Environmental Inspections Unit Director

Department-of-State-Health-Services; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Dept of State Health Services in Austin, TX seeks an Environmental Inspections Unit Director to lead the Inspections Unit and oversee program operations under the Environmental Section.

You will develop strategic plans, manage staff, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and policies while coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to safeguard public health.

Qualifications

• Initial Screening Criteria: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; Minimum four (4) years of experience in a supervisory role; Experience within the past five (5) years in public administration (implementation of government policies) in a regulatory field.

Responsibilities

• Leads, directs, coordinates, and manages the operations and activities of the Unit.
• Develops and implements strategic plans, policies, and programs for environmental inspections.
• Manages resources, staff allocations, and budgets for the Inspections Unit.
• Represents the Department in public and legislative contexts as needed.
• Oversees compliance with federal and state laws, rules, and guidelines.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Public health knowledge

Policy analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree

MPH / MPA / MBA or equivalent

Job description

Career Opportunities: Environmental Inspections Unit Director (21654)

Posting ID21654-Posted10/02/2026-Dept of State Health Services-Environmental-Life, Physical, and Social Science-Not Eligible for Telework-d. $7000 - $8999 per month

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 .

Functional Title:

Functional Title: Environmental Inspections Unit Director
Job Title: Director IV
Agency: Dept of State Health Services
Department: Environmental
Posting Number: 21654
Closing Date: 10/16/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science
Salary Range: $8,488.33 - $14,356.00
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-29
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: None
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 25%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (RDM)
Other Locations: None
MOS Codes: 8003,8040,8041,8042,10C0,111X,112X,113X,114X,20C0,30C0,40C0,611X,612X,631X,641X,648X,90G0,91C0,91W0 97E0,SEI15

Brief Job Description:

The Director of the Environmental Section Inspections Unit is selected by and accountable to the Environmental Section Director , within the Consumer Protection Division. Leads, directs, coordinates, and manages the operations and activities of the Unit. Implements policies and standards to conduct inspections and regulate programs in the Unit (e.g., lead, asbestos, abusable volatile chemicals (AVCs) , tattoos and body piercing, Hazard Communication, and Hazardous Products), to protect and improve public health. Must thoroughly know and understand applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws and guidelines that impact the Unit. Develops systems to oversee, monitor, evaluate and improve effectiveness of programs. Interprets and implements applicable federal and state laws, Department rules and policies. Develops and implements strategic plans, policies, and programs. Establishes goals and objectives for the Inspections Unit. Manages Unit stakeholder relationships. Assists with legislative review and responses, including bill analyses, cost estimates and inquiries. Works under limited supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

(30%) Effectively leads, manages, and provides overall vision and strategic direction for the Inspections Unit. Directs the overall planning, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of programs and policies to promote effective program administration and service delivery. Makes well-informed program management decisions impacting programs. Reviews and evaluates impact of proposed federal and state laws on Unit programs throughout the state. Assesses, evaluates, and improves programs. Ensures rules and standards established by the Department are fair, equitable, and consistent with state and federal law. Assists the Section Director and Deputy Commissioner in responding to legislative inquiries and preparing to provide testimony.

(25%) Develops partnerships with internal and external stakeholders. Collaborates with the Environmental Section Director and other colleagues. Promotes partnerships with stakeholders at national, federal, and state levels by encouraging collaboration and participation in opportunities to define desired outcomes for Unit programs. Implements customer service and organizational improvement principles. Develops new approaches to achieve Unit goals and objectives.

(20%) Leads, manages, and develops staff through data analysis, performance evaluation, consultations, coaching, and training. Responsible for hiring, assigning work, performance review, disciplinary action recommendations, scheduling, and approving leave. Maintains an engaged, properly trained, and supported team. Ensures the effective deployment of human resource policies, procedures, work processes, and values. Develops coherent teams and empowers employees.

(15%) Manages resources of the Inspections Unit to achieve goals and objectives in a fiscally responsible manner. Provides input into the Section’s legislative budget and appropriations requests. Manages the Unit’s staff allocations, and effective and efficient use of resources. Oversees implementation of federal and applicable grants.

(5%) Represents the Department by making presentations and providing information to the general public. Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in Environmental programs by attending seminars/workshops and actively participating in professional organizations. Serves as backup to the Environmental Section Director.

(5%) Completes other duties as assigned to include, but 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 and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the program areas; the Texas legislative and rule development processes; environmental program planning, administration, and implementation; public health principles; and management techniques.

Skilled in developing, reviewing, and writing executive-level reports; strategic planning; human resource and project management; effective verbal and written communication; collaboration with diverse stakeholders; managing multiple and competing priorities; and identifying problems, evaluating alternatives and data, and implementing effective solutions.

Ability to coordinate activities with state and federal organizations involved in environmental programs; think creatively and support creative thinking in others; establish goals and objectives; plan, assign, and evaluate the work of others; apply effective leadership skills, including motivating, recruiting, and educating staff; develop and implement effective customer service delivery systems; and develop and evaluate policies and procedures.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university;
• Minimum four (4) years of experience in a supervisory role;
• Experience within the past five (5) years in public administration (implementation of government policies) in a regulatory field.

PREFERRED

• Bachelor’s degree in science;
• MPH, MPA, MBA or equivalent;
• Experience managing complex projects and initiatives;
• Experience working in Environmental programs.

Additional Information:

• PLEASE NOTE: Your application must demonstrate how you meet the initial selection criteria.
• 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.
• Consideration will also 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 [e-mail] .

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