Food Safety Unit Director

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

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). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.

Brief Job Description:

The Food Safety Unit Director, under the direction of the Food and Drug Section Director, oversees and directs the planning, implementation, supervision, monitoring, standardization, and quality assurance of all program activities and essential business functions of the Unit, ensuring optimal day-to-day performance. Provides counsel and guidance to the Associate Commissioner, Deputy Associate Commissioner, and Section Director to establish operational goals and objectives; coordinate and evaluate activities; and strategically implement process improvements for all activities within the Food Safety Unit. 

Serves as an advisor to Branch Managers and staff within the Food Safety Unit, many of whom are geographically dispersed throughout the state. Pragmatically oversees and directs activities within the Unit and plans and assigns the work of others. Interprets state and federal statutes, regulations and standards, and provides technical assistance to Branch Managers and staff within the Unit, and the regulated community. Assures staff within the Unit have necessary resources to accomplish their mission (e.g: equipment, training, and support). Conducts strategic budget review, approves expenditures for the Unit, and assists the Section Director and Division leadership in monitoring budget needs and expenses. Has wide latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment, decision making, and direction of activities. This position is required to work outside of normal business hours, as needed.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (EJF):

(35%) Directs the management, coordination, and oversight of the statewide Food Safety Unit operations and staff (including, but not limited to, Milk and Dairy Operations and Inspection Branches, Retail Food Safety Operations, Seafood and Aquatic Life Safety, and Consumable Hemp Products Program). Responsible for the overall implementation, coordination, and evaluation of activities within the Unit. Provides counsel and guidance to Associate Commissioner, Deputy Associate Commissioner, and Section Director regarding operations of Unit programs and their impact; development, alignment, and implementation of strategic goals and objectives; and evaluation of all Unit operations with recommendations to develop and implement process improvements and solutions for effectiveness and efficiency. Oversees the planning, development, and implementation of procedures that guide the operations for the statewide Unit.

(25%) Serves as a member of the Food and Drug Section’s leadership team and, as such, coordinates with the Associate Commissioner, Deputy Associate Commissioner, Section Director, Manufactured Food and Drug Director, and Division support teams. Provides guidance and direction to Branch Managers and program staff throughout the Food Safety Unit on policy, planning, priorities, and operations. Works with Section leadership to identify and resolve risks and/or issues. Provides project management and direction on key projects and leadership of Unit-wide workgroups. Assures assignments and deliverables are accurate and complete, and deadlines are met for the Unit.

(20%) Manages and provides direction to highly-specialized Branch Managers and program staff within the Food Safety Unit, many of whom are geographically dispersed across the state. Plans, assigns, and supervises the work of others. Directs, manages, and develops staff through review of performance data, consultation, training, and performance appraisal. Responsible for hiring and selection, assigning work, completing performance evaluations, approving personnel disciplinary actions, scheduling and approving time and leave.

(15%) Interprets and applies state and federal statutes, regulations, and standards. Reviews and evaluates impact of proposed federal and state laws on program objectives. Ensures the regulations and standards established by the department are fair, equitable, and consistent with state and federal law. Monitors compliance with regulations and standards by regulated individuals and entities. Represents the department through presentations, providing information and testimony, collaborating with consumer advocacy associations, other state agencies, and federal partners. Responds to requests by legislators and other public officials.

(5%) Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned may 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 location. May serve as the Section Director in his or her absence.    

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Knowledge of leadership and effective management principles. 

Knowledge of State of Texas legislative processes and initiatives.

Knowledge of, and ability to interpret and implement state or federal laws affecting department programs.

Knowledge of the rulemaking process.

Knowledge of training regimens and techniques for new and established staff.

Knowledge of inspection protocols and procedures in a regulatory environment.

Knowledge of auditing and quality assurance standards.

Knowledge of strategic planning, human resource management, and project management.

Knowledge of process improvement and quality assurance systems.

Knowledge of rules and statutes relating to the Food Safety Unit. 

Knowledge of information technology, department legal processes, and program budgeting principles.

Skill in strategic planning, evaluation, and implementation of complex programs, rules, policies, and procedures.

Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities.

Skill in creative problem solving.                   

Skill in communication and public speaking.

Skill in effective management of Department resources.

Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups.

Skill in fostering an effective and positive team culture for all staff.    

Ability to direct effective work teams.

Ability to plan, direct, and evaluate the work of managers.

Ability to effectively and positively motivate managers and their staff.

Ability to think creatively and promote creative thinking in others.

Ability to review business processes/functions and assure resources are appropriately allocated and utilized.

Ability to develop, communicate, and lead an organizational vision.

Ability to establish and measure goals and objectives.

Ability to lead, implement, and balance change and continuity to continually improve program performance within the state government framework.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all internal and external stakeholders.

Ability to make timely decisions and produce effective results.

Ability to effectively evaluate and improve policies, procedures, and programs.

Ability to develop and implement effective customer service systems.

Ability to interpret data and respond appropriately.

Ability to organize and present information effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Ability to comprehensively and accurately evaluate, compile, and disseminate reports.

Ability to implement and use new technology and work processes to enhance productivity.

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, OR REGISTRATION REQUIRED:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Experience in the management and direction of a food or drug program relevant to the assignment is required. At least four years of leadership, management, or direction of a program relevant to the assignment is required. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in a field relevant to the assignment is generally preferred. 

Additional Information:

N/A

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form