Branch Team Lead

Date: Jul 23, 2026

Location:

HOUSTON, 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. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

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.

Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.

Functional Title: Branch Team LeadJob Title: Sanitarian IVAgency: Dept of State Health ServicesDepartment: Food & DrugPosting Number: 19334Closing Date: 08/06/2026Posting Audience: Internal and ExternalOccupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social ScienceSalary Range: $5,425.33 - $8,886.16Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24Shift: Day

Additional Shift

Telework: Not Eligible for TeleworkTravel: Up to 50%Regular/Temporary: RegularFull Time/Part Time: Full timeFLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: NonexemptFacility Location: Job Location City: HOUSTONJob Location Address: 5425 POLK STOther Locations: Houston; Abilene; Alamo; Alice; Alpine; Alvin; Amarillo; Anahuac; Andrews; Angleton; Anson; Aransas Pass; Archer City; Arlington; Athens; Atlanta; Austin; Bacliff; Ballinger; Bandera; Bastrop; Bay City; Baytown; Beaumont; Bedford; Beeville; Bellville; Big Spring; Boerne; Bonham; Borger; Bowie; Brady; Breckenridge; Brenham; Brownfield; Brownsville; Brownwood; Bryan; Burnet; Caldwell; Cameron; Canton; Canutillo; Carlsbad; Carrizo Springs; Carrollton; Carthage; Center; Centerville; Childress; Clarksville; Cleburne; Cleveland; Coldspring; Columbus; Conroe; Copperas Cove; Corpus Christi; Corsicana; Crockett; Crosby; Crystal City; Cuero; Cypress; Daingerfield; Dallas; Decatur; Del Rio; Denton; Dickinson; Dumas; Duncanville; Eagle Pass; Eastland; Edinburg; El Paso; Elgin; Elsa; Ennis; Fabens; Falfurrias; Floresville; Fort Stockton; Fort Worth; Fredericksburg; Gainesville; Galveston; Garland; Gatesville; Georgetown; Giddings; Gilmer; Goliad; Gonzales; Graham; Granbury; Grand Prairie; Grapevine; Greenville; Hallettsville; Hamilton; Harlingen; Haskell; Hearne; Hemphill; Hempstead; Henderson; Hereford; Hillsboro; Hondo; Humble; Huntsville; Hurst; Irving; Jacksonville; Jasper; Johnson City; Jourdanton; Karnes City; Katy; Kaufman; Kerrville; Killeen; Kingsville; Kingwood; Kirbyville; La Grange; Lake Jackson; Lake Worth; Lamesa; Lampasas; Lancaster; Laredo; Levelland; Lewisville; Liberty; Linden; Littlefield; Livingston; Llano; Lockhart; Longview; Lubbock; Lufkin; Lumberton; Madisonville; Marble Falls; Marfa; Marlin; Marshall; Mcallen; Mckinney; Mercedes; Meridian; Mesquite; Mexia; Midland; Mineola; Mineral Wells; Mission; Monahans; Mount Pleasant; Mount Vernon; Nacogdoches; Navasota; New Boston; New Braunfels; Odessa; Orange; Palestine; Pampa; Paris; Pasadena; Pearland; Pearsall; Pecos; Perryton; Pharr; Pittsburg; Plainview; Plano; Pollok; Port Arthur; Port Lavaca; Presidio; Quitman; Raymondville; Refugio; Richardson; Richmond; Rio Grande City; Robstown; Rockwall; Rosenberg; Round Rock; Rowlett; Rusk; San Angelo; San Antonio; San Benito; San Juan; San Marcos; San Saba; Schertz; Seguin; Seminole; Seymour; Sherman; Silsbee; Sinton; Snyder; Socorro; Sonora; South Houston; Stephenville; Sugar Land; Sulphur Springs; Sweetwater; Taylor; Temple; Terrell; Texarkana; Texas City; The Woodlands; Tomball; Trinity; Tyler; Uvalde; Van Horn; Vernon; Victoria; Waco; Washington; Watauga; Waxahachie; Weatherford; Webster; Weslaco; Wharton; Wichita Falls; Woodville; ZapataMOS Codes: 8056,43HX,4E0X1,68S,740A,74A,74D,92W,MSSR,MST

Brief Job Description

This job posting is for three Sanitarian IV positions. One of the three positions will be headquartered in the “Houston” area (i.e. Harris, or surrounding counties). One position will be headquartered in the “Coastal” area (i.e. Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Victoria, or surrounding counties). One position will be headquartered in the “East” area of the state (i.e. Jefferson, Montgomery, Bell, McLennan, or surrounding counties). The program is currently hiring a total of eleven Sanitarian IV positions throughout the state on four separate postings. Any candidate interested in Sanitarian IV job opportunities in counties of the state not included in this job posting, must submit a separate application for each of the four job postings with counties of interest, to be considered for each.

Under the supervision of the Manufactured & Retail Foods Branch Manager, performs highly advanced, senior-level environmental sanitation inspection work. Assists the manager and works closely with staff. Inspects food manufacturers, retail food stores, public-school cafeterias, mobile food vendors, youth camps, swimming pools, playgrounds, and private water supplies.

Coordinates with staff from other Manufactured & Retail Food Branches to plan and assign inspections and training, disseminate information, and prepare compliance cases. Prepares and delivers presentations to internal and external stakeholders. Works under minimal direction, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. May participate in overnight travel and be on call or available to respond to emergencies as needed.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

(35%) Assists the manager in ensuring the Branch follows standards set forth by the Food and Drug Section, Manufactured & Retail Food Unit. Participates in planning and implementing goals for the Branch. Works closely with staff to complete complex inspections and meet training needs.

(25%) Serves as a subject matter expert. Provides information and assistance to internal and external stakeholders. Prepares technical presentations, as requested. Assists with stakeholder engagement and reviews reports. Prepares and presents compliance cases. Participates in educational programs and training, as directed.

(25%) Investigates complaints involving licensed and unlicensed activity and prepares detailed reports of findings. Investigates foodborne illness outbreaks and documents findings. Conducts special investigations and other special assignments, as directed. Provides training, including joint field inspections and review of inspection reports.

(10%) Conducts inspections. Prepares highly technical inspection reports that include photos, samples, and other exhibits to document inspection findings. Completes detentions and destructions according to policy.

(5%) Other duties 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. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or a change of locations. Serves as backup to the Branch Manager. Assists with report review and preparing compliance cases for other programs in the Food and Drug Section, as directed.

Knowledge Of

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

• Federal and state laws, regulations, processes and procedures related to manufactured foods, retail foods, youth camps, and public sanitation;
• inspection and investigation methods and techniques;
• technical aspects of regulated industries, regulatory principles and processes; and
• training and leadership principles.
  
  

Skill In

• effective and professional verbal and written communication, including detailed technical reports;
• problem solving and decision making;
• responding to difficult and sensitive situations, especially when conducting an investigation; and
• word processing, databases, and spreadsheets for submission of written correspondence, reports, and presentations.
  
  

Ability To

• oversee the work of others, provide training, and lead complex inspections and investigations;
• organize and prioritize workload to meet deadlines;
• develop and implement policies and procedures;
• interpret state and federal laws and rules;
• provide own transportation and travel to fulfill job duties;
• work outside normal business hours and adjust work week to accommodate workload; and
• be available for emergency or disaster response (24 hours on call).
  
  

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

• Must be registered as a professional sanitarian by the State of Texas.
• Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state.
  
  

Initial Screening Criteria

• Must be registered as a professional sanitarian by the State of Texas.
• At least four (4) years of combined experience conducting manufactured foods, retail foods, youth camp, or public sanitation inspection.
• Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state.
  
  

Additional Information

• PLEASE NOTE: Your application must demonstrate how you meet the initial selection criteria.
• This position may require overtime, extended hours, and/or hours outside of the normal 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday schedule.
• Consideration will be given to known past job performance, if applicable, and prior work history.
  
  

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
  
  

Nearest Major Market: Houston