Senior Inspector

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: Senior Inspector 
Job Title: Inspector VII 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Meat Safety Assurance Section 
Posting Number: 18549 
Closing Date: 07/16/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Range: $5,425.33 - $8,886.16 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 40% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (RDM) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 6016,6017,8012,8056,1S0X1,2A7X2,2F0X1,43HX,4E0X1,640A,68R,86M0,87G0,87I0,87Q0,8I000,8I100,8S000,AD 
LS,ME,MSSD,MSSE,MSSR,MST,OAP11,OAP14 
 
 

Job Description:

Inspector VII- Performs highly advanced monitoring and coordination of meat and poultry inspection operations for state inspected meat and poultry slaughter and processing establishments in the state of Texas. Consults and conducts outreach activities with the general public, granted establishments, custom exempt establishments, educational institutions, meat industry representatives, local and state government officials, health care professionals, and Meat Safety Assurance (MSA) program staff on all aspects of meat and poultry inspection and food safety. Coordinates with meat and poultry programs, university partners and the meat industry in the development of training and educational initiatives. Assists in maintaining the Texas State Meat and Poultry Inspection Program in a status that is at least equal to the inspection program conducted nation-wide by the United States Department of Agriculture, Food Safety inspection Service.

Works under the limited supervision of the MSA program Assistant Director; has extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

 Essential Job Functions:

(35%) Preforms highly advanced consultations and conducts outreach for the general public, granted establishments, custom exempt establishments, meat industry representatives, local and state government officials, health care professionals, and MSA program staff on all aspects of meat and poultry inspection and food safety. Coordinates responses to telephone and email inquiries pertaining to the Federal and State meat inspection requirements. Participate in conferences and make presentations as a representative of Meat Safety Assurance (MSA) within the Consumer Protection Division (CPD) of the Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Coordinate the design and participate in training programs for MSA inspection staff. Coordinate presentation of training for new procedures and processes to MSA inspection and managerial staff as well as out of state meat inspection personnel; may develop and present training to meat and poultry industry personnel and to state and local regulatory officials. Represent MSA with federal, state, and local agencies or groups; plan activities, report on program participation and responsibility. Review and assist with the design and implementation of SSOP, HACCP plans, prerequisite programs, associated records and supporting documentation, Intensified Verification testing, Routine Listeria monocytogenes testing, and Ready to Eat product Salmonella and Listeria testing programs to assist new grant applicants and existing grant holders. May review plot plans and blueprints of facilities in the view of feasibility and functionality for product flow but not in the scope of building code and compliance. Update and maintenance of the MSA Consumer Guide. Work with MSA Circuit Managers onboarding new grant applicants through the new facility 59i process. Promote and maintain the ASKMSA@dshs.texas.gov function and use it as a tool to standardize the approach of food safety throughout the program.

(35%) Conducts advanced outreach and coordination of meat and poultry inspection operations at state inspected meat and poultry slaughter and processing establishments located throughout the state of Texas. Coordinates guidance and training to inspection staff regarding MSA policy, regulation, and proper disposition of violations noted during inspections; provide responses to inspection related questions. Review SSOP, HACCP plans, prerequisite programs, associated records and supporting documentation to assist MSA program in plant personnel as well as MSA EIAO staff.

(25%) Assist in maintaining the Texas Meat and Poultry Inspection Program in a status that is at least equal to the inspection program conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety Inspection Services (USDA FSIS). MSA Website Management as needed. Work with central office team on the research and review of FSIS directives, notices, policies, procedures, regulations, etc. and recommend program equivalents as appropriate. Participate in annual Self-Assessment, QNI tasks and assist with FSIS on-site audits. Assist and conduct reviews or other inspections requiring specialized knowledge, skills, and judgment of meat and poultry plant operations to determine the inspector’s effectiveness in assuring establishment compliance with, or detect the violation of, the Texas Meat and Poultry Inspection Act and related laws and regulations. Assist as needed for product label reviews and audits from inspected facility submissions.

(5%) Performs duties as a permanent member of the of the Enterprise/agency/division/Meat Safety Assurance Unit (MSA) Emergency Response Team on an “as needed” basis.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Thorough knowledge of all phases of meat inspection to include slaughter operations, processing, meat fabrication procedures and ready to eat products. Thorough knowledge of State and Federal laws, rules, regulations, and directives pertaining to meat and poultry operations and products, including the Texas Meat and Poultry Inspection Act, Federal Meat and Poultry Inspection Act and Code of Federal Regulations. Thorough knowledge of operation principles of the meat industry, including Sanitation Performance Standards (SPS), Sanitary Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP), the regulatory process for Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) based inspections, Pathogen Reduction and Control. Knowledge of the Public Health Information System (PHIS).

Thorough knowledge of microbiological and economic sampling procedures of meat and poultry products and slaughter and/or processing environments. Knowledge of responsibilities of federal and state agencies with overlapping authority.

Ability to communicate intelligently but effectively with program staff, regulated industry, trade associations, the legislature, the media, and the public. Skill in problem solving, critical thinking, conducting investigations, basic rules of evidence, and determining proper courses of action. Ability to organize and prioritize work, set priorities, and meet deadlines. Ability to use a computer with Microsoft Office package for word processing, spreadsheets, TEAMs, on-line computer training, and remote mail programs. Skill in organizing, preparing, and presenting information in both verbal and written form. Skill in negotiating effectively with a wide variety of people under occasionally extreme circumstances (anger, frustration, etc.) to obtain voluntary compliance. Skill in public speaking, correlation, and training. Skill in applying basic mathematics using addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, fractions, decimals, percentages, parts per million, and weights/measures.

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret correspondence, technical data, reports, applications, and regulations and to determine necessary action. Ability to independently analyze new situations and respond with sound technical judgments. Ability to deal with people in a tactful manner and to explain proper interpretation of technical requirements pertaining to rules and regulations, to establish and maintain working relationships, and to express ideas clearly and concisely. Ability to prepare concise reports and business correspondence. Ability to work well with others; communicate effectively; establish and maintain effective working relationships; and interact with professionals at all levels of government and industry. Ability to function as a project team leader and/or as a member of a team.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or  Certifications:

A valid Class C (or higher) Texas driver's license or equivalent license from another state. Successful completion of a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) Inspection Methods training course or equivalent is preferred and required within 6 months of hire. Successful completion of a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) Enforcement, Investigation, and Analysis Officer training course or equivalent is preferred and required within 12 months of hire.

Initial Selection Criteria:
REQUIRED: The hiring supervisor may not consider any applicant that does not meet any or all of the following required criteria for this position.

1. Must have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent 
2. Must have a valid Class C (or higher) Texas driver's license or equivalent license from another state.

GENERALLY PREFERRED BUT NOT REQUIRED: The hiring supervisor may consider any applicant that does not meet any or all of the following generally preferred criteria for this position, and may give preference to an applicant that meets one or more of the generally preferred criteria.
1. Regulatory public health experience in a state and/or federal meat and/or poultry inspection program since January 1, 2000, on the date of application.
2. Satisfactory completion of Inspection Methods (IM), or equivalent training in humane livestock slaughter and meat and poultry Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP), Sanitation Performance Standards (SPS), Pathogen reduction.
3. Satisfactory completion of the Enforcement Investigation and Analysis Officer (EIAO) course or ability to complete within one year of hire.
4. Graduation with a degree from an accredited graduate and/or post-graduate school or university in a field relevant to the assignment.
6. Other food safety experience including, but not limited to, military service in food safety.

Additional Information:
May be required to work other than usual hours (8 a.m. - 5 p.m. M-F) including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Outside work in inclement weather may be required. May be directed to work in any area of the state as needed. Employee must provide their own transportation and must possess and provide a current, valid Texas driver's license or equivalent from another state. You may be asked to provide a copy of your driving record. Continued employment with MSA is contingent upon the employee successfully passing required training courses including the Inspection Methods (IM) Course or equivalent and the Enforcement Investigations and Analysis Officer (EIAO) Course or equivalent in this position.

PLEASE NOTE: THE POSTED SALARY RANGE IS THE FULL RANGE FOR THIS POSITION. AGENCY SALARY POLICY, BUDGET AND CANDIDATE'S QUIALIFICATIONS WILL DICTATE FINAL SALARY OFFER. TYPICALLY, SALARY OFFERS ARE AT OR NEAR THE MIDPOINT OF THE RANGE, DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATIONS OR OTHER FACTORS.*

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

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