficiency, reduce delays, and maintain established service expectations.
• Coordinates with departmental staff to ensure inspections are completed accurately, consistently, and in alignment with public health standards.
• Provides technical expertise, guidance, and support to internal and external stakeholders regarding environmental health requirements and procedures.
• Assists with managing inspection workloads, reducing service backlogs, and maintaining operational capacity as business development and permitting activity continues to increase.

Working Conditions

There are routine discomforts from exposure to moderate heat, smoke, cold, moisture/wetness and unpleasant air conditions and odors. The position may involve routine exposure to soiled materials and light chemical substances such as cleaning solutions. This position will also be exposed to tight spaces such as mobile food units, walk in coolers and storage rooms.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree, which includes 30 semester hours in basic or applied science courses, is required.
• Three (3) years of experience in a related environmental health field are required.
• A State of Texas Registered Sanitarian Certificate is required.
• A valid Texas driver license and compliance with the City of Houston's policy on driving (AP 2-2) is required.

Preferences

Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6. Spanish Speaking/ bilingual is also preferred.

Qualifications

Applicant should have in-depth knowledge of: City of Houston Chapter 20 Code of Ordinances, Texas Food Establishment Rules, FDA Model Food Code.

Skills

The selection process will involve application review and/or interview. All eligible applicants must pass the written evaluation process.

Pay

Pay Grade 21. Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

Schedule

Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, subject to change.

Benefits

Special funded positions are dependent upon continued available funds. If funding is no longer available, employee may be laid off or transferred.