Environmental Protect Spcl I

Environmental Protect Spcl I

This position is being posted as Environmental Protection Specialist I (EPS I) which is an understaffed position from this position's established classification of Sanitarian I. This EPS I will also utilize a working title of Sanitarian-In-Training (SIT). Prospective applicants must meet the educational requirements, apply and pass the Professional Sanitarian exam within six (6) months from the date of employment.

Position works under the supervision and technical review of the Sanitarian III, Retail Food & Public Health Sanitation. Conducts routine inspections of medium and low risk permitted and non-permitted establishments such as foodservice establishments and public environmental facilities that operate institutional sanitation, recreational sanitation or public sanitation type facilities.

Conduct activities utilizing the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) and other applicable Texas Health and Safety Food Codes and regulations. Evaluates findings, documents facility compliance and makes recommendations for compliance using rules and regulations. Investigates consumer complaints related to sanitation of foodservice establishments.

Provides assistance during emergency situations such natural disasters or when the agency is operating emergency operations. Prepares technical reports and documents findings regarding compliance activities. Works under moderate supervision and guidance of a Registered Sanitarian with limited latitude for the use of initiative and judgment. Essential Job Functions:

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

(60%) Conducts routine inspections of medium and low risk facility inspections of permitted and non-permitted

retail food service establishments and public environmental facilities that operate institutional sanitation,

recreational sanitation or public sanitation type facilities. Ensure compliance with Texas Food Establishments

Rules (TFER) and other applicable Texas Health and Safety Food Codes as referenced. Evaluates findings,

makes compliance recommendations and documents facility compliance by preparing and submitting complete

inspection reports that include all applicable report components such as photographic exhibits, food and filth

samples, and other required regulatory forms within required time frames. Documentation should be suitable for

legal purposes if necessary. Attend program retail food service training and other environmental training as directed.

Complete necessary training to maintain sanitarian registration status and training required for FDA standardization.

(15%) Investigates consumer complaints concerning environmental sanitation and retail food establishments.

As a result of emergencies, inspects public facilities and food establishments. Evaluates and obtains corrective action

needed to ensure safety. Assists local health departments with technical assistance related to TFER or other related

Texas Health and Safety Code rules under the purview of the Department.

(10%) Prepare for legal and enforcement actions with supervisor and central office program for administrative

penalty hearings; permit revocation, and formal settlement conference hearings. Provides technical assistance

and support to other regional regulatory programs and special regional public health initiatives related to public

health preparedness.

(10%) Provides technical assistance to retail food establishments, public facilities related to environmental sanitation, owners/operators, public officials, and the general public on food safety on the interpretation and compliance with State food codes and regulations. Assist in providing the public and regulated industry with food safety training programs. Assist local health department inspectors to obtain federal standardization.

(5%) Other duties 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 activation. Such participating may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Adverse conditions with exposure to heat, cold, humanity and/or noise may exist during disaster response operations. Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Complies with the Department of State Health Services Immunizations Policy.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of State and Federal statutes/regulations regarding food safety and environmental sanitation.

Knowledge of inspection techniques used for retail food establishments and types of equipment used in those establishments.

Knowledge of food safety systems such as Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles and how they apply to retail food establishments.

Skill in the use of computer word processors, spreadsheet applications, databases and web-based browsers to document inspections.

Skill in the use photographic equipment, laboratory and field testing equipment to conduct health and safety inspections.

Skill in verbal communications to work effectively with diverse groups of people.

Skill in meeting critical deadlines.

Skill in tracking multiple program activities and compliance activities at different stages of development

Ability to prepare concise technical reports to accurately document inspection findings.

Ability to recognize, assimilate and correlate scientific data with documented field conditions to determine public health risks.

Ability to communicate effectively and tactfully with the regulated industry, general public, co-workers, and managers.

Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work to meet deadlines.

Ability to climb, bend and/or stand for extended periods of time during investigations/inspections.

Ability to obtain samples related to food, insect or filth.

Ability to read and interpret food labels with small print during inspections and investigations.

Ability to move up to 50 lbs., inspections and investigations.

Ability to travel.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

The successful applicant must achieve Registered Sanitarian status within 2 years from date of employment. Successful passage of the Sanitarian Registrations Examination (may submit proof of current certification by NEHA as REHS/RS in lieu of exam). Initial Selection Criteria:

The sanitarian registration program determines whether an applicant meets the educational requirements and gives credit for relevant work experience to determine the applicant's qualifying status as follows:

EPS I / SIT - Graduation from a college or university of recognized standing with a B.S. or B.A. degree with at least 30 semester hours in basic science or natural science or any combination thereof. No experience or less than two (2) years of experience in the field of sanitation.

Professional Sanitarian (RS) - Graduation from a college or university of recognized standing with a B.S. or a B.A. degree with at least 30 semester hours in basic science or natural science or combination thereof and acquires two (2) years of experience in the field of sanitation.

Additional Information:

The salary for an Environmental Protection Specialist I is $2,909.83 to $3752.00 per month depending on experience. This salary will be maintained until the applicant meets the requirements of a Professional Sanitarian, a maximum of two years based on qualifying status.

The successful applicant must achieve Professional Sanitarian status within two years of the date of employment. After meeting the Professional Sanitarian requirements, the position will be re-classified as a Sanitarian I with a corresponding salary of $4,372.08 per month. Should an applicant currently possess Professional Sanitarian registration and is selected for the position, the applicant will be paid at the Sanitarian salary of $4,372.08 per month.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the CAPPS Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Phone interview may be conducted prior to in person oral interview. Valid Driver license required. Travel requirements and possible working hours other than 8am-5pm are applicable and must be able to meet.

MOS Code:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: 92w, 646x, mst, 8056, 4E0X1. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

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