ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST III

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST III

Salary

$2,464.58 - $2,646.23 Biweekly

Location

8000 N. Stadium

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

38806

Department

Houston Health Department

Opening Date

05/12/2026

Closing Date

5/18/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications Accepted From: All Persons Interested

Location: 8000 N. Stadium Dr.

Division: Environmental Health

Section: Consumer Health

Workdays & Hours: Monday Friday 8:00 AM 4:30 PM*

• Subject to Change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs Pre-Opening, Change of Ownership and routine inspections for various establishments or locations (i.e., Bush and Hobby Airports, wholesale, and manufacturing facilities, retail food establishments, swimming pools and schools) for health code compliance.
• Reviews architectural blueprints of new establishments and analyzes construction and material standards for compliance with City health ordinances.
• May perform and coordinate efforts for disaster and emergency response actions, including monitoring shelters.
• Coordinates inspections for Farmers Markets and Sporting Venues within the City of Houston.
• Reviews HACCP Plans for approval
• Teaches Food Handler and Food Manager Certification Classes.
• Investigates community health complaints, such as sewage overflows, storm water, foodborne illness, illegal dumping, aquatic facilities, and reports of poor sanitation in public establishments or private property, explains City, State and Federal Health ordinances, statutes, regulations, and recommends corrective action, performs follow-up inspections, issues warnings or citations.
• Performs environmental sampling and transports samples to the laboratory.
• Act as a lead on high priority public health investigations, such as large foodborne illness investigations, major clean water violation cases, and other case developments.
• Coordinates training of new employees and offers feedback, guidance and support while in the field and in areas of advance food safety knowledge and concepts such as Specialized Processes, Variances, and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Plans.
• Assist operators and constituents with health code questions.
• Interfaces with other technical disciplines and departments on code enforcement and plan review processes.

WORKING CONDITIONS

There are routine discomforts from exposure to moderate heat, smoke, cold, moisture/wetness and unpleasant air conditions and odors. The position may involve routine exposure to soiled materials and light chemical substances such as cleaning solutions. This position will also be exposed to tight spaces such as mobile food units, walk in coolers and storage rooms.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Requires a Bachelors degree, which includes 30 semester hours in basic or applied science courses, is required.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Three (3) years of experience in a related environmental health field are required.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

A State of Texas Registered Sanitarian Certificate is required.

A valid Texas driver license and compliance with the City of Houstons policy on driving (AP 2-2) is required.

PREFERENCES

Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.

• Spanish Speaking/ bilingual
• Applicant should have in-depth knowledge of:
• -City of Houston Chapter 20 Code of Ordinances
• -Texas Food Establishment Rules
• -FDA Model Food Code

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED Yes

The selection process will involve application review and/or interview. All eligible applicants must pass the written evaluation process.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION Yes

If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION: GENERAL AND SPECIAL FUNDS

Special funded positions are dependent upon continued available funds. If funding is no longer available, employee may be laid off or transferred. Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidates qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

Pay Grade 21

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting:http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.com or call 832.393.4882.

If you need special services or accommodations, call 832.393.4882. (TTY 7-1-1)

If you need login assistance or technical support please call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

EOE Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individuals sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable Sick Leave
• Personal Leave
• Flexible schedules
• Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html

01

Which of following best describes your highest level of education obtained?

• Bachelors Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environment Health Engineering or a closely related field
• Masters Degree or higher in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Health Engineering or a closely related degree
• None of the above

02

How many years of experience do you have in a related environmental health field?

• Less than 3 years of experience in a related environmental health field
• 3 years or more of experience in a related environmental health field
• I do not have any experience in a related environmental health field.

03

Are you currently a Registered Sanitarian in the state of Texas?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have a Bachelors degree with at least 30 semester hours of basic or applied science courses?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have a valid Texas drivers license?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have experience reviewing plans?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have advanced experience in food and/or pool safety?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you have food safety knowledge in Specialized Processes and the application of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) concepts?

• Yes
• No

09

Do you have the ability to pass a background check for access to airport facilities with strict security guidelines?

• Yes
• No

10

Are you willing to work nights and weekends if and when necessary?

• Yes
• No

11

Are you a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces (United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) for more than 90 consecutive days and received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Houston

Address 901 Bagby St

Houston, Texas, 77002

Website https://www.houstontx.gov/