Sanitarian

dshs overview

date: jan 14, 2026

location: arlington, tx

dshs is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

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.
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functional title: sanitarian
job title: sanitarian i
agency: dept of state health services
department: food & drug
posting number: 12320
closing date: 04/14/2026
posting audience: internal and external
occupational category: life, physical, and social science
salary group: texas-b-18
salary range: $3,793.41 - $5,921.25
pay frequency: monthly
shift: day
telework: eligible for telework
travel: up to 70%
regular/temporary: regular
full time/part time: full time
flsa exempt/non-exempt: nonexempt
job location city: arlington
job location address: 1301 s bowen rd ste 200

sanitarian i is an understaffed position that requires conducting highly technical, complex federal contract and non-contract inspections of wholesale prescription drug/device manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors; wholesale over the counter drug/device manufacturers and distributors; salvage establishments and brokers; cosmetic manufacturers and distributors. The inspector investigates illegal activities, responds to complaints and disasters, collects samples, and prepares technical reports documenting findings. The role supports agency obligations during continuity of operations (coop) activation and requires safe operation of either a state-owned or personal vehicle with an acceptable driving record.

• (65%) perform federal contract and non-contract inspections, use inspection equipment, complete denials, document findings, issue written notices, and prepare detailed inspection reports.
• (10%) investigate complaints, prepare detailed findings reports, conduct disease outbreak investigations, conduct special investigations involving imports and disasters, and provide training to assigned investigators.
• (10%) provide information and assistance on drug and medical device related subjects, prepare technical presentations, and participate in educational programs.
• (5%) participate in regulatory actions, present technical information during hearings, and prepare special reports and exhibits for counsel.
• (5%) complete electronic travel reports, monthly activity reports, and other required reports; maintain a safe driving record.
• (5%) perform other duties as assigned and use required safety equipment.

• knowledge of microbiology, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, epidemiology, statistics, thermodynamics, nutrition, and food toxicology.
• knowledge and skill in selecting, adapting, and applying investigative methods and negotiating techniques.
• knowledge of state and federal drug and medical device laws and regulations covering the various types of facilities.
• 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.
• ability to organize and prioritize workload to meet deadlines.
• ability to exercise good professional judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.
• ability to communicate effectively with regulated industry and the public.
• ability to plan, prepare and present technical programs related to food safety.
• physical ability to lift/carry up to 50 lbs, pull/push up to 100 lbs, and stand for extended periods.

must meet educational requirements (30 hours of science) and pass the texas registered sanitarian examination within six (6) months from the initial date of employment. Registered sanitarian status must be obtained within two (2) years of the date of employment. Possess a valid texas driver’s license, or an equivalent license from another state.

this position is posted as sanitarian i. If an applicant does not meet the requirements for the sanitarian i classification, the applicant will be considered for the environmental protection specialist i (eps i) classification. The texas department of licensing and regulation (tdlr) sanitarian registration program will determine whether an applicant meets the educational requirements and gives credit for relevant work experience.

• bachelor's degree from a us accredited college/university (or foreign education that has been determined to be equivalent) with at least 30 semester hours in basic science or natural science or any…