Inspections Sanitarian II

Texas Department of State Health Services · Harlingen, TX · 1 wk ago

OTHR$4k–$7k/moFull-time

About the role

The Unit is responsible for compliance with the Texas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Good Manufacturing Practices and Good Warehousing Practices regulations, utilizing the FDA Food Code, Texas Food Establishment Rules and other applicable Texas Health and Safety Codes and regulations. Most inspections will be conducted in the Lower South Texas counties in the McAllen area. Under the supervision of the Manufactured and Retail Foods Branch Manager, performs advanced (senior–level) environmental sanitation work. Inspects food manufacturers and retailers including: low acid canned foods, acidified food processors, pasteurized juice, aseptic foods, bottled water, seafood, dietary supplements, bottling plants, bakeries, re-packers, warehouses, salvage firms, public-school cafeterias, permitted and non-permitted food service facilities, retail food stores, mobile food units, vendors at temporary events, youth camps, swimming pools, public interactive water features, playgrounds, and private water supplies. Responds to complaints and disasters involving food products. Collects necessary samples, photos, exhibits and prepares highly technical written reports documenting inspectional findings. Assists with developing the yearly work plan, creating inspection assignments, and reviewing inspection reports for accuracy. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. May participate in overnight travel and be on call or available to respond to emergencies as needed.

Responsibilities

EJF 30%: Performs inspections and investigations involving food manufacturers, wholesalers/warehouses, salvage establishments and brokers. Investigates complaints and foodborne outbreaks. Completes detentions and destructions according to Division policy. Completes and issues a written notice of inspectional observations for facilities prior to completing the inspection. Prepares highly technical inspection reports that may include photos, samples, and other exhibits to document inspectional findings.
EJF 30%: Performs inspections and investigations of permitted and non-permitted establishments, including public school cafeterias; retail food service establishments; retail food stores; mobile food establishments; and other food establishments to ensure conformance with regulatory and accepted sanitary requirements. Performs environmental sanitation inspections for youth camps, mass gatherings, and field sanitation. Prepares and submits inspection and survey reports to the appropriate Operations Branch. Prepares detailed reports of findings using assigned inspection software, including taking digital photos in accordance with agency protocols.
EJF 20%: Assists management with scheduling, data tracking, reporting, and preparing reports for work groups. Plans, organizes, and executes high priority assignments. Manages time between site inspections, desk work, and shifting project goals. Serves as a subject matter expert and resource for inspection staff. Conducts special investigations and other special assignments as directed. Provides training, including joint field inspections, assists with work planning, and reviews inspection reports.
EJF 15%: Provides information and assistance on food related subjects as requested by citizens, regulated industry, and other local, state and federal agencies. Prepares technical presentations on applicable subjects for Division training programs, as requested. Participates in educational programs and training presented by the Department, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and additional external partners, as directed (training locations can be out-of-state). Presents technical information regarding inspections and gives testimony during hearings and court trials. Prepares special reports, summaries, and exhibits for use by counsel during hearings and trials. Completes electronic travel reports, monthly activity reports, time sheets, and other Division and Department reports, as required.
EJF 5%: Other duties assigned include, but are not limited to, actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or a change of locations.

Requirements

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 inspection.
Must possess a valid Texas driver's license or equivalent license from another state.

Registrations, Licensure & Certifications

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

Qualifications

Knowledge Of

Theory and practical applications of scientific disciplines including: 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 inspections of various types of food manufacturing, distribution, and 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 decisions in the field, and planning how investigations should proceed in difficult and sensitive situations
Selecting, adapting, and applying investigative methods and negotiating techniques to conduct complete, professional inspections and investigations
Use of photographic, laboratory, and field-testing equipment to conduct health and safety inspections
Tracking multiple program and compliance activities at different stages of development
Proactive problem solving and organization
Work planning and inspection report review

Ability To

Provide own transportation for the purpose of conducting inspections, receiving training, responding to emergencies, and other job duties
Perform inspectional work which may require using ladders or catwalks to access equipment, lifting/carrying up to 50 lbs, pulling/pushing up to 100 lbs, standing for extended periods of time, identifying rodent and insect filth, and reading labels with 1/32-inch type size during inspections
Occasionally work outside normal duty hours to accommodate workload, and to be available for emergency or disaster responses (24 hours on call)
Prepare concise technical reports to accurately document inspection findings
Recognize, assimilate and correlate scientific data with documented field conditions to determine public health risks
Communicate effectively and tactfully with the regulated industry, public