Sanitarian I

About the role

The Sanitarian I or Environmental Protection Specialist (understaffed Sanitarian I) position is responsible for inspecting food manufacturers, wholesalers/warehouses, and salvage establishments. The position requires a valid Texas driver's license or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule.
• Performs inspections and investigations involving food manufacturers, wholesalers/warehouses, and salvage establishments.
• Provides information and assistance on food and drug-related subjects as requested.
• Completes detentions and destructions according to Division policy.
• Prepares highly technical inspection reports that may include photos, samples, and other exhibits to document inspectional findings.
• Investigates complaints involving food manufacturers, wholesalers/warehouses, and salvage establishments, and prepares detailed reports of findings.
• Conducts special investigations and other special assignments as directed.
• Provides training including joint field inspections and review of inspection reports.
• Completes electronic travel reports, monthly activity reports, time sheets, and other Division and Department reports as required.
• Uses safety equipment as required.
• Performs inspectional work which may require: using ladders or catwalks to access equipment, lifting/carrying up to 50lbs, pulling/pushing up to 100lbs., standing for extended periods of time, identifying rodent and insect filth, and reading labels with 1/32 inch type size during inspections.
• May participate in overnight travel and be on call or available to respond to emergency situations as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from a US accredited college/university (or foreign education that has been determined to be equivalent) with at least 30 semester hours in basic science or natural science or any combination thereof and acquires two (2) years of experience in the field of sanitation.
• Environmental Protection Specialist (EPS I)/Sanitarian-In-Training (SIT): Bachelor's degree from a US accredited college/university (or foreign education that has been determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator) with at least 30 semester hours in basic science or natural science or any combination. No experience or less than (2) years of experience in the field of sanitation.
• Frequent daytime travel (70%) will be required to perform duties.
• Experience using a computer including word processing and database software.

Qualifications

• Possess a valid Texas driver's license or equivalent license from another state.
• Possess a Professional Registered Sanitarian license (RS) State of Texas is preferred.
• Must be available to work hours other than Monday-Friday from 8AM-5PM.
• Frequent daytime travel (70%) will be required to perform duties.
• Experience using a computer including word processing and database software.

Skills

• Knowledge of the theory and practical applications of disciplines to include microbiology, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, epidemiology, statistics, thermodynamics, nutrition, and food toxicology.
• Selecting, adapting, and applying investigative methods and negotiating techniques to conduct complete and professional inspections.
• State and Federal food safety laws and regulations covering the various types of food industry, food processing, food labeling, distribution, including applicable parts of the Code of Federal Regulations, Texas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, Texas Administrative Code, and the Good Manufacturing Practices Regulations.
• Technical aspects of inspections of various types of food and drug manufacturing, distribution, and salvaging, and equipment utilized by these facilities and the equipment for conducting inspections.
• Verbal and written communication, including writing detailed technical reports.
• Word processing, database and spreadsheet software for submission of written correspondence, reports and presentations.
• Selecting, adapting, and applying investigative methods and negotiating techniques to conduct complete and professional inspections.

Benefits

Employee 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, based on experience.

Schedule

Day shift.