Sanitarian I

About the role

The Sanitarian I position under the direct supervision of the Program Manager, the Deputy Regional Director (DRD), and the Regional Medical Director (RMD). This role involves conducting inspections of various facilities such as retail food service, youth camps, pools/spas, and playgrounds. It also includes investigating consumer complaints and foodborne disease outbreaks, providing technical assistance, and presenting comprehensive food sanitation programs.

Responsibilities

• Conducts inspections of retail food service facilities, retail food stores, catering services, mobile food units, youth camps, pools, playgrounds, and other establishments to ensure compliance with regulatory and accepted sanitary requirements.
• Prepares and submits inspections and survey reports to the central office in a timely manner.
• Investigates consumer complaints concerning regulated program facilities and food borne illness outbreaks, preparing related reports and evaluations.
• Assists local health departments in public health and food sanitation areas as requested.
• Presents programs and provides technical assistance toward local health department personnel, public health officials, industry workforce, and consumers to increase food safety knowledge and understanding through education, training, and oversight.
• Maintains an acceptable driving record and safely operates a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle to conduct state business in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and Texas Motor vehicle, traffic and driving licensing law.
• Attends worker safety training, program staff training, and other professional training to maintain and increase public sanitation and retail food expertise.
• Performs related duties as assigned and may be called upon to respond to public health emergencies and events.

Requirements

• Registered as a Professional Sanitarian in the State of Texas or equivalent with a current license.
• Valid Texas "C" drivers license or equivalent.

Qualifications

• Experience in customer service preferred.
• Food safety experience preferred.
• Experience using a computer including word processing and database software.
• Experience communicating with the public.

Skills

• Ability to work independently with very little supervision and organize work to efficiently use time and state resources.
• Ability to identify rodent filth and read labels with 1/32 inch type size during inspections.
• Ability to perform inspection work of attics/crawl spaces.
• Ability to properly move 50 pounds.
• Ability to write and verbal communicate clearly and concisely when making decisions and recommendations.
• Ability to interpret and effectively administer public health and food program regulations.
• Ability to address an audience efficiently and effectively.
• Ability to successfully execute food program and public sanitation activities and deliver all services fairly, uniformly, and ethically.
• Thorough knowledge of health and sanitation principles and practices, state and federal laws pertaining to public health and to food program activities; structure and functions of public health organizations, community interrelationships, and current social and economic problems pertaining to public health.

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

$3,793.41 - $5,921.25 per month

Schedule

Day Shift