Environmental Protection Specialist

3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Date:
Dec 31, 2025

Location:

UVALDE, TX

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas.

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). Visit the DSHS Careers Page for more information.

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• Functional
  
  Title:
  
  Environmental Protection Specialist
• Job Title:
  
  Sanitarian I
• Agency:
  Dept of State Health Services
• Department:
  Region 8
• Posting Number: 12074
• Closing Date: 03/01/2026
• 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 per month
• Pay Frequency:
  Monthly
• Shift: Day
• Travel:
  Up to 60%
• Regular/Temporary:
  Regular
• Full Time/Part Time:
  Full time
• FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt:
  Nonexempt
• Job Location City: UVALDE
• Job Location Address: 112 JOE CARPER DR
• Other Locations:
  Floresville;
  Uvalde

Position works in Region 8 jurisdictions under Sanitarian III supervision with latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Conduct inspections at food establishments, mobile food trucks, school cafeterias, vendors at temporary events, youth camps, including swimming pools, playground, and private water supply using FDA Food Code, Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) and other applicable Texas Health and Safety Codes and regulations.

Respond to consumer complaints, foodborne illness outbreaks, and public health nuisances. Required to respond to public health emergencies and events. Must be able to independently travel throughout the State of Texas and out-of-state to complete essential job functions.

• Inspect food service establishments based on risk (medium and low) to ensure compliance with regulations. Prepare inspection reports. (40%)
• Investigate premises and establishments with public health significance, such as swimming pools, youth camps, hotels, and abandoned property. Coordinate with local health departments and community groups. (20%)
• Perform pre‑licensing and annual youth camp inspections and recommend corrective action. (10%)
• Investigate foodborne illness outbreaks, prepare reports, and collect food samples as needed. (10%)
• Prepare required documents such as timesheets, travel reimbursement requests, and monthly activity reports. (10%)
• Provide technical assistance and guidance to schools and the public on food safety. (5%)
• Perform other duties as assigned, serve as on‑call sanitarian, attend training, and participate in disaster response or COOP activation. (5%)

• Knowledge of public health principles, laws, and regulations related to food service and environmental sanitation.
• Knowledge of HACCP principles and application to food establishments.
• Skill in verbal and written communication, interpreting regulations, and cooperating with agencies.
• Skill in sample and evidence collection, using swimming pool test kits, pH meters, and digital cameras.
• Ability to organize, communicate technical information, enforce regulations, meet deadlines, and prepare detailed reports.
• Ability to maintain a safe driving record and travel extensively.

• Registered Sanitarian in Texas. If not registered, meet educational requirements (30 hours of science) and pass the Texas Registered Sanitarian Examination within six months from hire. Apply for Sanitarian‑In‑Training status upon hire and obtain status within two years.
• Current Texas Class C driver license or equivalent.

• Sanitarian I Requirements:
  - Bachelor's degree with at least 30 semester hours in basic or natural science and two years of sanitation experience.
• Environmental Protection Specialist (EPS I)/Sanitarian‑In‑Training Requirements:
  - Bachelor's degree with at least 30 semester hours in basic or natural science and less than two years of sanitation experience.