Sanitarian

Job Description:

Sanitarian I
Position works under the supervision and technical review of the Sanitarian III, Public Health Region 9/10.

Work involves conducting inspections for permitted programs, public facilities, buildings, or plants upon request to include institutional and field sanitation and other related environmental activities.
Position conducts complaint investigations and provides consultative services to local jurisdictions and the general public.
Provides assistance during emergency situations or during natural disasters or when the agency is conducting emergency operations. Works under general supervision with moderate latitude for use of initiative and independent judgment.
 

Essential Job Functions:

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

EJF 1 (60%) Regulatory inspections. the Division for Regulatory Services, Regional and Local Health Services 9/10 to include the permitted programs of youth camps, school cafeterias, retail food establishments. Upon request, inspect institutional establishments such as county jails and State prisons, school buildings, recreational areas; fairgrounds, public parks, amusement centers, public lodging; R.V. parks, motels, hotels, inns, and public buildings for sanitary conditions upon request. Conducts special regulatory inspections such as Economically Distressed Assistance Programs (EDAP) upon request. Participates and assists in the planning of special regional initiatives or assignments. Pursues legal avenues of enforcement to achieve compliance of the regulated entities which may include court trials and administrative hearings. Prepares all required inspection documentation and special reports as needed by program or for use by counsel during legal situations.

EJF 2 (15%) Complaints and consultative activities. Investigates consumer complaints, complaints against regulated entities according to program priority protocol. Makes recommendations for proper environmental sanitation improvements and promotes good environmental sanitation practices by assessing existing field conditions. Provides consultative services and provides education on sanitary practices for local health departments, county governments, local municipalities, business organizations and the general public. May provide technical training or consultation on environmental sanitation issues related to institutional safety, food safety, and recreational sanitation. Assists with special investigations or projects and public health preparedness initiatives.

EJF 3 (10%) Legal actions and enforcement. Prepares for legal and enforcement actions with supervisor and central office
program for administrative penalty hearings; permit revocation, and formal settlement conference hearings. Provides
technical assistance and support to other regional regulatory programs and special regional public health initiatives related to
public health preparedness.

EJF 4 (10%) Technical Assistance. Provides technical assistance to retail food establishments, public facilities related to environmental sanitation, owners/operators, public officials, and the general public on food safety on the interpretation and compliance with State food codes and regulations. Assist in providing the public and regulated industry with food safety training programs. Assist local health department inspectors to obtain federal standardization.

EJF 5 (5%) Other duties as assigned. Other duties as 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 participating may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and standards
developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Complies with the Department of State Health Services Immunizations Policy.
 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must be a Registered Sanitarian in the State of Texas  

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of State and Federal statutes/regulations regarding food safety and environmental sanitation.
Knowledge of inspection techniques used for retail food establishments and types of equipment used in those
establishments.
Knowledge of food safety systems such as Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles and how
they apply to retail food establishments.

Skill in the use of computer word processors, spreadsheet applications, databases and web-based browsers to
document inspections.
Skill in the use photographic equipment, laboratory and field testing equipment to conduct health and safety
inspections.
Skill in verbal communications to work effectively with diverse groups of people.
Skill in meeting critical deadlines.
Skill in tracking multiple program activities and compliance activities at different stages of development

Ability to prepare concise technical reports to accurately document inspection findings.
Ability to recognize, assimilate and correlate scientific data with documented field conditions to determine public
health risks.
Ability to communicate effectively and tactfully with the regulated industry, general public, co-workers, and
managers.
Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work to meet deadlines.
Ability to climb, bend and/or stand for extended periods of time during investigations/inspections.
Ability to obtain samples related to food, insect or filth.
Ability to read and interpret food labels with small print during inspections and investigations.
Ability to move up to 50 lbs., inspections and investigations.
Ability to travel.
 

Initial Screening Criteria:

Professional Sanitarian (RS) – Graduation from a college or university of recognized standing with a B.S. or a B.A. degree with at least 30 semester hours in basic science or natural science or combination thereof and acquires two (2) years of experience in the field of sanitation. Successful passage of Sanitarian Registration Examination (may submit proof of current certification by NEHA as REHS/RS in lieu of exam).  

Final Selection Criteria:

Professional Sanitarian (RS) – Graduation from a college or university of recognized standing with a B.S. or a B.A. degree with at least 30 semester hours in basic science or natural science or combination thereof and acquires two (2) years of experience in the field of sanitation. Successful passage of Sanitarian Registration Examination (may submit proof of current certification by NEHA as REHS/RS in lieu of exam).
Knowledge of basic food safety.
Skill in verbal communications to work effectively with diverse groups of people.
Skill in written communications to work effectively with diverse groups of people.
Skill in Managing/multi-tasking multiple program activities and compliance activities at different stages of development simultaneously.
Ability to recognize, assimilate and correlate scientific data with documented field conditions to determine public health risks.
Ability to communicate effectively and tactfully with the regulated industry, general public, co-workers, and managers.
 

Additional Information:

The salary for a Sanitarian I is $4,371.08 per month.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the CAPPS Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Phone interview may be conducted prior to in person oral interview. Valid Driver license required. Travel requirements and possible working hours other than 8am-5pm are applicable and must be able to meet.
 

MOS Code:

Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: 67C, HM, 8056, 4E0X1. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.