Job Details

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Houston, TX
Job Type: Regular Full-time
Job Number: 15736
Department: Public Health Services
Division: Environmental Public Health
Opening Date: 11/13/2025
Closing Date: 12/13/2025 11:59 PM Central

Position Description
Job Description

If you're looking to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make an impact, explore our current opportunities in creating a better future for public health.
About Harris County Public Health

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.
Position Overview

The EPH, Investigator, Food conducts inspections, investigate complaints, and maintain records regarding food establishments to determine compliance with state and county laws, rules, and regulations. Must be a self-starter, able to work independently without daily supervision. Must be able to use discretionary judgment in routine fieldwork, be able to defuse difficult situations with tact and diplomacy, and follow the policies and guidelines established by the county, the department, and the division.
Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct routine and permitting inspections, re-inspections, and surveys of food establishments to determine compliance with the Texas Food Establishment, the Texas Health & Safety Code, and the Harris County Rules for the Regulation of Food Establishments. Conduct premise inspections of childcare centers. This includes the ability to clearly document and communicate regulations, rules, food safety subjects, etc. to the public, food establishment operators, and complainants while maintaining a professional, courteous attitude.
• Investigate and take appropriate action on food complaints from citizens.
• Be able to complete and document assigned work according to policy and procedure using computers, reports, and established priorities to maintain thorough record keeping.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer



If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) ###-#### or email

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements
Education:

• Bachelor's degree with 30 hours in basic or natural science from an accredited college or university.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Must have a valid Driver's License (TX upon hire)
• Must be able to pass a National or Texas Registered Sanitarian exam and Texas Noncommercial Pesticide Applicator License within 18 months of hire.

Core Competencies:

Organizational Leadership

• Understands the organizational mission
• Understands ethics and public good; is concerned with public trust
• Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others

Collaboration

• Contributes to an inclusive workplace where equity, diversity, inclusion, and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission
• Demonstrates a sense of responsibility for the success of the group
• Collaborates with others to improve quality and address needs

Innovation

• Ability to adapt to change

Interpersonal Abilities/Personal Characteristics

• Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect
• Behaves in an honest, fair, and ethical manner
• Assesses and recognizes own strengths and weaknesses
• Uses sound judgment
• Self-motivated
• Organizes and maintains work environment to allow for maximum productivity

Communication

• Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
General Information
Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work

• Full-Time | Special Revenue
• Monday - Friday | 8 am - 5 pm
• Other days and hours as necessary.

Work Environment

• This job operates in a professional office environment.
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and printers.

Physical Demands

• This is a largely sedentary role; however, some duties would require the ability to lift up to 20 pounds and bending and standing for periods at a time.

Work Location:

• Harris County Public Health: 1111 Fannin St. Houston, TX 77002

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO RideSponsor Program*

* Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:
01

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position?

• High School or GED diploma
• Associate degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher
• N/A; No Degree

02

If you selected a college degree on the previous question, does your degree include a minimum of 30 hours in basic or natural science?

• Yes, I have completed 30 Hours in Basic or Natural Science.
• No, I have not completed 30 Hours in Basic or Natural Science.
• N/A; No Degree.

03

This role requires a Valid Driver's License (Texas upon hire). Do you have a Valid Driver's License?

• I have a valid Texas driver's license.
• I have a valid driver's license from another state but can obtain a Texas license upon hire.
• I do not have a valid driver's license.

04

This position requires the employee to pass a National or Texas Registered Sanitarian exam and Texas Noncommercial Pesticide Applicator within 18 months of hire. Are you able to meet the requirement(s) above?

• Yes, I am able to meet this requirement.
• No, I am not able to meet this requirement.
• I currently hold the license.

Required Question