Environmental Section Director

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

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: Environmental Section Director 
Job Title: Director V 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Environmental 
Posting Number: 18904 
Closing Date: 07/24/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Range: $9,337.25 - $15,791.58 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-30 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 25% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (RDM) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 8003,8040,8041,8042,10C0,111X,112X,113X,114X,20C0,30C0,40C0,611X,612X,631X,641X,648X,90G0,91C0,91W0 
97E0,SEI15 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

The Director for the Environmental Section is selected by and accountable to the Deputy Commissioner for the Consumer Protection Division. Leads, directs, coordinates, and manages the operations and activities of the Environmental Section. Establishes policies and standards to license and regulate programs in the Section (e.g., lead, asbestos, abusable volatile chemicals, youth camps, tattoos and body piercing) to protect and improve public health. Must thoroughly know and understand applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws and guidelines that impact the Section. Develops and monitors annual budgets that ensure the Section has the necessary funds to carry out goals and objectives, including federal and applicable grants. Implements Section programs and develops systems to oversee, monitor, evaluate and improve effectiveness of programs. Interprets and implements applicable federal and state laws, Department rules and policies. Develops and implements strategic plans, policies, and programs. Establishes goals and objectives for the Environmental Section. Manages Section stakeholder relationships, including advisory councils, legislative offices, and consumer groups. Oversees Section efforts during the legislative sessions, including bill analyses, cost estimates and legislative inquiries. Works under limited supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.  

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

(30%) Effectively leads, manages, and provides overall vision and strategic direction for the Environmental Section. Directs the overall planning, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of programs and policies to promote effective program administration and service delivery. Makes well-informed program management decisions impacting programs. Reviews and evaluates impact of proposed federal and state laws on Section programs in the state. Assesses, evaluates, and improves programs. Ensures rules and standards established by the Department are fair, equitable, and consistent with state and federal law. Develops relevant rules affecting the Department and Division. Provides technical assistance to individual licensees and registrants. Monitors legislative hearings at the Capitol, provides legislative testimony, and assists the Deputy Commissioner in preparing to provide testimony.

(25%) Develops partnerships with internal and external stakeholders. Collaborates with the Deputy Commissioner and other colleagues. Promotes partnerships with stakeholders at national, federal, and state levels by encouraging collaboration and participation in opportunities to define desired outcomes for Section programs. Oversees the coordination of applicable Advisory Committee activities. Implements customer service and organizational improvement principles.  Develops new approaches to achieve Section goals and objectives.

(20%) Leads, manages, and develops staff through data analysis, performance evaluation, consultations, coaching, and training. Responsible for hiring, assigning work, performance review, disciplinary action recommendations, scheduling, and approving leave. Maintains an engaged, properly trained, and supported team. Ensures the effective deployment of human resource policies, procedures, work processes, and values. Develops coherent teams and empowers employees.

(15%) Manages resources of the Environmental Section to achieve goals and objectives in a fiscally responsible manner. Provides input into the development of the Division’s legislative appropriations requests. Manages the Environmental Section budget, including input on budget development, staff allocations, and effective and efficient use of resources. Develops and manages federal and applicable grants.

(5%) Represents the Department by making presentations and providing information to the general public. Responds to requests by legislators and other public officials. Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in Environmental programs by attending seminars/workshops and actively participating in professional organizations.

(5%) Completes other duties as assigned to include, but 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 (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program areas;
• the Texas legislative process and rule development process;
• Environmental program planning, administration, and implementationpublic health principles and management techniques. 

Skill in:

• developing, reviewing, and/or writing executive-level reports;
• strategic planning, budget management, human resource management, contract management, and project management;
• effective verbal and written communication;
• working collaboratively with a diverse group of stakeholders;
• managing multiple and competing priorities;
• identifying problems, evaluating alternatives and data, and implementing solutions;
• drafting legislative bill analyses and cost estimates.

Ability to:

• coordinate activities with a variety of state and federal organizations involved in Environmental programs;
• think creatively and support creative thinking in others;
• establish goals and objectives and plan, assign, and evaluate the work of others;
• use effective leadership skills including motivating, recruiting and educating staff;
• develop and implement effective customer service delivery systems;
• develop and evaluate policies and procedures.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a science related field.
2. Minimum of 7 years of experience in an operational / administrative management role directing professional staff. 
3. Experience within the past 5 years in public administration (development / implementation of government policies) in a regulatory field.
4. Experience managing complex projects and initiatives impacting multiple units, departments, or divisions. 

Preferred Initial Screening Criteria:

• MPH, MPA, MBA or equivalent;
• Experience directing an Environmental program;
• Experience directing and managing staff distributed across multiple geographic areas.

Additional Information:

1. PLEASE NOTE: Your application must demonstrate how you meet the initial selection criteria.
2. This position may require overtime, extended hours, and/or hours outside of the normal 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday schedule.
3. Consideration will also be given to known past job performance, if applicable, and prior work history.

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