Technical Communications Specialist

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: Technical Communications Specialist 
Job Title: Sanitarian II 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Food & Drug 
Posting Number: 21908 
Closing Date: 10/12/2026 
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:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 10% 
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: 8056,43HX,4E0X1,68S,740A,74A,74D,92W,MSSR,MST 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Under the supervision of the Youth Camp & Public Sanitation Operations Branch Manager, performs advanced, senior-level environmental sanitation work. Assists the manager and works closely with staff. Monitors and manages the Consumer Protection Support Center (CPSC) Mobile Food Vendor Inboxes and other shared, retail foods and mobile food vendor email boxes.  Receives and tracks complaints and intakes.  Provides routine technical assistance to internal and external stakeholders.  Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. 

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

(35%) Reviews emails received within the shared email inboxes, provides technical responses to inquiries, and communicates inquiries to appropriate staff – all within a timely manner. Coordinates with program staff to ensure all complaints and intakes are recorded, evaluated, investigated, and resolved in accordance with policies and procedures.  Tracks and maintains processing timelines to ensure response and complaint deadlines are met. 

(30%) Serves as a subject matter expert regarding program requirements; policies, procedures; complaint and compliance processes.  Provides information and assistance to internal and external stakeholders, including Department staff; regulated entities, local health departments, and the public. Prepares and delivers technical presentations, as requested.  Provides training to staff on areas of expertise.  Participates in educational programs and training, as directed.      

(20%) Evaluates work processes for efficiency and effectiveness and reports improvement opportunities to Manager.  Conducts special assignments, as directed.

(10%) Develops and maintains secure record keeping and filing systems.  Assists with stakeholder engagement and reviews reports.  Prepares technical reports to summarize inquiries from CPSC Inbox.  Assists in responding to open records requests.  May participate in overnight travel and assist with retail food and mobile food vendor inspections and investigations, as directed.  

(5%) Other duties 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 a change of locations. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of: Federal and state laws, regulations, processes and procedures related to retail foods and mobile food vendor sanitation programs; inspection and investigation policies and procedures; technical aspects of regulated industries, regulatory principles and processes; and training and communication principles.

Skill in: effective and professional verbal and written communication, including detailed technical reports; problem solving and decision making; responding to difficult and sensitive situations; and word processing, databases, and spreadsheets for submission of written correspondence, reports, and presentations.

Ability to: organize and prioritize workload to meet deadlines; interpret state and federal laws and rules; communicate and implement policies and procedures; provide training and conduct inspections and investigations; provide own transportation and travel to fulfill job duties; and work outside normal business hours and adjust the workweek to accommodate workload.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

• Must be registered as a professional sanitarian by the State of Texas.
• Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state.

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Must be registered as a professional sanitarian by the State of Texas.
• At least two (2) years of combined experience conducting foods or mobile food unit sanitation inspections.
• Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state.

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 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