Quality Assurance Officer

Texas Department of State Health Services; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas Department of State Health Services in Austin is seeking a Sanitarian III to lead regulatory oversight of milk and dairy operations. You will review inspection reports, monitor lab results, and prepare enforcement cases while supporting field staff and statewide sampling programs.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in public health or related field and current Sanitarian registration. Telework options exist; travel up to 25% may be required, with regular day shifts in a full-time capacity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in public health, agriculture, or natural sciences.
• Current registration as a Sanitarian with Texas or NEHA.
• Experience with dairy inspections, sampling, and milk processing.
• Ability to interpret regulations and communicate findings clearly.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and log inspection reports in the database.
• Review laboratory results and issue notices as required.
• Prepare cases for enforcement and issue reports/letters to licensees.
• Support field staff with certifications and milk program tasks.
• Conduct statewide sampling surveillance as needed.

Skills

Milk regulation laws

Regulatory interpretation

Report writing

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s in public health

Tools

RAS system

VERSA system

Job description

Date: Nov 2, 2026 Location: AUSTIN, TX

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.

Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.

Functional Title: Quality Assurance OfficerJob Title: Sanitarian IIIAgency: Dept of State Health ServicesDepartment: Food & DrugPosting Number: 22657Closing Date: 11/16/2026Posting Audience: Internal and ExternalOccupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social ScienceSalary Range: $4,801.16 - $7,761.50Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-22Shift: Day

Additional ShiftTelework: Travel: Up to 25%Regular/Temporary: RegularFull Time/Part Time: Full timeFLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: NonexemptFacility Location: Job Location City: AUSTINJob Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (RDM)Other Locations: MOS Codes: 8056,43HX,4E0X1,68S,740A,74A,74D,92W,MSSR,MST

Essential Job Functions

Monitor, review and ensure inspection reports are logged into the appropriate database, review and monitor laboratory sample results and provide notice(s) as necessary to inspectors, dairy operators and farms as required. Enter submit required administrative reports. Conduct quality assurance review of inspection reports. Conduct quality assurance review of inspected facilities. Maintain licensing, sampling, and inspection records and conduct record retention as required. Respond to Open Record Requests and Requests for Information. Provide support to the state training officer for the milk and dairy program. Prepare cases for enforcement. Issue lab result reports and warning letters to milk and dairy licensees as necessary to provide notice of violations. Support the investigations of sanitation ratings of non-IMS Grade A Milk facilities; including producer dairy BTU's; milk transfer stations; milk processing; and container/packaging manufacturing plants. Support feild staff by issuing milk tank hauler certification numbers, tanker inspection stickers, and sampler certification numbers and cards. Conduct Sampling Surveillan activities statewide as needed. Serve as backup to Operation Team and conduct other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Extensive knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning the regulation of milk and dairy products. Knowledge of policies, procedures, standards and methodologies for conducting inspections and surveys of milk and dairy products including dairy farms, transport tankers, and pasteurization plants. Knowledge of administrative functions of the milk program and Departmental policy, administrative rules and practices. Familiarity with RAS and VERSA systems. Skill in interpretation of highly technical federal regulations. Skill in time management and planning activities. Skill in verbal and written communications and the ability to communicate intelligently with program staff, regulated industry, trade associations, and the public. Ability to analyze and evaluate regulatory requirements for emerging and complex technologies. Ability to prepare concise reports and to organize and express ideas effectively in writing. Ability to make decisions and establish and maintain sound interpersonal relationships with staff members and the public. Ability to establish and implement project goals and objectives. Ability to meet deadlines and establish priorities. Ability to analyze and solve administrative and work related problems. Ability to represent the Department at national and/or state meetings during which complex health issues are presented, discussed, and solutions sought.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

Must be currently registered as a Sanitarian with the State of Texas or as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian with the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA).

Initial Selection Criteria

Bachelor’s Degree in public health, agriculture, or natural sciences. Current registration as a Sanitarian with the State of Texas or as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian with the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). Experience with inspections procedures pertaining to dairy operations, milk processing faculties, and conducting sampling surveillance.

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
  

Nearest Major Market: Austin