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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.

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Functional Title: Sanitarian

Job Title: Sanitarian I

Agency: Dept of State Health Services

Department: Food & Drug

Posting Number: 12714

Closing Date: 04/16/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-18

Salary Range: $3,793.41 - $5,921.25

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Shift: Day

Additional Shift

Telework: Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 70%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Facility Location

Job Location City: HOUSTON

Job Location Address: 5425 POLK ST

Other Locations: Austin

MOS Codes: 8056,43HX,4E0X1,68S,740A,74A,74D,92W,MSSR,MST

Job Description

*PLEASE NOTE: The posted salary range is the full range for this position. Agency salary policy, budget and candidate’s qualifications will dictate final salary offer. Typically, salary offers are at or near the midpoint of the range, depending on qualifications or other factors.**

Sanitarian I or Environmental Protection Specialist I (understaffed Sanitarian I) - - Most inspections will be conducted in Austin and surrounding areas.

Under the supervision of the Drugs and Medical Devices Manager, works independently with full professional competence to perform highly technical, complex federal contract and non-contract inspections of wholesale prescription drug/device manufacturers and distributors; wholesale over the counter drug/device manufacturers and distributors; salvage establishments and brokers; cosmetic manufacturers and distributors for which the division is responsible for compliance with the Texas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Good Manufacturing Practices Regulations. Investigate illegal activities involving drug/device manufacturers and distributors. Responds to complaints and disasters involving drug/device manufacturers and distributors; collects necessary samples; and prepares highly technical reports documenting inspectional findings. Use 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.

Essential Job Functions

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

(65%) Performs highly technical, complex federal contract and non-contract inspections of drug manufacturers, drug wholesalers, device/drug/cosmetic salvage establishments and brokers, device distributors, device manufacturers, and cosmetic manufacturers/distributors for which the Division is responsible for compliance with the Texas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Good Manufacturing Practices Regulations. Uses assorted inspectional equipment. Supports objectionable conditions using such documentation as samples, photographs, filth exhibits, and written records. Completes detentions and destructions according to Division policy. Completes and issues a written notice of observation for inspected facilities prior to completing the inspection. Prepares highly technical and detailed inspection reports for all establishment inspections. Utilizes word processing, databases and spreadsheet software and a laptop computer to complete inspection reports and submit the reports according to Division policy for review and possible regulatory action.

(10%) Investigates complaints involving drug manufacturers, drug wholesalers, device/drug/cosmetic salvage establishments and brokers, device distributors, device manufacturers, and cosmetic manufacturers/distributors and prepares detailed reports of findings. Investigates disease outbreaks and documents findings. Conducts special investigations involving drug and medical device imports, disasters, special sampling assignments, and other special assignments as directed. Provides training to assigned drug manufacturers, drug wholesalers, device/drug/cosmetic salvage establishments and brokers, device distributors, device manufacturers, and cosmetic manufacturers/distributors investigators, including joint field inspections and review of inspection reports.

(10%) Provides information and assistance on drug and medical device 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 by the Division or supervisor.

(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.

(5%) 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 an 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 drug and medical device laws and regulations covering the various types of drug manufacturers, drug wholesalers, device/drug/cosmetic salvage establishments and brokers, device distributors, device manufacturers, and cosmetic manufacturers/distributors.

Knowledge of applicable parts of the Code of Federal Regulations, Texas Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, Texas Administrative Code, and the Good Manufacturing Practices Regulation.

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

Knowledge of the technical aspects of inspections of various types of drug manufacturers, drug wholesalers, device/drug/cosmetic salvage establishments and brokers, device distributors, device manufacturers, and cosmetic manufacturers/distributors, and equipment utilized by these facilities and the equipment for conducting inspections (notebook computer, digital camera, black light, etc.)

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 exercise good professional judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions. Mature judgment must be used to make field decisions and to plan how the investigation should proceed to resolve difficult and sensitive situations.

Ability to communicate effectively with regulated industry and the public.

Ability to plan, prepare and present technical programs related to food safety.

Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with co-workers, managers, the public and regulated industry.

Ability to maintain confidentiality of information and documents where appropriate.

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. and standing for extended periods of time.

Ability to identify rodent and insect filth in dimly lighted areas during inspections.

Ability to review and understand documentary evidence such as invoices and records relating to drug manufacturers, drug wholesalers, device/drug/cosmetic salvage establishments and brokers, device distributors, device manufacturers, and cosmetic manufacturers/distributors.

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 hours on call).

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 of the date of employment.

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

Initial Selection Criteria

This position is being posted as Sanitarian I, which is understaffed. 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:

Sanitarian I Requirements

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.

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. No experience or less than (2) years of experience in the field of sanitation.

Must be available to work hours other than Monday-Friday from 8AM-5PM.

Experience using a computer including word processing and database software.

Additional Information

Posting ID: 12714

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 $3,159.83-$4,844.17 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 $4,872.08 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 $4,872.08 per month.

PLEASE NOTE THE SALARY WILL START AT $4,872.08/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.

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.

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

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