San1/EPS1

Department-of-State-Health-Services; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 64,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance coverage

Public sector benefits

Job summary

Dept of State Health Services is seeking a Sanitarian I to inspect dairy facilities and ensure compliance with milk and dairy regulations in the Austin area. The role includes sampling, surveillance, and reporting findings to support public health objectives.

Under Milk Branch supervision, you will inspect facilities, perform tests on pasteurization equipment, train industry personnel, and respond to inquiries. Travel up to 70% may be required, with a regular full-time schedule in Day shift.

Qualifications

• Must pass the Texas Registered Sanitarian Examination within six months of employment.
• Registered Sanitarian status must be obtained within two years of hire.
• Possess a valid Texas driver’s license or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Inspect facilities to ensure compliance with Pasteurized Milk Ordinance and related dairy standards.
• Collect samples of finished products, raw milk, water and glycol for laboratory analysis.
• Conduct surveillance and field evaluations of certified samplers, receivers and milk haulers.
• Provide training, evaluation or certification of industry personnel as needed for equipment sealing or safety.
• Respond to public inquiries and document regulatory actions and findings.

Skills

Microbiology

Biology

Chemistry

Epidemiology

Statistics

Job description

Posting ID22192-Posted10/08/2026-Dept of State Health Services-Food & Drug-Life, Physical, and Social Science- Other Locations (1) - Additional Shifts available (1) -b. $3000 - $4999 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: San1/EPS1 Job Title: Sanitarian I Agency: Dept of State Health Services Department: Food & Drug Posting Number: 22192 Closing Date: 11/07/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science Salary Range: $4,857.33 - $5,921.25 Pay Frequency: Monthly Salary Group: TEXAS-B-18 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Days (First) Telework: Travel: Up to 70% 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: Stephenville MOS Codes: 8056,43HX,4E0X1,68S,740A,74A,74D,92W,MSSR,MST

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 I (understaffed Sanitarian I) – Most inspections will be conducted in Stephenville Tx area and other areas as needed. The location of this position is contingent on the needs and best work practices of the agency. Under the supervision of the Milk Branch West Manager, this position inspects facilities to include Grade “A” producer dairy farms (raw for pasteurization and retail raw), Grade “A” receiving and transfer stations, Grade “A” bulk milk tankers, Grade “A” processors, Grade “A” single service manufacturers, frozen dessert manufacturers, cheese manufacturers, cold storage facilities for milk products and frozen desserts, delivery vehicles used to transport milk products and frozen desserts, retail outlets of milk products and frozen desserts, and ungraded food manufacturers. Performs required technical equipment tests on pasteurization systems as needed. Collects samples of finished products, single service containers, raw milk, water, chilled water, and glycol to submit to appropriate laboratories for analysis. Conducts sampling surveillance activities to include formal training, testing and field evaluations of certified samplers, receivers and milk haulers. Conducts formal training, field evaluations, and certifications of industry personnel for industry sealing of pasteurization equipment. Conducts special investigations as necessary to include aflatoxin, pesticide and antibiotic residues, added water adulteration, and food‑borne illnesses. Investigates complaints. Responds to public requests for information and inquiries relative to milk and dairy products. Uses initiative and independent judgment to take regulatory action when necessary. Prepares and submits required reports and documentation in a timely manner. 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.

Essential Job Functions

• agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
• (60%) Inspects assigned facilities at required frequencies to determine compliance with the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, the Frozen Dessert Manufacturers Act, the Standards for the Fabrication of Single Service Containers and Closures for Milk Products, and the Retail Raw Milk Ordinance. Conducts required technical equipment tests on pasteurization systems as specified by the most current edition of the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance as needed. May provide formal training, evaluation, and certification of industry personnel for industry sealing of pasteurization equipment. Maintains required level of proficiency. Submits accurate and detailed reports as necessary. Initiates regulatory actions as appropriate. Conducts disaster investigations and truck wreck accidents involving perishable food products. Investigates complaints involving milk and dairy products and prepares detailed reports of findings.
• (15%) Collects samples of finished products, single service containers, raw milk, water, chilled water, and glycol to submit to the appropriate laboratories for analysis at required frequencies.
• (15%) Conducts sampling surveillance activities including formal training, testing and field evaluation of certified samplers, receivers and milk haulers annually. Conducts special investigations as necessary to include aflatoxin, pesticides and antibiotic residues, added water adulteration, and food‑borne illnesses. Collects appropriate samples for laboratory analysis; prepares reports of findings; and makes recommendations for regulatory action.
• (5%) Responds to public requests for information and inquiries relative to the mission of the Milk and Dairy Surveillance Section. Completes travel reports, monthly activity reports, time sheets, and other reports as required in the performance of official duties, submitted accurately and in a timely manner according to policy.
• (5%) Other duties as assigned. Use of safety equipment is required.
• Safe operation of either a state‑owned vehicle, rental vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and acceptable driving record must be maintained.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

Must pass the Texas Registered Sanitarian Examination within six (6) months from the initial date of employment. Registered Sanitarian status must be obtained within (2) years of the date of employment. Possess a valid Texas driver’s license, or equivalent license from another state.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the theory and practical applications of disciplines to include microbiology, biology, chemistry, epidemiology, statistics, therm