Sanitarian I - Dept of State Health Services - El Paso, TX

Sanitarian I/Environmental Protection Specialist I (understaffed Sanitarian I) – The majority of inspections will be conducted in El Paso/El Paso County and other Texas counties to the east and southeast. Under the direct supervision of the Foods Group West manager, inspects 40+ types of food manufacturers including the following types of processors: low acid canned foods, acidified food processors, aseptic foods, bottled water, seafood, dietary supplements, beverage bottling plants (wine, beer, soda), bakeries, repackers, warehouses, salvage firms, and many other types of manufacturers for which the Inspections Unit is responsible for compliance with the Texas, Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and the Good Manufacturing and Warehousing Regulations. Investigates illegal activities involving food manufacturers, warehouses, repackers, etc. Responds to complaints and disasters involving food and drug products; collects necessary samples, photos, exhibits, and prepares highly technical written reports documenting inspectional findings. Uses initiative and judgment in performing duties. Employee actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations in response and/or recovery in Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.

Essential Job Functions:

Performs inspections and investigations of food and drug manufacturing, distribution, and salvage operations. Provides information and assistance on food and drug related subjects as requested by citizens, regulated industry, and other local, state, and federal agencies. Completes travel reports, weekly activity reports, time sheets, and other Unit and Agency documents and reports as required. Participates in available educational programs and training. Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and 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.


Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Incumbent must have knowledge of the theory and practical applications of disciplines to include, but not limited to, microbiology, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, epidemiology, statistics, thermodynamics, nutrition, food toxicology. Mature judgment must be used to make field decisions and to plan how the investigation should proceed to resolve difficult and sensitive situations. Must have knowledge and skill in selecting, adapting, and applying investigative methods and negotiating techniques in order to conduct complete and professional inspections. Thorough knowledge of 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. Knowledge of the 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. Skill in verbal and written communication, including writing detailed technical reports. Ability to organize and prioritize workload to meet deadlines. Ability to provide own transportation for the purpose of conducting inspections and receiving training. Ability to occasionally work outside normal duty hours and adjust work week to accommodate workload, and to be available for emergency or disaster response involving food or drugs (24 hour on call). Ability to move up to 50 pounds and climb during inspections; to identify rodent and insect filth and read labels with 1/32 inch type size during inspections; to travel as needed to satisfy program needs.


Registration or Licensure Requirements:

This is an understaffed position. If not already a Registered Sanitarian, the successful applicant must meet educational requirements and pass the Professional Sanitarian exam within six (6) months from the date of employment. The successful applicant must achieve Registration Sanitarian status within (2) years of the date of employment. Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license, or equivalent license from another state.


Initial Selection Criteria:

Incumbent must have knowledge of the theory and practical applications of disciplines to include, but not limited to, microbiology, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, epidemiology, statistics, thermodynamics, nutrition, food toxicology. Mature judgment must be used to make field decisions and to plan how the investigation should proceed to resolve difficult and sensitive situations. Must have knowledge and skill in selecting, adapting, and applying investigative methods and negotiating techniques in order to conduct complete and professional inspections. Thorough knowledge of 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. Knowledge of the 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. Skill in verbal and written communication, including writing detailed technical reports. Ability to organize and prioritize workload to meet deadlines. Ability to provide own transportation for the purpose of conducting inspections and receiving training. Ability to occasionally work outside normal duty hours and adjust work week to accommodate workload, and to be available for emergency or disaster response involving food or drugs (24 hour on call). Ability to move up to 50 pounds and climb during inspections; to identify rodent and insect filth and read labels with 1/32 inch type size during inspections; to travel as needed to satisfy program needs.


Additional Information:

The salary for an Environmental Protection Specialist I is $2,982.58 per month. This salary will be maintained until the applicant meets the requirements of a Professional Sanitarian, a maximum of two years based on qualifying status. The successful applicant must achieve Professional Sanitarian status within two years of date of employment. After meeting the Professional Sanitarian requirements, the position will be re-classified as a Sanitarian I with a corresponding salary of $3,916.66 per month. Should an applicant currently possess Professional Sanitarian registration and be selected for the position, the applicant will be paid at the Sanitarian salary of $3,916.66. Use of safety equipment may be required. Duties may require irregular working hours other than M-F/8-5, overnight travel, and being on call or available to respond to emergency situations. Frequent daytime travel will be required to perform duties. Safe operation of either state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business. The position requires a valid driver license to be verified with law enforcement to ensure compliance with DSHS’s driving policy. Employees/Applicants are responsible for providing a copy of their driver’s license prior to beginning employment. If selected for interview, a copy of college transcript must be presented.

Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include: 67C, HM, 8056, 4E0X1. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.


HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.


I-9 Form

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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 HHS Employee 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.



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