Environmental Technician, (A264135-3), 204, Water Pollution Control

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

Job summary

The City of Laredo is seeking a dedicated professional to perform inspections, investigations, and enforcement to ensure compliance with cross-connection control, FOG, industrial pretreatment, and water quality regulations.

You will conduct surveys, document findings, respond to complaints, and provide guidance to residents and businesses while maintaining accurate records and driving a City vehicle as required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. required.
• At least 1 year of general experience in environmental science, water sampling, or related fields preferred.
• Must possess Valid Texas Driver License and ability to obtain required certifications (Water Operator License Class D, CSI) within specified timeframes.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and conduct cross-connection surveys and FOG inspections to evaluate compliance with city and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain clear records of investigation findings, photographs, contact information and any other pertinent information.
• Investigate public complaints regarding illegal discharges, water quality, water conservation and FOG with findings and recommendations.
• Occasionally monitor water quality parameters such as chlorine residuals, pH, temperature, pressure, and ammonia following SOPs and calibrated equipment.
• Enforce applicable local ordinances and assist customers with compliance.
• Provide technical guidance and education to residential, commercial, and industrial customers to achieve and maintain regulatory compliance; communicate requirements clearly and professionally.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and up-to-date inspection records, enforcement documentation, databases, and correspondence.
• Drive a City vehicle for city-related business.

Skills

Investigative studies

Water quality

Communication (oral & written)

Planning & organizational skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Driver's license

Education

High School Diploma or G.E.D.

Tools

Automatic samplers

Flow meters

Dissolved oxygen meters (DO meters)

Field instrumentation

Gas monitors

Job description

Revised - 8/27/2026

Performs inspections, evaluations, investigations, and enforcement activities to ensure compliance with cross-connection control, Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG), industrial pretreatment, water quality, and water conservation regulations in accordance with applicable City ordinances and state and federal requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Coordinates and conducts cross connection surveys, customer service inspections and Fats, Oils & Grease (FOG) inspections to evaluate compliance with city and regulatory requirements.
• Maintains clear and concise records of investigation findings, photographs, contact information and any other pertinent information.
• Investigates public complaints regarding illegal discharges, water quality, water conservation and FOG. Prepares reports with findings and recommendations.
• Occasionally performs monitoring of water quality parameters such as chlorine residuals, pH, temperature, pressure, and ammonia following SOPs and calibrated equipment.
• Enforces applicable local ordinances and assists customers with compliance.
• Provides technical guidance and education to residential, commercial, and industrial customers to achieve and maintain regulatory compliance. Communicates requirements clearly and professionally while delivering high standards of customer service.
• Maintains accurate, complete, and up-to-date inspection records, enforcement documentation, databases, and correspondence.
• Must follow all rules of telephone courtesy in all telephone communications.
• Will be required to drive a City vehicle for city-related business.
• Performs other duties as required.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of sample custody procedures in the preparation of samples, (e.g. checking chain of custody, dichlorination of samples, and preservation).
• Knowledge of all TNRCC and EPA sampling as per Federal and State protocol. This includes but is not limited to Biomonitoring, Root Zone sampling, and Priority Pollutant Screens.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to perform investigative studies on water and wastewater systems using visual inspection methods, smoke tests, dye test, etc.
• Ability to perform routine maintenance operations of automatic samplers, flowmeters, DO meters, field instrumentation and gas monitors.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.
• Ability to give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff.
• Ability to perform strenuous work and routine work.
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
• Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of this position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Effort Requirements Position will have the following exposures

• Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
• Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Occasional outside work.
• Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk.
• Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Work Environment Locations Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments

Never

• Confined space

Seldom

• Warehouse environment

Sometimes

• Office or similar indoor environment
• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Construction site

Frequently

• Vehicles

Often

• Outdoor environment

Exposures Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements

Never

• Communicable diseases
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances
• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Seldom

• Individuals who are hostile or irate
• Individuals with known violent backgrounds
• Moving mechanical parts

Sometimes

• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)

Travel Position will require the employee to travel

Never:

• National travel
• International travel

Seldom:

• Regional travel

Frequently

• Local travel

Required Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• At least one (1) year of general experience. Experience in environmental science, water sampling, analyzing water samples, conducting investigations on water/wastewater systems, or industrial or laboratory hygiene or related fields is preferred.

*Council of Higher Education Accreditation (C.H.E.A.)

Foreign Education:

• Applicants who have completed education outside of the United States must submit a foreign credential evaluation completed by a professional credential evaluation agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). The evaluation must verify the U.S. equivalency of the degree and identify the comparable U.S. degree level. Applicants are responsible for obtaining and submitting the required evaluation documentation.

Note:
The City of Laredo is not responsible for any fees associated with obtaining a foreign credential evaluation or educational equivalency documentation.

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

**Continued employment is contingent on successfully obtaining required certification(s) and/or license(s) within the specified period of time indicated above from time of hire.

• Water Operator License Class D from the Texas Commission on Quality Commission (TCEQ) must be obtained within twelve (12) months of employment.
• Customer Service Inspector (CSI) license from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) must be obtained within eighteen (18) months of employment.

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.

Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.

Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at [phone] two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.

City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.