Food Inspector Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

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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: Retail Operations Officer Job Title: Sanitarian III Agency: Dept of State Health Services Department: Food & Drug Posting Number: 18701 Closing Date: 09/06/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science Salary Range: $4,801.16- $7,761.50 Pay Frequency: MonthlySalary Group: TEXAS-B-22 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: Austin MOS Codes: 8056,43HX,4E0X1,68S,740A,74A,74D,92W,MSSR,MST
Job Description:
Under the general direction of the Retail Food Safety Operations (RFSO) Branch Manager, the Sanitarian III performs highly advanced retail food safety operations work. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Supports, and functions as a member of, the two primary teams currently inherent in RFSO--namely Training and Compliance. Duties may include:
(1) Participation in RFSO training functions, to include (a) maintenance of digital standardization records, (b) joint field inspections and standardization exercises, (c) development of training materials such as field manuals and Power Point presentations, and (d) presentation of training to small and large groups of DSHS staff and regulated stakeholders;
(2) Detailed quality assurance review of retail food inspection reports in accordance with 25 TAC 228 Texas Food Establishment Rules, FDA Food Code, and program policies and procedures and development of cases for escalated enforcement action;
(3) Frequent interaction with Regional-Local Health Operations (RLHO) Field Staff, regulated stakeholders, and the general public to assist with questions and interpretation of statutes/rules, licensing procedures, and complaints;
(4) Retail food safety policy development and implementation and legislative rule writing;
(5) Primary coordination for RFSO's response to (a) requests under the Freedom of Information Act and (b) quarterly reports for the Legislative Budget Board; and
(6) Emergency response and other duties as assigned.
Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
(50%) Under the direction of the Retail Food Safety Operations Compliance Officer, reviews/endorses retail food inspections conducted by DSHS Regional Field Sanitarians, ensuring proper format, appropriate citation of deficiencies, and presentation of supporting evidence. Writes warning letters and develops enforcement cases for violative retail food establishments. Interacts with inspection staff and regulated stakeholders to provide assistance and respond to complex questions regarding interpretation of statutes and rules related to retail food establishments as they apply to daily operations.
(30%) Under the direction of the Retail Food Safety Operations Manager, assists with the maintenance and update of website registries, legislative reviews, rule amendments, bill analyses, and formal responses to legislative and other governmental and general inquiries.
(10%) Under the direction of the Retail Food Safety Operations Manager, helps maintain electronic standardization records and computerized statewide database of standardized training officers. Conducts joint field inspections and audits inspections as assigned. Monitors the quality of reports submitted by new field inspectors who are assigned to conduct retail food establishment inspections. Participates in development of field manuals, presentations, and other training materials. This position must be familiar with training involving programs participating in the National Voluntary retail Foods Regulatory Program.
(10%) Performs emergency response functions and participates in emergency response training as required. Participates in exercises and actual emergency responses as required. Performs other duties as assigned.
Safe operation of either state-owned 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 and Procedures Standards, developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
The successful applicant must be a currently-licensed Registered Sanitarian (RS) in the state of Texas. Candidates must possess a valid and current driver's license.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
An understanding and ability to discuss principles and practices of public health and retail food safety; of state and federal laws pertaining to public health; structure and functions of public health organizations; thorough knowledge of the statutes and rules that pertain to Retail Food Safety, to include: Texas Food Establishment Rules (25 TAC 228 & 229), 2017/2022 FDA Food Code, Health and Safety Code Chapters 431, 437, 437B, and 438; of community interrelationships, and of current social and economic problems pertaining to public health. Knowledge of evidence development and general legal proceedings. Skill in the use and care of inspectional equipment, to include black lights, digital and stem thermometers, thermocouples, chlorine, iodine, quaternary ammonia, and pH strips, laptop computers, and skill in technical writing and oral communication. Skilled in various computer applications and Microsoft Office software. Ability to communicate technical information at various levels of understanding. Ability to be tactful and diplomatic in adverse situations. Ability to interact with professionals at all levels of government and industry. Ability to use proper inspection and sampling procedures and logical pathways to determine the compliance status of licensees. Ability to interpret policy and procedures, and the ability to respond to inquiries regarding same from both internal and external customers. Ability to exercise extensive latitude and independent judgment to coordinate and prioritize workloads with minimal supervision. Ability to coordinate and supervise activities between Branches and Sections and make the best use of resources. Ability to travel (in-state and out-of-state), as necessary, to attend technical training courses, perform inspections, and conduct training and evaluations of Inspection unit field staff. Ability to climb and move up to 50 pounds during inspections. Ability to identify rodent and insect filth and read labels with 1/32" type size during inspections. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to use a computer and extensive experience using Microsoft Office, to include Word, Excel, and Power Point.
Initial Screening Criteria:
Candidates must possess Bachelor's Degree from a U.S. accredited college/university (or foreign education that has been determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evalulator) with at least 30 semester hours in basic science, natural science, or any combination thereof, and have acquired a minimum of two (2) years of experience in the field of sanitation or environmental health.
Candidates must have experience working in food safety.
Candidates must have experience communicating with and serving the public.
Additional Information:
This is currently a hybrid teleworking position that must be filled in the greater Austin area. DSHS will provide a laptop computer, related equipment, and basic office supplies. The employee must provide office furniture and high-speed internet.
Employee must provide transportation. If an employee operates a personal or state motor vehicle in performance of their official duties, the employee must possess a current valid Texas driver's license that is appropriate for the type of vehicle. Employees/Applicants are responsible for providing a copy of their driver's license prior to beginning employment.
PLEASE NOTE: Your application must be complete. It MUST contain dates of employment, job titles, name of employer, name and phone number of supervisor, current/final salary, and a description of duties performed in a way that specifically demonstrates you meet the initial selection criteria at minimum. Missing information may lead to disqualification. RESUMES DO NOT TAKE THE PLACE OF THE REQUIREMENT TO INCLUDE INFORMATION ON THE APPLICATION NOR FOR SUPPLEMENTAL CONSIDERATION IN MEETING INITIAL CRITERIA ("See Resume" is not acceptable on the application). Resumes attached and/or pasted into the resume field may not be considered equivalent to the State Application.
Posting ID: 18701
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