Community Service Inspector (Drinking Water Operations)

City of Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Houston seeks a field-focused employee for the Houston Water/Drinking Water Operations team. The role involves investigating service requests, updating work orders, and responding to inquiries from residents and officials. Strong record-keeping and ability to read drawings are essential.

You will use scanners, tablets, and field tools, ensuring safety at job sites while supporting timely reporting and documentation. Travel to sites is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; up to 18 months of specialized education or training.
• 1 year of experience related to customer service or an inspection area, journey-level may be required after apprenticeship.
• Preferred experience with water utility assets and basic computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Investigate water distribution service requests and update the work order system.
• Respond to complaints and inquiries from citizens, City officials, agencies, and contractors.
• Ensure job sites are safe and secure for public protection and document activities.
• Read and interpret drawings and maps to verify locations of mains, hydrants, valves, and utilities.
• Use tools and devices such as scanners, computers, tablets, pumps, and keys as required.
• Travel to and from job sites as needed and perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Customer service

Inspection work

GIS

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

INFOR IPS or similar work order system

GIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Overview

Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

Service Line/Section:

Houston Water/Drinking Water Operations

Reporting Location:

Houston, Texas, USA*

Workdays & Hours:

Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 4:00pm; 10:00pm - 6:00am *

• Subject to change

Description Of Duties/Essential Functions

Investigates water distribution service requests. Review and update service request and work order system to ensure information is updated and closed out in a timely manner. Respond to complaints/inquiries from citizens, City officials or outside agencies, civic groups, contractors, technical professionals, and businesses. Ensure all job sites are safe and secure, for the protection of the public. Perform detailed record-keeping activities to maintain filing systems, reports, and documentation. Ensure that all work orders, activity reports, photo logs/uploads, etc. are completed in a timely, accurate, and efficient manner. Prepare and submit various technical reports. Read and understand drawings and maps to verify locations of mains, valves, fire hydrants, service lines, manholes, and other utilities. Has the knowledge and capability to use tools and devices such as scanners, computers, tablets, manual water pumps, valve keys, etc. as required. Perform other duties as assigned. This position is required to drive to and from job sites.

Working Conditions

This position routinely requires lifting moderately heavy items (up to 40 pounds) and/or very long periods of walking on rough surfaces on a routine basis. There are routine discomforts from exposure to moderate heat, cold, moisture/wetness and unpleasant air conditions.

Emergency Management Position

This is a Houston Public Works Emergency Management position at the Tier I Level.

Minimum Requirements

Educational Requirements

Requires a high school diploma or a GED certificate and up to eighteen months of specialized education or training in a specific area or trade.

Experience Requirements

One (1) year of experience related to customer service or an area of inspection to be performed is required.

Depending on the area of specialty, the position may require the experience listed above to be journey level, received after completion of an apprenticeship program.

Minimum License Requirements

Requires a valid Texas driver's license and compliance with the City of Houston's policy on driving.

Preferences

• Water Utility Maintenance/Repair of water distribution assets
• INFOR IPS or similar work order tracking system and GIS
• Microsoft Applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Basic computer skills
• 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.**

General Information

Selection / Skills Tests Required

None. However, the Department may administer a skill assessment evaluation.

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

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 - 16

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.