Health Specialist I/II

Health Specialist I pay range: min. $24.02 – mid. $28.83
Health Specialist II pay range: min. $24.99 – mid. $29.98

The Neighborhood Services Division is committed to providing outstanding service in order to enhance the community and citizens' health, safety, and general welfare. We do this as a caring team of individuals who care about making a difference. We’re looking for a driven individual to join our team!

GENERAL PURPOSE:  Under general supervision, conducts health inspections; investigates public health and sanitation complaints; prepares and maintains a variety of health documentation; and performs other related duties as assigned; exercises no supervision.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.
 

• Inspects various types of food establishments including grocery stores, drinking establishments, bakeries, schools, day care centers, nursing homes, and temporary food concession stands, including after hours, weekends and holiday related special events.
• Monitors local food establishments for compliance with applicable health and safety regulations, codes, ordinances, and standards.
• Investigates sanitation and/or nuisance complaints involving local food establishments.
• Responds to public complaints regarding swimming pools, hotels, motels, and public lodging facilities; conducts related inspections.
• Assists the County Nurse’s Office in conducting epidemiological investigations pertaining to food borne diseases.
• Performs inspections in relation to indoor air quality, water and air pollution, and vector control.
• Presents health and sanitation cases to the Municipal and/or County courts for prosecution.
• Serves as Instructor and conducts food handler training courses, issues certificates to attendees.
• Prepares and issues notices of violation, citations, and/or service requests; collects and analyzes samples; conducts surveys; documents and maintains case information; generates reports.
• Coordinates with outside agencies regarding the testing of water, frozen desserts, and other applicable sample materials.
• Monitors and inspects On-Site Sewage Facilities (OSSF) for regulatory compliance; performs plan reviews in relation to engineering designs.
• Investigates OSSF related complaints and reports findings to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
• Conducts assessments on daycare, childcare, and foster/adoption care facilities in accordance with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
• Inspects mobile home parks, campgrounds, and RV parks for regulatory compliance and/or to establish minimum standards.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Education, Experience, Licenses and Certifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Health Specialist I
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health, Biology, Animal Science, or related science field; and up to one (1) year of food sanitation inspection experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required Licenses or Certifications:
 

• Registration as a Sanitarian-in-Training, or Registered Sanitarian in Texas within six (6) months of employment. (This license can be obtained while employed with city.)
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License.

Health Specialist II Additional Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
 

• Assists with training of Health Specialist I staff.
• Provides field and technical training and support, providing input for employee performance evaluation processes of Health Specialist I staff to the Senior Health Specialist.
• Participates in public presentations; assures resolution of customer concerns and complaints; reviews and maintains accurate records.
• Assists Senior Health Specialist with any other assigned requirements.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health, Biology, Animal Science, or related science field; and up to four (4) years of food sanitation inspection experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
Required Licenses or Certifications:
 

• Registered as a Sanitarian in Texas or the equivalent certification by another state/organization.
• Certified Pool Operator (can obtain license while employed with city.)
• TCEQ Designated Representative (can obtain license while employed with city.)
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License.

Knowledge, Skills and Other Requirements

Required Knowledge of:
 

• Principles and practices of environmental health.
• Federal and State regulations regarding food sanitation.
• Texas Health and Safety codes.
• TCEQ and OSSF rules and regulations.
• Procedures for conducting environmental health inspections.
• Departmental records, reports, and documentation.

Required Skill in:
 

• Coordinating and performing a variety of sanitarian functions.
• Responding to health, sanitation, and nuisance complaints from the public.
• Conducting various types of environmental health inspections and investigations.
• Monitoring and ensuring compliance with food, health, and safety regulations.
• Issuing citations and notices of violations to offenders.
• Collecting/analyzing samples and maintaining accurate case information.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:
 

• Work is performed primarily in the field and involves exposure to variable weather conditions, extreme temperatures, construction sites, septic systems, hazardous materials/chemicals, infectious diseases, kitchen equipment, and machinery with moving parts.
• Subject to driving, sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, climbing into trenches and pits, and lifting of objects up to 50 pounds.
• May be required to work immediately before, during or after an emergency or disaster.