State Rating Officer

Essential Job Functions:
Oversees, plans, organizes, and coordinates Grade "A" Milk Operations program activities and the program activities of the milk rating team. Oversees the milk and dairy inspections, milk and dairy sampling, and conducts enforcement and sanitation ratings for all IMS Grade "A" Milk facilities; including producer dairy BTU's; milk transfer stations; milk processing; and container/packaging manufacturing plants for adherence to regulations and the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance. Maintain FDA Certification as a State Rating Officer. Recommends and promotes milk and dairy sanitation improvements. Develops educational and trainings materials related to the milk and dairy program for inspectors and industry. Conducts trainings for the milk and dairy program in providing industry and internal milk inspection trainings. Conducts required technical equipment tests and provides training, evaluation and certification of industry personnel of industry sealing of pasteurization equipment. Maintains required level of proficiency in milk processes. Conducts the training of bulk milk tankers and milk haulers. Promotes public education on milk and dairy sanitary practices through stakeholder contacts and training. Supervises and coordinates the review and approval/disapproval of milk processing, milk transportation equipment and engineering plans for new milk processing facilities or modifications to existing facilities. Reviews and approves/disapproves architectural and engineering plans of new milk processing facilities or modifications to existing facilities. Assists in planning activities of the Texas Milk & Dairy Rating Team. Completes and submits required administrative reports. Oversees record keeping in conjunction with milk ratings of IMS Grade "A" facilities. Oversees and contributes to the preparation of milk information releases, milk and dairy public health standards, and guidelines for the Grade "A" Milk & Dairy Program. Assists with legislative inquiries. Evaluates state laws and local ordinances pertaining to milk and dairy and develops enforcement procedures for compliance. Conducts sampling surveillance activities statewide to include certifying industry bulk milk samplers and state milk inspectors as sampling surveillance officers to ensure all milk and dairy products are sampled in accordance to current Texas rules and regulations and the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance. Performs other duties as assigned by the Manager to meet the needs of the Milk Operations Branch. Other duties as assigned include but are 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, Abilities:

Extensive knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning the regulation of milk and dairy products. Knowledge of policies, procedures, standards equipment and methodologies for conducting all inspections and surveys of milk and dairy products including dairy farms, transport tankers, and pasteurization plants. Knowledge of administrative functions of the milk program and Departmental policy, administrative rules and practices. Skill in interpretation of highly technical federal regulations. Skill in time management and planning activities Skill in verbal and written communications and the ability to communicate intelligently with program staff, regulated industry, trade associations, and the public. Ability to analyze and evaluate regulatory requirements for emerging and complex technologies. Ability to prepare concise reports and to organize and express ideas effectively in writing. Ability to make decisions and establish and maintain sound interpersonal relationships with staff members and the public. Ability to establish and implement project goals and objectives. Ability to meet deadlines and establish priorities. Ability to analyze and solve administrative and work-related problems. Ability to represent the Department at national and/or state meetings, etc. at which complex health physics issues are presented, discussed, and solved.  

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must be currently registered as a Sanitarian with the State of Texas or possess current National Accreditation as a Sanitarian. Additionally, must maintain certification and qualifications a State Milk Rating Officer for both dairies and plants and Sampling Surveillance Officer through continuing education and standardization.  

Initial Screening Criteria:

Bachelor’s Degree with an emphasis on natural sciences. Minimum of 2 years field experience performing inspections of dairy operations and milk processing faculties, conducting sampling surveillance, and testing of pasteurization equipment.  

Additional Information:

This position will be required to maintain survey officer qualifications and certification as provided by the FDA for dairies and plants.