Environmental Health Officer III

Job Description:

Environmental Health Officer III

Description

Minimum Qualifications
Education and/or Equivalent Experience:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with at least thirty (30) semester hours of natural or basic Science.
• Three (3) years’ experience in the Environmental Health field.

Licenses or Certifications:

• Valid Texas Class C Driver License.
• State of Texas Professional Sanitarian Registration OR
• Credentialed as an Environmental Health Specialist/ Registered Sanitarian ( REHS /RS) by the National Environmental Health Association ( NEHA ) with the ability to obtain a Texas Registered Sanitarian license within six (6) months of acceptance of position.

Notes to Applicants
Position Overview:
The Austin Public Health, Environmental Health Services Division provides critical public health regulatory operations including food inspections, special permitting, plan review, environmental vector control and The Austin Public Health, Environmental Health Services Division provides critical public health regulatory operations including food inspections, special permitting, plan review, environmental vector control and community education efforts.

This position will complete inspections and conduct investigations of mobile food vending units, temporary food events, central preparation facilities, farmers market food permits, and food vending machines. These positions require working as a team to ensure adequate coverage for temporary food events during nights and weekends. Minimum of 1 weekend per month is required to be worked.

In addition to the minimum and preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate for these positions will demonstrate ethical values and integrity in decision-making. The Ideal candidate will be able to work independent of continuous supervision. They will be a self-starter. They will have an eye for detail. They will have an aptitude for good customer service and be able to deescalate conflict or heated situations.

APH Information:

• This position supports Austin Public Health’s Mission and Core Purpose identified in the Austin Public Health Strategic Plan .
• Departmental Competencies related to the position can be found on Austin Public Health’s website .

Be a part of Austin Public Health, https://youtu.be/wJgNIc3ivkA .

Immunization Requirement:

• Due to high-risk areas, Austin Public Health employees must comply with the department’s immunization policy.

Regarding your application:

• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Qualifying education experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities must be clearly stated on your application. Resumes are welcome, but we do not use any information provided on your resume to qualify and refer you to the hiring department.
• Work experience listed must include a month, year, and a verifiable Supervisor or Human Resources phone number.
• Each individual who submits an Application as provided in the Municipal Civil Service Rules and meets the Minimum Qualifications for a Competitive Position shall be considered a Candidate for that Position. Employees in Good Standing who are candidates within the Department or division that the Position resides in and who meet the Minimum and Preferred Qualifications (if any) of the Position will be included in the initial interview.

Additional Information:

• When public health responds to an emergency, you may be assigned activities that are outside your regular job description. This may involve responding at any time, including nights and weekends, with possible deployment to locations other than Austin Public Health.
• This position is eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness ( PSF ) Program. This federal program is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer.

If you are selected to interview:

• Military/Veterans must provide a copy of their DD214 at the time of the initial interview to receive military/veteran interview preference
• This position will require a pre-employment Criminal Background Investigation ( CBI ).
• If you are identified as a top candidate, verification of your education, which may include High School graduation or GED , undergraduate, and/or graduate degrees, will be required.

Electronic Notification to Applications:

• Applicants will be notified via e-mail to communicate important information related to the status of their application as part of an ongoing effort to increase operational efficiency, promote a green environment, and minimize delays and costs.
• Please ensure that the email address and contact information you provide are current, secure, and readily accessible to you. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our e-mails or fail to check your inbox in a timely manner.
• Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. Please note that the Department may close the job posting at any time after 7 days
• When public health responds to an emergency, you may be assigned activities outside your job description. This may involve responding anytime, including nights and weekends, with possible deployment to locations other than the Austin Public Health.
• This position is eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness ( PSF ) Program. This federal program is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans.

Travel:

If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

Tobacco-free Workplace
The City of Austin is a tobacco-free workplace. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any City of Austin worksite- including construction sites, parking lots, garages, or in personal vehicles parked on the premises
Pay Range
$27.41 - $33.30

Hours
Monday-Friday;
7:45 a.m.- 4:45 p.m., late nights and weekends as scheduled.
Job Close Date 04/21/2025 Type of Posting External Department Austin Public Health Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location 1520 Rutherford Ln Austin, TX 78754 Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Experience:

• Bilingual preferred but not required
• Strong background in food and mobile inspections
• Strong familiarity with the 2017 FDA Food Code
• Completion of FDA voluntary Standard #2 for training
• Ability and willingness to work nights and weekends

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
Enforces state, county and local health and safety codes and ordinances with the authority to close businesses and facilities for administrative and health hazard violations. Provides 24/7/365 City/County wide emergency response to public health and environmental emergencies. Issues citations, notices of violation, and service requests, and is authorized to impose re-inspection fees/penalties. Files criminal cases when applicable with the appropriate court of law and provides expert witness testimony in subsequent litigation. Coordinates, directs and/or conducts inspections and investigations in a variety of environmental settings for the purposes of protecting the public health and safety. Excludes or restricts employee work conditions based on Texas Administrative Code regulations. Provides field audits and second opinions of inspections and investigations. Investigates citizen complaints of any location, business or residence if probable cause exists of a public health hazard and develops plan for best practices and compliance. Detains food or equipment and requires the destruction of product which may be contaminated or pose a health hazard. Collects and analyzes samples and data and provides recommendations. Conducts meetings, staff training, and presentations for public education. Develops public education programs. Develops, generates and submits surveys and incident reports. Maintains database/documentation.

Responsibilities- Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:

• Provides leadership and training to Environmental Health Officer I and II positions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of the principles, interpretation, and administration of applicable policies, codes, and municipal, State, Federal regulations and guidelines.
• Knowledge of the methods required in reading and interpreting maps and/or plans.
• Knowledge of computer programs such as databases and word processing.
• Knowledge of proper safety practices, procedures and regulations applicable to work being performed.
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety codes, ordinances and regulations.
• Skill in analyzing professional engineered drawings and specifications for approval.
• Skill in analyzing research to determine applicable ordinances, codes, regulations, and statutes.
• Skill in resolving problems or situations requiring the exercise of good judgment.
• Skill in preparing clear and concise written reports, and in presenting data to provide timely management information.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships other City employees, contractors and the public
• Skill in communicating, orally and in writing, any violation and the requirements for its improvement and/or rehabilitation to architects, contractors, developers, other City staff, and the public to achieve voluntary compliance.
• Skill in making accurate measurements and computations, and in maintaining records.
• Ability to use digital camera and personal, laptop, and/or notebook computer.
• Ability to use effective time management to meet Federal, State, City, Department, and Division mandated deadlines.

Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* The minimum qualifications for the Environmental Health Officer III position are: Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with at least thirty (30) semester hours of natural or basic Science, three (3) years’ experience in the field of Environmental Health, and Registered in the State of Texas as a Professional Sanitarian. Do you meet these minimum qualifications?

• Yes
• No

* Have you successful completed the State of Texas Sanitarian Registration exam?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires a Texas Class C Drivers License. Do you have a Texas Class C Drivers License or if selected for this position, do you have the ability to acquire a Texas Class C Drivers License by your hire date?

• Yes
• No

* The City of Austin Driver Eligibility Standards require that External New Hires meet the City’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months. Do you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

* Due to working in high risk areas, applicants applying for this position must comply with the departments immunization policy as a condition of employment. Can you meet this requirement?

• Yes, I will comply to the vaccinations required by the APH department
• No, I cannot meet this requirement

* This position requires a criminal background investigation (CBI). By selecting the following, you are acknowledging that you understand if you are selected as a top candidate for this position, you will need a successful CBI to be hired.

• I acknowledge and understand this position requires a Criminal Background Investigation.

* Have you been standardized in Retail Food Inspections according to FDA Voluntary Standard #2 by a Local or State Health Agency?

• Yes
• No

* Are you bilingual in English/Spanish or English/other language?

• Fluent in two or more languages - read, write, speak
• Bilingual and able to speak in a second language
• Bilingual and understand if someone is speaking to me in a second language
• None of the above

* Please describe your familiarity with the 2017 FDA Food Code in detail.
(Open Ended Question)
* Are you willing to work varied hours to include evenings, and weekend day(s)?

• Yes
• No

* In the prior twelve months have you been employed by, owned any interest in, or been an officer or board member, for any business entity, including a non-profit organization, that is transacting any business with the City of Austin, including a recipient of any contracts, grants, or any funds of any kind from the City of Austin?

• Yes
• No
• Don't know

* If you answered yes to the question above, please describe your experience?
(Open Ended Question)


Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Cover Letter Resume Optional Documents