Zoonosis Control Branch/Legislative Coordinator

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Employee Benefits:

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). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Functional Title: Zoonosis Control Branch/Legislative Coordinator

Job Title: Program Specialist VI

Agency: Dept of State Health Services

Department: Zoonosis

Posting Number: 20880

Closing Date: 09/25/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science

Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $6,701.75

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23

Shift: Day

Additional Shift:

Telework: Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 10%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

Facility Location:

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DHT)

Other Locations:

MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS

Brief Job Description:

Performs highly advanced (senior level) technical assistance work and consultative services for the Zoonosis Control Branch. Manages, plans, develops, and implements diverse technical programs, including the Animal Control Officer training instructor and course reviews and approvals, euthanasia training course reviews and approvals and any other zoonosis-specific grants. Serves as the Zoonosis Control program's legislative coordinator and consultant on program-related statutes and administrative rules. Develops guidelines, procedures, policies, and rules. This position is responsible for shaping, developing, and managing major Zoonosis Control Branch publications and related communications. Provides training and advisory services to staff statewide on the topics listed above. Prepares applications for and manages continuing education for training offered by the program. Provides consultative services and technical assistance to these entities and to the general public. Exercises independent judgment with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment under minimal supervision.

Essential Job Functions:

(25%) Reviews legislative bills and prepares bill analyses in coordination with the DSE liaison. Interprets and disseminates Branch updates within DSHS, oversees complaint processing system and solicits and evaluates comments in order to propose and prepare recommendations and justifications for changes to the agency Rules; conducts extensive research, prepares language, writes, and processes amendments for the agency Rules; oversees compliance with statutes and rules pertinent to the Branch; works with statewide staff to resolve administrative problems, and implements conflict resolution techniques in controversial settings.

(25%) Plans, develops, administers, and manages the legislative-mandated Animal Control Officer (ACO) Training Program; prepares and implements statewide ACO program training guidelines, policies, protocols, and procedures and oversees compliance; establishes program goals and objectives; prepares training course exams and supervises grading process; develops, updates, and edits material for the ACO Training Manual; approves and documents basic and continuing education courses for non-DSHS ACO courses; Plans, develops, administers, and manages the legislative-mandated euthanasia course approval process for statewide courses, including developing protocols, approving courses, communicating with course sponsors, determining trends, and overseeing web and database updates.

(25%) Performs high-level document review, assuring materials are accurate, clear, concise, easily understood by the target audience, and submitted on time. Proofreads and edits articles, reports, internet postings, web page articles, and letters produced by the Branch, including highly technical documents. Proofs information prepared for press releases. Evaluates and revises educational materials. Serves as Publications Coordinator for the Branch. Consults with the public and prepares materials in response to requests. Manages and develops standard operating procedures. reviews, evaluates, implements, and oversees compliance with program policies, procedures, and guidelines; prepares agency reports as directed;

15% Manages processes for obtaining continuing education for ZCB programs including for the annual Diseases in Nature conference.

(10%) Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. ZCB is an active partner for disaster response activities. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of public health principles.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws relating to public health.
• Knowledge of program policies with the Zoonosis Control Branch.
• Knowledge of public administration and management techniques.
• Knowledge of formal rulemaking requirements for state agencies.
• Knowledge of Texas legislative and appropriations process.
• Skill in bill analysis and tracking and in monitoring and coordinating responses to legislative and other inquiries.
• Skill in strategic planning and goal setting.
• Skill in the use of computer for word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Skills in gathering, analyzing, and explaining complex information.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Skill in conducting and facilitating meetings.
• Ability to manage and direct multiple program activities.
• Ability to analyze proposed legislation and its policy and fiscal impact on programs.
• Ability to complete bill analysis and monitor developments.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and activities concurrently.
• Ability to establish goals and objectives.
• Ability to devise and implement solutions to problems.
• Ability to write, develop, implement and evaluate administrative policies and procedures.
• Ability to express complex ideas clearly and accurately both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively with a variety of individuals and groups.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. Master's degree preferred.

2. Experience leading and coordinating projects.

3. Experience with policy analysis and financial impact.

4. Experience working with multidisciplinary teams.

5. Experience writing for high visibility and diverse audiences.

6. Experience with bill analysis preferred.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 form