Sanitarian I

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 (understaffed Sanitarian I) - Most of the inspections will be conducted in the Manufactured Foods South area (coastal area including, but not limited to, Nueces County, Victoria County, Kleberg County, and surrounding areas). Under the supervision of the Manufactured Foods 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, photos, exhibits and prepares highly technical written reports documenting inspectional findings. Uses initiative and independent judgment in performing duties. 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. May participate in overnight travel and be on call or available to respond to emergency situations as needed. Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

(60%) Performs inspections and investigations involving food manufacturers, food wholesalers/warehouses, food salvage establishments and brokers. Provides information and assistance on food and drug related subjects as requested by citizens, regulated industry, and other local, state, and federal agencies. Completes detentions and destructions according to Division policy. Completes and issues a written notice of inspectional observations for inspected facilities prior to completing the inspection. Prepares highly technical inspection reports that may include photos, samples, and other exhibits to document inspectional findings using word processing, database, and other computer software.

(10%) Investigates complaints involving food manufacturers, food wholesalers/warehouses, food salvage establishments and brokers, and prepares detailed reports of findings. Investigates foodborne outbreaks and documents findings. Conducts special investigations and other special assignments as directed. Provides training including joint field inspections and review of inspection reports.

(10%) Provides information and assistance on manufactured food related subjects as requested by citizens, regulated industry, and other local, state and federal agencies. Prepares technical presentations on applicable subject for Division training programs, as requested. Participates in available educational programs and training presented by the division, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Department, and additional outside training as directed. Participates in available educational programs and training (training locations can be located out-of-state).

(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 hearings and trials.

(10%) Completes electronic travel reports, monthly activity reports, time sheets, and other Division and Department reports as required. Safe operation of either a state-owned 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. Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of the theory and practical applications of disciplines to include microbiology, biology, biochemistry, 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 inspections.

Knowledge of 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.

Knowledge of the 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.

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 organize and prioritize workload to meet deadlines.

Ability to provide own transportation for the purpose of conducting inspections, receiving training, responding to emergencies, and other job duties.

Ability to 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).

Ability to perform inspectional work which may require: using ladders or catwalks to access equipment, lifting/carrying up to 50lbs, pulling/pushing up to lbs., standing for extended periods of time.; identifying rodent and insect filth, and reading labels with 1/32 inch type size during inspections.

Ability to travel as needed to satisfy program needs.

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