Sanitarian III MFRPS

About the role

Under the supervision of the Training and Standardization Operations Branch Manager, serves as the Manufactured Foods Regulatory Program Standards (MFRPS) Cooperative Agreement lead from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the Branch. Ensures a comprehensive plan and organized approach to food outbreak response in accordance with the MFRPS, maintaining grants and contracts from various federal and state entities including oversight of administrative reports and budget preparation. Assists the manager and works closely with staff. Prepares and delivers presentations to internal and external stakeholders. Works under minimal direction, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. May participate in overnight travel and be on call or available to respond to emergencies as needed.

Location: Wichita Falls, TX (925 Lamar St) | Agency: Dept of State Health Services, Food & Drug | Full-time, Regular, Day shift | Travel up to 40% | Telework not eligible | FLSA Exempt | Closing date: 10/30/2026

Responsibilities

• EJF (35%) Ensures reporting requirements of the MFRPS cooperative agreement are met. Preparation of cooperative agreement yearly budget, administrative reports, and completion of all required cooperative agreement deliverables. Develops the protocols, procedures and corrective action plans to meet MFRPS and maintain documentation of the Standards. Maintains familiarity and provides training on the National Voluntary Retail Foods Regulatory Program and the Manufactured Foods Regulatory Standards.
• EJF (30%) Works with process improvement teams assigned to the standards. Routinely monitors program conformance with the MFRPS and recommends changes to the program to maintain conformance based on new technologies and best practices. Coordinates with the Rapid Response Team (RRT) to ensure cooperative agreement projects deliverables and reporting elements are met.
• EJF (20%) Participates in national MFRPS-related meetings and workgroups. Preparation of cooperative agreement yearly budget, administrative reports, and completion of all required cooperative agreement deliverables. Develops protocols, procedures, exercises, and training elements necessary to meet the requirements of the cooperative agreement. Conducts in-depth research into other state and federal agency rules, policies and procedures, and consults with those agencies on establishing and, to the extent possible, creating uniform national practices.
• EJF (10%) Assists the manager in ensuring the Branch follows standards set forth by the Food and Drug Section, Manufactured & Retail Food Unit. Participates in planning and implementing goals for the Branch. Works closely with staff to complete complex inspections and meet training needs. Assists with report review and preparing compliance cases for other programs in the Food and Drug Section, as directed.
• 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 (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or a change of locations. Assists other staff in performing work of greater complexity.

Requirements

• 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.

Qualifications

• Possess a valid Texas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state.
• Must be registered as a professional sanitarian by the State of Texas.

Skills

• Knowledge of: principles and practices of manufactured and retail foods safety; the statutes and rules that pertain to Manufactured Food and Retail Food Safety; technical inspection aspects of various types food manufacturing and retail food establishments; and training and development procedures and techniques.
• Skill in: effective and professional verbal and written communication; instructing others; the use of computer and applicable inspection software; the use of field inspection equipment used to conduct inspections; writing detailed technical reports and word processing; and problem solving, decision making, and time management.
• Ability to: effectively communicate technical information at various levels of understanding; interact with professionals at all levels of government and industry; travel (in-state and out-of-state), as necessary, to attend technical training courses, perform inspections, and conduct training and evaluation of inspection field staff; assess training needs and formulate objectives; work outside normal business hours to accommodate workload; and be available for emergency response.

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

Salary Range: $4,801.42 - $7,761.50 per month (Salary Group: TEXAS-B-22). The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.

Schedule

Day shift, full-time. Travel up to 40% (in-state and out-of-state). Telework not eligible. This position may require overtime, extended hours, and/or hours outside of the normal 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday schedule. Must be available for emergency response and may participate in overnight travel.