Retail Operations Sanitarian III

overview

date: jan 22, 2026
location: austin, tx
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functional title: retail operations sanitarian iii

job title: sanitarian iii

agency: dept of state health services

department: food & drug

posting number: 13060

closing date: 07/23/2026

posting audience: internal and external

occupational category: life, physical, and social science

salary group: texas-b-22

salary range: $4,801.16 - $7,761.50

pay frequency: monthly

shift: day

telework: eligible for telework

travel: up to 10%

regular/temporary: regular

full time/part time: full time

flsa exempt/non-exempt: nonexempt

job location city: austin

job location address: 1100 w 49th st (rdm)

other locations: austin

mos codes: 8056,43hx,4e0x1,68s,740a,74a,74d,92w,mssr,mst

under the general direction of the retail food safety operations (rfso) branch manager, the sanitarian iii performs highly advanced retail food safety operations work. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Supports, and functions as a member of, the two primary teams currently inherent in rfso--namely training and compliance. Duties may include:

• participation in rfso training functions, to include (a) maintenance of digital standardization records, (b) joint field inspections and standardization exercises, (c) development of training materials such as field manuals and power point presentations, and (d) presentation of training to small and large groups of dshs staff and regulated stakeholders;
• detailed quality assurance review of retail food inspection reports in accordance with 25 tac 228 texas food establishment rules, fda food code, and program policies and procedures and development of cases for escalated enforcement action;
• frequent interaction with regional-local health operations (rlho) field staff, regulated stakeholders, and the general public to assist with questions and interpretation of statutes/rules, licensing procedures, and complaints;
• retail food safety policy development and implementation and legislative rule writing;
• primary coordination for rfso's response to (a) requests under the freedom of information act and (b) quarterly reports for the legislative budget board; and
• emergency response and other duties as assigned.

attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

(50%) under the direction of the retail food safety operations compliance officer, reviews/endorses retail food inspections conducted by dshs regional field sanitarians, ensuring proper format, appropriate citation of deficiencies, and presentation of supporting evidence. Writes warning letters and develops enforcement cases for violative retail food establishments. Interacts with inspection staff and regulated stakeholders to provide assistance and respond to complex questions regarding interpretation of statutes and rules related to retail food establishments as they apply to daily operations.

(30%) under the direction of the retail food safety operations manager, assists with the maintenance and update of website registries, legislative reviews, rule amendments, bill analyses, and formal responses to legislative and other governmental and general inquiries.

(10%) under the direction of the retail food safety operations manager, helps maintain electronic standardization records and computerized statewide database of standardized training officers. Conducts joint field inspections and audits inspections as assigned. Monitors the quality of reports submitted by new field inspectors who are assigned to conduct retail food establishment inspections. Participates in development of field manuals, presentations, and other training materials.

This position must be familiar with training involving programs participating in the national voluntary retail foods regulatory program.

(10%) performs emergency response functions and participates in emergency response training as required. Participates in exercises and actual emergency responses as required. Performs other duties as assigned.

safe operation of either state-owned or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with dshs policy os-3901, fleet operations and management and procedures standards, developed by the texas department of public safety.

the successful applicant must be a currently-licensed registered sanitarian (rs) in the state of texas. Candidates must possess a valid and current driver’s license.

an understanding and ability to…