Sanitarian I

Company: Texas Health & Human Services Commission
Location: Harlingen
Posted on: January 26, 2023

Job Description:

Sanitarian I or Environmental Protection Specialist (understaffed Sanitarian I) - Most of the inspections will be conducted in the Manufactured Foods South area (the Valley area-Hidalgo and Cameron counties) and surrounding areas. Under the supervision of the Manufactured Foods Branch Manager, inspects 40+ types of food manufacturers including the following types of processors: low acid canned foods, acidified food processors, pasteurized juice, aseptic foods, bottled water, seafood, dietary supplements, bottling plants (wine, beer, soft drinks), bakeries, re-packers, warehouses, salvage firms, and many other types of manufacturers for which the Unit is responsible for compliance with the Texas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Good Manufacturing Practices and Good Warehousing Practices regulations. Investigates illegal activities involving food manufacturers, warehouses, re-packers, 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 independent 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. May participate in overnight travel and be on call or available to respond to emergency situations as needed.

Essential Job Functions:

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

(60%) Performs inspections and investigations involving food manufacturers, food wholesalers/warehouses, food salvage establishments and brokers. Provides information and assistance on food and drug related subjects as requested by citizens, regulated industry, and other local, state, and federal agencies. Completes detentions and destructions according to Division policy. Completes and issues a written notice of inspectional observations for inspected facilities prior to completing the inspection. Prepares highly technical inspection reports that may include photos, samples, and other exhibits to document inspectional findings using word processing, database, and other computer software.

(10%) Investigates complaints involving food manufacturers, food wholesalers/warehouses, food salvage establishments and brokers, and prepares detailed reports of findings. Investigates foodborne outbreaks and documents findings. Conducts special investigations and other special assignments as directed. Provides training including joint field inspections and review of inspection reports.

(10%) Provides information and assistance on manufactured food related subjects as requested by citizens, regulated industry, and other local, state and federal agencies. Prepares technical presentations on applicable subject for Division training programs, as requested. Participates in available educational programs and training presented by the division, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Department, and additional outside training as directed. Participates in available educational programs and training (training locations can be located out-of-state).

(5%) Participates in regulatory actions including presenting technical information regarding inspections and gives testimony during hearings and court trials; prepares special reports, summaries, and exhibits for use by counsel during hearings and trials.

(10%) Completes electronic travel reports, monthly activity reports, time sheets, and other Division and Department reports as required. Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and acceptable driving record must be maintained.

(5%) Other duties as assigned. Use of safety equipment is required.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of the theory and practical applications of disciplines to include microbiology, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, epidemiology, statistics, thermodynamics, nutrition, and food toxicology.

Knowledge and skill in selecting, adapting, and applying investigative methods and negotiating techniques to conduct complete and professional inspections.

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.

Skill in word processing, database and spreadsheet software for submission of written correspondence, reports and presentations.

Skill to make appropriate field decisions and to plan how the investigation should proceed to resolve difficult and sensitive situations.

Ability to organize and prioritize workload to meet deadlines.

Ability to provide own transportation for the purpose of conducting inspections, receiving training, responding to emergencies, and other job duties.

Ability to occasionally work outside normal duty hours and adjust work week to accommodate workload, and to be available for emergency or disaster response (24 hours on call).

Ability 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.; identifying rodent and insect filth, and reading labels with 1/32 inch type size during inspections.

Ability to travel as needed to satisfy program needs.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Must meet educational requirements (30 hours of science) and pass the Texas Registered Sanitarian Examination within six (6) months from the initial date of employment. Registered Sanitarian status must be obtained within (2) years the date of employment.

Possess a valid Texas driver's license, or equivalent license from another state.

Initial Selection Criteria:

Sanitarian I Requirements:

Professional Registered Sanitarian (Registered Sanitarian License - RS) - State of Texas.

Bachelor's degree from a US accredited college/university (or foreign education that has been determined to be equivalent) 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.

REGISTERED SANITARIAN IS PREFERRED.

* OR-

Environmental Protection Specialist (EPS I)/Sanitarian-In-Training (SIT):

Bachelor's degree from a US accredited college/university (or foreign education that has been determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator) with at least 30 semester hours in basic science or natural science or any combination.

Must be available to work hours other than M-F/8-5.

Experience using a computer including word processing and database software. Additional Information:

Requisition ID#549269

This position is being posted as Sanitarian I. If an applicant does not meet the requirements for the Sanitarian I classification, the applicant will be considered for the Environmental Protection Specialist I (EPS I) classification. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) 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:

PLEASE NOTE: Your application must be complete. It MUST contain dates of employment, job titles, name of employer, name and phone number of supervisor, current/final salary, and a description of duties performed in a way that specifically demonstrates you meet the initial selection criteria at minimum. Missing information may lead to disqualification. RESUMES DO NOT TAKE THE PLACE OF THE REQUIREMENT TO INCLUDE INFORMATION ON THE APPLICATION NOR FOR SUPPLEMENTAL CONSIDERATION IN MEETING INITIAL CRITERIA ("See Resume" is not acceptable on the application). Resumes attached and/or pasted into the resume field may not be considered equivalent to the State Application.

This is a career track position. The successful applicant must meet educational requirements and pass a Professional Sanitarian exam within six (6) months from the date of employment. The successful applicant must achieve Professional Registered Sanitarian status within 2 years from the date of employment. The salary for an Environmental Protection Specialist I is between $2,909.83 - $3,752.00 per month, based on experience. This salary group will be maintained until the applicant meets the requirements and becomes a Professional Registered Sanitarian, at which time the position will be re-classified as a Sanitarian I with a corresponding salary of $4,372.08 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 $4,372.08 per month.

PLEASE NOTE THE SALARY WILL START AT $4,372.08/MONTH FOR A SANITARIAN I, UNLESS THE CANDIDATE IS INTERNAL, IN WHICH CASE AT LEAST 3.4% ABOVE THE CURRENT SALARY, OR THE MINIMUM OF THE NEW SALARY GROUP, WHICHEVER IS GREATER, WILL BE APPLIED FOR A PROMOTION WHEN THE CANDIDATE IS IN THE SAME SALARY GROUP, BUT DIFFERENT CLASS TITLE AND JOB CODE.

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation 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/Sanitarian-In-Training: Graduation from a college or university of recognized standing with a bachelor's 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 Texas Registered Sanitarian Examination.

OR

Registered Sanitarian - State of Texas: Graduation from a college or university of recognized standing with a Bachelor's degree with at least 30 semester hours in basic science or natural science or any combination and two (2) years of experience in the field of sanitation. Applicant currently possesses Professional Sanitarian registration.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, 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.

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.

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. MOS Code:

67C, HM, 8056, 4E0X1

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.

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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.

Keywords: Texas Health & Human Services Commission, Harlingen , Sanitarian I, Other , Harlingen, Texas