Environmental Investigator III

City of Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Houston's Department of Public Works is seeking a Tier II Environmental Technician in the Houston Water/Regulatory Compliance unit to support the industrial waste pretreatment program.

This role focuses on sampling, field analyses, and investigations to ensure regulatory compliance and protect public health and water quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Health Engineering or closely related field.
• Two years of pollution/environmental control experience.

Responsibilities

• Collect industrial wastewater and treatment plant samples following SOPs.
• Perform field analyses (pH, temperature, residual chlorine) and operate equipment.
• Deliver samples to laboratories and maintain chain-of-custody.
• Conduct inspections and investigations of industrial dischargers.
• Monitor compliance with TCEQ regulations at treatment facilities.
• Prepare detailed reports and potentially testify in court.

Skills

Field sampling

QA/QC

Regulatory compliance

Environmental monitoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Bachelor's degree in Biology

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Health Engineering

Tools

Analytical equipment

Job description

10500 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77072, USA

This is a Department of Houston Public Works position at the Tier II Level.

Position Overview

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM : ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

Service Line / Section: Houston Water/ Regulatory Compliance

Reporting Location: 10500 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77072, USA

Workdays & Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm*

• Subject to change

Description Of Duties And Essential Functions

This position performs technical inspection, sampling, and investigative work in support of the Industrial Waste/Pretreatment Program. The role focuses on detecting, evaluating, and managing environmental pollutants to ensure regulatory compliance and protect public health and water quality. Responsibilities include conducting field investigations, collecting and analyzing samples, documenting findings, and promoting pollution prevention practices. Support permitting, enforcement and inspection activities of industrial users.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect industrial wastewater and treatment plant samples in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs), ensuring proper preservation and handling.
• Perform field analyses (e.g., pH, temperature, residual chlorine) using approved methods, while maintaining, calibrating, and operating analytical equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Deliver samples to in-house and contract laboratories and maintain strict chain-of-custody (COC) documentation.
• Conduct inspections and field investigations to identify potential sources of treatment plant upsets, monitor industrial dischargers, and detect illegal or non-compliant discharges.
• Monitor chemical and microbiological conditions at treatment facilities to verify compliance with TCEQ regulations.
• Review field data for QA/QC and enter results into the electronic pretreatment software system in a timely manner.
• Train staff on specialized field projects, sampling techniques, and proper documentation procedures.
• Prepare clear, detailed reports summarizing inspection results, sampling findings, and investigative outcomes; may be required to testify in court related to environmental enforcement actions.
• Promote environmental awareness through public outreach, including education on pollution prevention and illegal dumping.
• Identify opportunities to improve program quality, efficiency, and workflow; lead or support special projects as assigned.
• Collaborate effectively with team members, outside stakeholders, and regulatory partners while ensuring QA/QC standards are consistently met.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The position routinely requires lifting of moderately heavy items, such as typewriters or records boxes (up to 40 pounds) and/or very long periods of walking on rough surfaces on a routine basis. There are occasional exposures to significant levels of heat, cold, moisture and air pollution. The position may involve infrequent exposure to chemical substances and physical trauma of a minor nature such as cuts, bruises and minor burns.

This is a Department of Houston Public Works position at the Tier II Level.

Minimum Requirements

Educational Requirements

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Health Engineering or a closely related degree.

Experience Requirements

Two (2) years of pollution/environmental control experience is required.

License Requirements

None

Preferences

Preference will be given to applicants with experience implementing pretreatment program requirements and dental amalgam program requirements, industrial wastewater treatment, and investigation of industrial users upstream from treatment plants. Also, those who possess a valid driver's license and compliance with the City of Houston's policy on driving (AP 2-2).

• 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 Skills Assessment Test.

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 20

EEO Equal Employment Opportunity

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.