Sanitarian II

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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 II 
Job Title: Sanitarian II 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Food & Drug 
Posting Number: 15386 
Closing Date: 04/10/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Range: $4,263.16 - $6,779.25 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Not 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: HARLINGEN 
Job Location Address: 601 W SESAME DR 
Other Locations: Alamo; Alice; Aransas Pass; Bandera; Beeville; Boerne; Brownsville; Caldwell; Cameron; Carrizo Springs; Corpus Christi; Crystal City; Cuero; Del Rio; Eagle Pass; Edinburg; Elsa; Falfurrias; Floresville; Fredericksburg; Goliad; Harlingen; Hondo; Johnson City; Karnes City; Kerrville; Kingsville; Laredo; Lockhart; Mcallen; Mercedes; Mission; New Braunfels; Pearsall; Pharr; Raymondville; Refugio; Rio Grande City; Robstown; San Antonio; San Benito; San Juan; San Marcos; Schertz; Seguin; Uvalde; Victoria; Weslaco; Zapata 
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 II-Most of the inspections will be conducted in the Manufactured Foods South area (Bexar County, Cameron County, Nueces County, and surrounding areas). Under the supervision of the Manufactured Foods South 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; and prepares highly technical written reports documenting inspectional findings. Uses initiative and independent judgment in performing duties. Assists Manager with conducting employee inspections, assessments, and in preparing work plan for staff. Assists Manager with staff supervision during complex inspections, detentions, sampling, and assists with staff itineraries and monthly activity reports, as needed. Employee actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.  

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

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

(50%) Performs highly technical, complex federal contract and non-contract inspections of 40+ types of food processing facilities including: low acid canned foods, acidified foods, pasteurized juices, cheese, aseptic foods, bottled water, seafood, dietary supplements, bottling plants (wine, beer, soft drinks), bakeries, re-packers, warehouses, salvage firms, and many other manufacturers 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 inspection.  Prepares technical and detailed inspection reports for all establishment inspections.   Utilizes word processing, databases and spreadsheet software and laptop computer to complete inspection reports and submit the reports according to policy for review and possible regulatory action.

(30%) Assists Manager with conducting employee inspection assessments and in preparing work plans for staff.  Assists Manager with staff supervision during complex inspections, detentions, and sampling assignments.  Assists Manager with staff itineraries, administrative duties, and monthly activity reports, and training of new employees. 

(10%) Investigates complaints involving food products and prepares detailed reports of findings.  Investigates food borne disease outbreaks and documents findings.  Conducts special investigations involving food imports, disasters, special sampling assignments, certificates of free sale requests, and other special assignments as directed.  Provides training to assigned Manufactured Foods investigators, including joint field inspections and review of inspection reports.

(5%) Provides information and assistance on food related subjects as requested by citizens, regulated industry, and other local, state, and federal agencies.  Prepares technical presentations on applicable subjects for Division training programs, as requested Provides training to food manufacturers, wholesalers, and salvage establishment operators.  May provide training to local health department food inspection personnel.  Participates in available educational programs and training.

(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 hearing and trials. Completes travel reports, monthly activity reports, time sheets, and other reports as required by supervisor. Employee actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of: the theory and practical applications of disciplines to include microbiology, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, epidemiology, statistics, thermodynamics, nutrition, and food toxicology; selecting, adapting, and applying investigative methods and negotiating techniques to conduct complete and professional inspections; 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; Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles for inspections; and 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 (notebook computer, digital camera, black light, pH meter, etc.).

Skills in: verbal and written communication, including writing detailed technical reports; word processing, database and spreadsheet software for submission of written correspondence, reports and presentations; making appropriate field decisions and planning how the investigation should proceed to resolve difficult and sensitive situations; and in selecting, adapting, and applying investigative methods and negotiating techniques to conduct complete and professional inspections.

Ability to: organize and prioritize workload to meet deadlines; exercise good professional judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions; use judgment to make field decisions and to plan how the investigation should proceed to resolve difficult and sensitive situations; communicate effectively with regulated industry and the general public; plan, prepare and present technical programs related to food safety; maintain confidentiality of information and documents; deal tactfully and effectively with co-workers, managers, the public and regulated industry; provide own transportation for the purpose of conducting inspections, receiving training, responding to emergencies, and other job duties; 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; review and understand documentary evidence such as invoices and records relating to food processing, warehousing, and distribution; 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); and travel as needed to satisfy program needs.  

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

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

Possess a Professional Registered Sanitarian license (RS) State of Texas.

Initial Screening Criteria: 

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

Frequent daytime travel (70%) will be required to perform duties.
Preferred: experience in food safety inspection work.

Additional Information:

 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.

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