Inspections Sanitarian II

About the role

Department of State Health Services, Food & Drug Division. Position located at 6302 Iola Ave, Lubbock, TX with coverage across multiple Texas cities (see full list in posting). This is a regular, full-time, non-exempt position (Salary Group TEXAS-B-20) with a monthly salary range of $4,263.16 – $6,779.25. Day shift; not eligible for telework. Travel required up to 60%, primarily in the El Paso area and counties east to Gillespie County. Overnight travel and on-call emergency response may be required. Closing date: 11/02/2026. Posting number: 22500. MOS codes: 8056, 43HX, 4E0X1, 68S, 740A, 74A, 74D, 92W, MSSR, MST.

Responsibilities

• EJF 30%: Performs inspections and investigations of food manufacturers, wholesalers/warehouses, salvage establishments, and brokers. Investigates complaints and foodborne outbreaks. Completes detentions and destructions per Division policy. Issues written notices of inspectional observations. Prepares highly technical inspection reports with photos, samples, and exhibits.
• EJF 30%: Inspects permitted and non-permitted establishments including public school cafeterias, retail food service, retail food stores, mobile food units, and temporary event vendors. Conducts environmental sanitation inspections for youth camps, mass gatherings, and field sanitation. Prepares and submits inspection/survey reports using assigned software, including digital photos per agency protocols.
• EJF 20%: Assists management with scheduling, data tracking, reporting, and work group reports. Plans, organizes, and executes high-priority assignments. Manages time between site inspections, desk work, and shifting project goals. Serves as subject matter expert and resource for inspection staff. Conducts special investigations and assignments. Provides training (including joint field inspections), assists with work planning, and reviews inspection reports.
• EJF 15%: Provides information and assistance on food-related subjects to citizens, industry, and local/state/federal agencies. Prepares technical presentations for Division training. Participates in educational programs and training from DSHS, FDA, and external partners (may be out-of-state). Presents technical information and gives testimony during hearings and court trials. Prepares special reports, summaries, and exhibits for counsel. Completes electronic travel reports, monthly activity reports, timesheets, and other required reports.
• EJF 5%: Other duties as assigned, including active participation or supporting role in disaster response/recovery or Continuity of Operations activation, which may require alternate shift patterns or location changes.

Qualifications

Initial Screening Criteria

• Must be registered as a Professional Sanitarian by the State of Texas.
• At least two (2) years of combined experience conducting manufactured foods, retail foods, youth camp, or public sanitation inspections.
• Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license or equivalent from another state.

Registrations, Licensure, Certifications

• Valid Texas driver’s license (or equivalent from another state) required.
• Professional Registered Sanitarian license (State of Texas) preferred; required to be considered for the Sanitarian II position.

Skills

Knowledge Of

• Theory and practical applications of scientific disciplines: microbiology, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, epidemiology, statistics, thermodynamics, nutrition, and food toxicology.
• Investigative methods and negotiating techniques.
• State and federal food, youth camp, and public sanitation laws and regulations.
• Technical inspection aspects of food manufacturing, distribution, salvaging, retail food establishments, and youth camps.

Skill In

• Effective and professional verbal and written communication.
• Writing detailed technical reports.
• Use of computer and applicable inspection software.
• Making appropriate field decisions and planning investigations in difficult/sensitive situations.
• Selecting, adapting, and applying investigative methods and negotiating techniques for complete, professional inspections.
• Use of photographic, laboratory, and field-testing equipment for health and safety inspections.
• Tracking multiple program and compliance activities at different stages.
• Proactive problem solving and organization.
• Work planning and inspection report review.

Ability To

• Provide own transportation for inspections, training, emergencies, and other duties.
• Perform inspectional work requiring ladders/catwalks, lifting/carrying up to 50 lbs, pushing/pulling up to 100 lbs, standing for extended periods, identifying rodent/insect filth, and reading 1/32-inch type labels.
• Occasionally work outside normal duty hours (24-hour on-call availability for emergencies/disasters).
• Prepare concise technical reports documenting inspection findings.
• Recognize, assimilate, and correlate scientific data with field conditions to determine public health risks.
• Communicate effectively and tactfully with regulated industry, public, coworkers, and managers.
• Manage time between core duties and regulatory requirements.
• Assist managers with administrative assignments to support work group operations.

Benefits

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). Details available on the DSHS Careers Page.

Pay

Monthly salary range: $4,263.16 – $6,779.25 (Salary Group TEXAS-B-20).

Schedule

• Day shift; full-time (40 hours/week).
• Not eligible for telework.
• Travel up to 60% (primarily El Paso area and counties east to Gillespie County).
• May require overtime, extended hours, and/or hours outside normal 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, Monday–Friday schedule.
• On-call availability 24 hours for emergency/disaster response.
• Overnight travel may be required.