ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST III

Job Description:

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST III

Description

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
The Houston Health Department is actively seeking a skilled and talented Environmental Health Specialist III to perform the core functions below:

• Conducts pre-opening inspections for regulated establishments to ensure compliance with applicable public health regulations, codes, and operational requirements.
  
• Reviews and evaluates inspection requests, coordinates with applicants and internal stakeholders, and supports timely completion of the business permitting process.
  
• Works collaboratively with Health Plan Review and Houston Permitting Center staff to improve workflow coordination, resolve inspection-related issues, and enhance customer service delivery.
  
• Performs technical reviews, provides guidance to business owners and operators regarding inspection requirements, and assist applicants in navigating the permitting and approval process.
  
• Identifies process improvements and recommend operational changes to improve inspection efficiency, reduce delays, and maintain established service expectations.
  
• Coordinates with departmental staff to ensure inspections are completed accurately, consistently, and in alignment with public health standards.
  
• Provides technical expertise, guidance, and support to internal and external stakeholders regarding environmental health requirements and procedures.
  
• Assists with managing inspection workloads, reducing service backlogs, and maintaining operational capacity as business development and permitting activity continues to increase

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 Bachelor's 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 Houston's 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 candidate's 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 individual's 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

Closing Date/Time: 7/30/2026 11:59 PM Central

Salary:

$2,326.00 - $2,726.00 Biweekly