Environmental Protect Spec III

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: Environmental Protect Spec III 
Job Title: Environmental Protect Spcl III 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Food & Drug 
Posting Number: 17548 
Closing Date: 06/19/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Range: $4,263.16 - $6,779.25 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 20% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: CORPUS CHRISTI 
Job Location Address: 5155 FLYNN PKWY 
Other Locations: Corpus Christi 
MOS Codes: 8056,8831,180X,1S0X1,3E9X1,43EX,43HX,4B0X1,4E0X1,680X,92W,AG,MSSR,MST,OAP14,OAR15 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description: 

Under the direction of the Seafood and Aquatic Life Operations Group manager, reviews program activities in the classification of shellfish growing areas and certification of shellfish shippers and crab meat pickers. Primary duties are to implement and review the Seafood and Aquatic Life group activities which includes technical expertise and participating in the timely and proper collection of sanitary survey information, collection of bay water and raw product samples, computer entry of data, review of information and data, and report writing. Work includes extensive boating activities, some of which are necessary during adverse weather conditions. Maintenance of all equipment assocaited with marine activities.  Computer tasks using word processing and data entry.  Emergency operations may be required at odd hours and days in order to protect public health. Duties also include providing technical support and participating in conducting shellfish and crab meat plant inspections; becoming standardized in Seafood Safety Program inspection procedures including Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles. Will review functions of the Corpus Christi Seafood and Aquatic Life group duties, to ensure compliance with federal and state requirements. 

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):  

EJF 1. Collect and review collection of aquatic survey information and samples which includes operation of state trucks pulling boat trailers and operation of state boats, marine equipment and marine sampling equipment. Properly maintain trucks, trailers, boats, equipment and supplies. Collect rainfall data, river stage and important bay and weather events; evaluate technical data utlilizing statistics and relate the data to complex hydrologic and meteorologic events; enter and calculate data in computer system; and draft survey reports which combine and evaluate all information and which reach conclusions recommending classifications. (% of time = 40 %)

EJF 2. Conduct and review conducting of inspections of shellfish shippers and crab meat pickers including; preparing and reviewing inspection reports; preparing reports or other evidence for administrative or judical proceedings; providing industry training; and training state inspector(s). Reports and other documents are prepared using word processing and database software. (% of time = 20 %)

EJF 3. Communicate with other state agencies and the public. Participate in meetings and discussions with other state and federal agencies to share information on survey and sampling activities and procedures and to develop new guidelines, standards, or procedures.  Report media inquires and assist in distribution of information to the public including preparation and distribution of materials, and personal presentations to the public as directed. Provide technical information and assistance to the public by receiving and investigating calls and disseminating as appropriate. Assist in responding to public health needs including, but not limited to, disease outbreaks, biological, environmental, and weather emergencies. (% of time = 10 %)

EJF 4. Keep the group manager informed on activities, incidences and progress through supervisory channels, phone calls and required monthly reports. Keep close liaison with other Seafood Safety and Aquatic Life Operations Group for coordination of activities. Assist in coordinating staff to accomplish the mission of the Seafood Safety and Aquatic Life Group efficiently and cost effectively. (% of time = 10 %)

EJF 5. Prepare or review Purchase Request Forms (PRF) for submittal to Seafood and Aquatic Life Operations Group manager. Prepare specifications for needed equipment used in the field offices for sampling. Anticipate purchasing needs and forward to Seafood and Aquatic Life Operations Group manager. (% of time = 10 %)

ESF 6. Completes electronic travel reports, monthly activity reports, time sheets, and other Division and Department reports as required. Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business, and an acceptable driving record must be maintained. (% of time =5%)

EJF 7. Other duties as assigned by the group manager (marginal function). (% of time = 5 %)

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Possess a valid Texas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): 

Knowledge of the principles and practices of general sanitation, including Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)  in the shellfish and crab processing industries.

Knowledge of environmental sampling principles.

Knowledge of structure and function of public health organizations.

Knowledge of state and local statues and ordinances related to processig of oysters and crabs.

Knowledge of state and local laws, regulations and standards relating to seafood safety and environmental health. 

Knowledge of Seafood and Aquatic Life Operations Group certification process.

Knowledge of National Shellfish Sanitation Program requirements for classifying shellfish growing areas.

Skilled in the use of personal computers and related equipment including word processing and data entry.

Skilled in maintaining writing and preparing reports.

Skilled in use of boat and marine equipment to carry out the survey operations on the boat; in the use of mechanical tools to perform routine maintenance on state vehicles and boats.

Skilled  in navigation and safety procedures aboard boats.

Skilled in environmental sampling techniques.

Ability to conduct inspections of oyster and crap processing facilities.

Ability to perform mathematical calculations.

Ability to express ideas, both verbally and written, in clear and precise manner.

Ability  to exercise sound judgement in evaluating and making decisions.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of personnel, public officials, and the general public. 

Ability to review, coordinate and participate in team efforts.

Ability to direct bay crew activities; plan and execute sampling trips; propose classification changes; interpret sample results; and perform basic statistical analysis.

Ability to move 50 pounds, swim and enter into and out of a boat while on a trailer or in the water

and maneuver on deck.

Ability to operate a motor vehicle (including maneuvering large trailers), operate boats and marine sampling equipment, climb and move over architectural barriers.

Initial Screening Criteria: 

Required:

Graduation from a college or university of recognized standing with a bachelor’s degree with at least 30 semester hours in basic science or natural science.

Experience in operation of boats.

Must be available to occasionally workon weekends or holidays.

Prefered:

Experience collecting environmental samples in a marine environment.

Experience pulling a boat and trailer.

Experience conducting sanitation inspections.

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 [email protected].

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