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 reimbursement requests, monthly activity reports, training reports as applicable, and other Unit and Agency documents and reports as required. Participates in available educational programs and training.
Safe operation of either a state-owned 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. Incumbent must have ability to provide own transportation for the purpose of conducting inspections and receiving training. Must have 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). Applicant must able to perform 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.; 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. The successful applicant must meet educational requirements and pass the Professional Sanitarian exam within six (6) months from the initial date of employment. The successful applicant must achieve Registration Sanitarian status within (2) years of date the date of employment.
Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license, or equivalent license from another state.
Initial Selection Criteria:
This position is being posted as Environmental Protection Specialist I (EPS I) which is understaffed from this position’s established classification of Sanitarian I. This Environmental Protection Specialist I will also utilize a working title of Sanitarian-In-Training (SIT). Prospective applicants must meet the educational requirements, apply and pass the Professional Sanitarian exam WITHIN six (6) months from the date of employment.
The Texas Department of State Health Services Sanitarian Registration Program will determine whether an applicant meets the educational requirements and gives credit for relevant work experience to determine the applicant’s qualifying status as one of the following:
Environmental Protection Specialist (EPS I)/Sanitarian-In-Training (SIT):
Graduation from a college or university of recognized standing with a B.S. or B.A. degree with at least 30 semester hours in basic science or natural science or any combination thereof. No experience or less than (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).
OR
Professional Sanitarian (RS) – State of Texas:
Graduation from a college or university of recognized standing with a B.S. or B.A. degree 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. Successful passage of Sanitarian Registration Examination (may submit proof of current certification by NEHA as REHS/RS in lieu of exam).
REGISTERED SANITARIAN IS PREFERRED
Bachelor’s degree in public health, food and nutrition, or a natural, basic, environmental or other science discipline from a US accredited college/university, or foreign education that has been determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator.
Must meet FDA Credentialing requirements as found in http://www.fda.gov/downloads/ICECI/ComplianceManuals/RegulatoryProceduresManual/UCM074334.pdf
Experience using a computer including word processing and database software. Experience requiring knowledge of Texas Food and Drug laws, rules, and policies is preferred. Experience communicating with the public. Experience in food safety inspection work is preferred.
Additional Information:
Requisition ID# 330123
This is a career track position.
The salary for an Environmental Protection Specialist I is $2,909.83 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 is selected for the position, the applicant will be paid at the Sanitarian I salary of $3,916.66 per month.
NOTICE TO APPLICANTS-DUE TO BUDGET CONSTRAINTS, PLEASE NOTE THE SALARY WILL BE STARTED $3916.66/MONTH FOR A SANITARIAN I.
Position may be located anywhere in or near the Foods Group Northeast coverage area. Duties performed will be predominately in the Foods Group Northeast area. Candidate must be willing to travel throughout the entire coverage area. The location of the position is flexible and is contingent on the needs and the best practices for the agency.
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 (70%) 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.
Use of safety equipment may be required.
If selected for interview a copy of college transcript must be presented.
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.
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.
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.
HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.
I-9 Form
– Click here to download the I-9 form.
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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