Sanitarian I

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.

Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.

Functional Title: Sanitarian I 
Job Title: Sanitarian I 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Food & Drug 
Posting Number: 12302 
Closing Date: 02/01/2026 
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: Days (First) 
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 70% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AMARILLO 
Job Location Address: 3407 PONY EXPRESS WAY 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 8056,43HX,4E0X1,68S,740A,74A,74D,92W,MSSR,MST 
 
 
 

Brief 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 Texas Panhandle area and other surrounding areas. The location of this position is contingent on the needs and best work practices of the agency. Under the supervision of the Milk Branch West Manager, this position inspects facilities to include Grade “A” producer dairy farms (raw for pasteurization and retail raw), Grade “A” receiving and transfer stations, Grade “A” bulk milk tankers, Grade “A” processors, Grade “A” single service manufacturers, frozen dessert manufacturers, cheese manufacturers, cold storage facilities for milk products and frozen desserts, delivery vehicles used to transport milk products and frozen desserts, retail outlets of milk products and frozen desserts, and ungraded food manufacturers. Performs required technical equipment tests on pasteurization systems as needed. Collects samples of finished products, single service containers, raw milk, water, chilled water, and glycol to submit to appropriate laboratories for analysis. Conducts sampling surveillance activities to include formal training, testing and field evaluations of certified samplers, receivers and milk haulers. Conducts formal training, field evaluations, and certifications of industry personnel for industry sealing of pasteurization equipment. Conducts special investigations as necessary to include aflatoxin, pesticide and antibiotic residues, added water adulteration, and food-borne illnesses. Investigates complaints. Responds to public requests for information and inquiries relative to milk and dairy products. Uses initiative and independent judgment to take regulatory action when necessary. Prepares and submits required reports and documentation in a timely manner. 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.
(60%) Inspects assigned facilities at required frequencies to determine compliance with the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, the Frozen Dessert Manufacturers Act, the Standards for the Fabrication of Single Service Containers and Closures for Milk Products, and the Retail Raw Milk Ordinance. Conducts required technical equipment tests on pasteurization systems as specified by the most current edition of the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance as needed. May provide formal training, evaluation, and certification of industry personnel for industry sealing of pasteurization equipment. Maintains required level of proficiency. Submits accurate and detailed reports as necessary. Initiates regulatory actions as appropriate. Conducts disaster investigations and truck wreck accidents involving perishable food products. Investigates complaints involving milk and dairy products and prepares detailed reports of findings.
(15%) Collects samples of finished products, single service containers, raw milk, water, chilled water, and glycol to submit to the appropriate laboratories for analysis at required frequencies. (15%) Conducts sampling surveillance activities including formal training, testing and field evaluation of certified samplers, receivers, and milk haulers annually. Conducts special investigations as necessary to include aflatoxin, pesticides and antibiotic residues, added water adulteration, and food-borne illnesses. Collects appropriate samples for laboratory analysis; prepares reports of findings; and makes recommendations for regulatory action.
(5%) Responds to public requests for information and inquiries relative to the mission of the Milk and Dairy Surveillance Section. Completes travel reports, monthly activity reports, time sheets, and other reports as required in the performance of official duties, submitted accurately and in a timely manner according to policy. Participates in available educational programs and training (training locations can be located out of state). Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle, rental 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.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
Must 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.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of the theory and practical applications of disciplines to include microbiology, biology, 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 Milk and Dairy inspections.
Knowledge of principles and practices of environmental sanitation. Knowledge of state and federal laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, and standards pertaining to milk and dairy products.
Knowledge of Pasteurization; knowledge of the structure and functions of public health organizations.
Knowledge of community interrelationships and of current social and economic problems pertaining to public health.
Skill in inspecting and testing pasteurization equipment and collecting samples.
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 establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to plan and execute projects and activities with limited supervision.
Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with the public and regulated industry.
Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely and address groups effectively.
Ability to exercise initiative and balanced independent judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.
Ability to carry at least 50 pounds; push/pull 100 pounds; use safety equipment; climb ladders, catwalks, and stairs; and work in confined spaces during inspections and be able to stand for long periods of time.
Ability to provide transportation.
Ability to communicate intelligently with staff, regulated industry, the media, and the general public.

Ability to maintain confidentiality of information and documents where appropriate.
Ability to work outside of normal duty hours to include overnight travel and to adjust work week to accommodate workload, and to be available for emergency or disaster response involving food (24 hours on call).
Ability to travel as needed to satisfy program needs.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Sanitarian I
Graduation from an accredited college/university, or foreign education that has been determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator of recognized standing. A Bachelor's degree in public health, food and nutrition, or a natural, basic, environmental, animal science or other science discipline with at least 30 semester hours in basic science or natural science or any combination.

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.

Must be available to work hours other than M-F/8-5. PREFERRED:
Registered Sanitarian
Experience in food safety inspection work.

One year of experience in Milk Plant and/or Dairy Farm Processing is preferred.

Additional Information:

**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.**
Posting ID # 12302
Your application must be complete. It MUST contain dates of employment, job titles, name and phone number of employer, name 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 position is being posted as Sanitarian I, which is understaffed, and can be reclassified as an Environmental Protection Specialist I from this position’s established classification of Sanitarian I. This Environmental Protection Specialist I will also utilize a working title of Sanitarian-In-Training.

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. The salary for an Environmental Protection Specialist I is from $3159.83 - $4844.17 per month, based on experience. This salary will be maintained until the applicant meets the requirements of a Professional Sanitarian. After meeting the Professional Sanitarian requirements, the position will be re-classified as a Sanitarian I with a corresponding salary of $4872.08 per month.

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. Successful passage of Sanitarian Registration Examination. An applicant currently possesses Professional Sanitarian registration and be selected for the position, the applicant will be paid at the Sanitarian salary of $4872.08 per month.
PLEASE NOTE THE SALARY WILL BE STARTED $4,872.08/MONTH FOR A SANITARIAN I, UNLESS THE CANDIDATE IS INTERNAL IN WHICH CASE A 7% INCREASE MAY BE APPLIED FOR A PROMOTION OR A 3.4% INCREASE MAY BE APPLIED 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