Environmental Health Officer III- Austin Public Health

About This Position

 

 

Job Description:

Purpose:

Under the jurisdiction of the Austin/Travis County Health Authority, using professional skills and comprehensive environmental health knowledge, this position administers the environmental health program by conducting inspections and investigations in the enforcement of public health protection laws, codes, ordinances and regulations. May coordinate and lead environmental health program activities; conduct inspections and investigations in specialty areas; and provide public education.

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 - Supervisor 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.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual preferred but not required
• Strong background in Food, Pool, and Mobile Inspections
• Strong familiarity with the 2017 FDA food code
• Completion of FDA voluntary Standard #2 for training
• Ability and willingness to work occasional nights and weekends

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• 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.

 

Compensation Range:

Notes to Candidate:

Position Overview:

• Positions will complete inspections and conduct investigations of food establishments, mobile food vending units, temporary food events, central preparation facilities, farmers market food permits, food vending machines, swimming pools/spas, custodial care facilities, and environmental complaints.
• These positions will be required to review site plans and conduct pre-opening inspections for new and existing swimming pools and food establishments. HACCP plan reviews and other technical work will be assigned, as needed.
• These positions provide leadership and training to Environmental Health Officer I and Il positions.
• 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.

Location:

1520 Rutherford Lane, Building 1, Austin, TX 78754

General Work Schedule:

Monday – Friday 7:45 AM to 4:45 PM

*Occasional nights and weekends

Who We Are:

Austin Public Health (APH) works to ensure that the community is protected from disease and other public health threats, and to empower others to live healthier, safer lives. This position supports Austin Public Health’s Mission and Core Purpose identified in the Austin Public Health Strategic Plan.

 Visit our website to learn more about what services, programs, and resources our team at Austin Public Health provides to the Greater Austin community. 

Why Join Us?Meaningful Work
Contribute to services and programs that improve the lives of the people in our community. Your work directly enables our department to deliver tangible resources, knowledge, and services in high-impact areas.

Innovation and Collaboration
Collaborate with diverse and talented teams, leveraging technology, continuous improvement, and best practices to drive progress and deliver meaningful services to the Greater Austin Area.

Professional Growth and Development
Achieve your professional goals. APH offers opportunities to advance in multiple career paths, including nursing, medical fields, program management, environmental health, finance, business administration, process improvement, and data analytics. Education assistance is available through our tuition reimbursement program, and other financial and professional development support for continuing education, licenses, and certifications may be available.

Work-Life Balance
Enjoy a balanced lifestyle in a city renowned for its quality of life, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences. Our employees also enjoy the ability to work up to 60% remotely, depending upon position and business needs. 

Health and WellnessThe City of Austin is committed to providing cost-effective, sustainable benefits that assist employees in being physically and mentally healthy. For employees that are covered this includes low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities and more. Click here to review the City of Austin's Employee Benefits Guide. To learn more about working with the City of Austin, click here to watch a short video!   

Application Details:A detailed, complete City of Austin employment application is required to help us better evaluate your qualifications. Please be thorough in completing the employment application and list all experience that is relevant to this position.If you are selected as the top candidate for a position, we may be contacting your current and former employer listed on the application for reference checks as a part of the pre-employment verification process.If you are identified as a top candidate, verification of your education, which may include High School graduation or GED equivalent, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees, will be required depending on position requirements. 

Additional Details: This position may require a skills assessment.The Austin Public Health Department may close this job posting at any time after it has been advertised for seven (7) days, please apply as soon as possible if interested.Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submissions, must be fully completed before that time. We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system. This position will require a pre-employment Criminal Background Investigation (CBI).

Immunization Requirement:Austin Public Health employees must comply with the department’s immunization policy. Proof of having had certain vaccinations is required for employees that work in an environment that involves face-to-face interaction with pregnant women, infants, children, STI/TB clients, immunocompromised clients, and clients at high risk for TB on a routine basis. 

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. 

Travel:The Austin Public Health Department is comprised of multiple facilities located throughout the Greater Austin area. If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Record Evaluation  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. 

Driving Requirement:This position requires a Valid Texas Class "C" Driver's License. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin'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.

 Hybrid Work Environment:The City of Austin Telework Program is designed to empower employees and leaders to establish hybrid work arrangements that promote high levels of performance and engagement. The City of Austin has an established work arrangement under which an employee is scheduled to work at least 2 days per week at their designated worksite, depending on the position. Some positions may require additional time at their designated worksite. 

90 Day Provision for Additional Vacancy:If the same or an additional vacancy occurs within the Austin Public Health Department in the same job title within 90 days after the start date of the top candidate, the additional position may be offered to another top candidate from the same candidate pool. This may include filling other vacancies with the same job title in other division/work locations within the Austin Public Health Department. Decisions on assigned selection may be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Links:(APH Strategic Plan.pdf | Powered by Box)(Austin Public Health | City of Austin | AustinTexas.gov)(coa-driver-safety-standards.pdf)(https://www.austintexas.gov/department/active-employee-benefits)(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmXyHwXyMbg) 

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JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

 

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

 

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

• Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.

• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.

• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.

• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

 

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

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EEO Statement for City of Austin:

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.

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.