SanI/EPSI

Department-of-State-Health-Services; Amarillo (TX); On-site; USD 47,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of State Health Services in Amarillo seeks a Sanitarian I to perform milk and dairy inspections, collect samples, and ensure compliance with applicable regulations. This position requires knowledge of pasteurization standards and the ability to travel up to 70% for fieldWork.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in a related field and pass the Texas Registered Sanitarian exam within six months, with on-site field duties and report writing responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public health, food and nutrition, or a natural/natural science discipline with at least 30 semester hours in basic science or natural science.
• Excellent knowledge of milk and dairy sanitation and regulatory standards.
• Strong ability to write technical reports and communicate with stakeholders.
• Ability to travel up to 70% and work across multiple sites.

Responsibilities

• Inspects assigned facilities to ensure compliance with pasteurized milk ordinance and related standards.
• Collects product samples and submits to laboratories for analysis per schedule.
• Maintains proficiency and submits detailed regulatory reports; initiates actions as needed.
• Responds to public inquiries and completes required travel and reporting.
• Carry at least 50 lbs and work in potentially confined spaces during inspections.

Job description

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 .

Job Details

• Functional Title: SanI/EPSI
• Job Title: Sanitarian I
• Agency: Dept of State Health Services
• Department: Food & Drug
• Posting Number: 20212
• Closing Date: 10/08/2026
• Posting Audience: Internal and External
• Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science
• Salary Range: $4,252.00 - $4,999.00
• Pay Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Group: TEXAS-B-18
• Shift: Day
• Additional Shift: Days (First)
• Travel: Up to 70%
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Full Time/Part Time: Full time
• FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
• Job Location City: AMARILLO
• Job Location Address: 3407 PONY EXPRESS WAY
• Other Locations: Amarillo
• MOS Codes: 8056,43HX,4E0X1,68S,740A,74A,74D,92W,MSSR,MST

Essential Job Functions

• (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. Participates in available educational programs and training (training locations can be located out of state). 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.
• (5%) Other duties as assigned. Use of safety equipment is required.

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 Abilities

• Knowledge of the theory and practical applications of disciplines to include microbiology, biology, chemistry, epidemiology, statistics, thermodynamics, nutrition, and food toxicology.
• Knowledge and skill in selecting, adapting, and applying investigative methods and negotiating techniques to conduct complete and professional Milk and Dairy inspections.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of environmental sanitation.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, and standards pertaining to milk and dairy products.
• Knowledge of Pasteurization; knowledge of the structure and functions of public health organizations.
• Knowledge of community interrelationships and of current social and economic problems pertaining to public health.
• Skill in inspecting and testing pasteurization equipment and collecting samples.
• Skill in verbal and written communication, including writing detailed technical reports.
• Skill in word processing, database, and spreadsheet software for submission of written correspondence, reports and presentations.
• Skill to make appropriate field decisions and to plan how the investigation should proceed to resolve difficult and sensitive situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to plan and execute projects and activities with limited supervision.
• Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with the public and regulated industry.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely and address groups effectively.
• Ability to exercise initiative and balanced independent judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.
• Ability to carry at least 50 pounds; push/pull 100 pounds; use safety equipment; climb ladders, catwalks, and stairs; and work in confined spaces during inspections and be able to stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to provide transportation.
• Ability to communicate intelligently with staff, regulated industry, the media, and the general public.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information and documents where appropriate.
• Ability to work outside of normal duty hours to include overnight travel and to adjust work week to accommodate workload, and to be available for emergency or disaster response involving food (24 hours on call).
• Ability to travel as needed to satisfy program needs.

Initial Screening Criteria

Sanitarian I
Graduation from an accredited college/university, or foreign education that has been determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator of recognized standing. A Bachelor's degree in public health, food and nutrition, or a natural, basic, environmental, animal science or other science discipline with at least 30 semester hours in basic science or natural science or any combination.

Environmental Protection Specialist/Sanitarian-In-Training
Graduation from a college or university of recognized standing with a bachelor’s degree with at least 30 semester hours in basic science or natural science or any combination thereof. No experience or less than (2) years of experience in the field of sanitation.

Must be available to work hours other than M-F/8-5.

Experience in food safety inspection work.

One year of experience in Milk Plant and/or Dairy Farm Processing is preferred.

Additional Information

**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.**

Posting ID # 20212

The salary for an Environmental Protection Specialist I is from $3159.83 - $4844.17 per month, based on experience.

This salary will be maintained until the applicant meets the requirements of a Professional Sanitarian.

After meeting the Professional Sanitarian requirements, the position will be re-classified as a Sanitarian I with a corresponding salary of $4872.08 per month.

OR

Registered Sanitarian – State of Texas:
Graduation from a college or university of recognized standing with a bachelor’s degree with at least 30 semester hours in basic science or natural science or any combination thereof. No experience or less than (2) years of experience in the field of sanitation. Successful passage of Sanitarian Registration Examination. An applicant currently possesses Professional Sanitarian registration and be selected for the position, the applicant will be paid at the Sanitarian salary of $4872.08 per month.

PLEASE NOTE THE SALARY WILL BE STARTED $4,872.08/MONTH FOR A SANITARIAN I, UNLESS THE CANDIDATE IS INTERNAL IN WHICH CASE A 7% INCREASE MAY BE APPLIED FOR A PROMOTION OR A 3.4% INCREASE MAY BE APPLIED WHEN THE CANDIDATE IS IN THE SAME SALARY GROUP BUT DIFFERENT CLASS TITLE AND JOB CODE.

Safe operation of either a state-owned or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and 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.

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