EPH Investigator I, Pool

Harris County; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is seeking an EPH Investigator, Pool to inspect and oversee public swimming pools for compliance with THSC and local regulations. The role includes inspections, investigations, water sampling, and record-keeping across Harris County facilities.

The position requires a high school diploma, English proficiency, and a Texas driver's license, with a preferred Certified Pool Operator license or the ability to obtain within 18 months of hire.

Qualifications

• Written and verbal English competency.
• Ability to read and follow directions.
• Experience applying public health regulations is a plus.
• Knowledge of state and federal environmental public health regulations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine, permitting, and preopening inspections and re-inspections for pools and spas.
• Investigate complaints and communicate findings to complainants.
• Perform water quality sampling and maintain equipment.
• Document work using reports and established procedures.
• Gather evidence for court action and provide testimony when required.

Skills

Data Analytics

Communication

Collaboration

Judgment

Public Health Knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

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 health.

Our Values

• Transparency - We share information openly and honestly so that staff, partners, and the community understand our actions and the reasons behind them.
• Integrity - Our actions reflect strong ethical principles, ensuring we remain trustworthy, accountable, and consistent with our mission.
• Respect - We foster a supportive environment by valuing diverse perspectives, listening intentionally, and treating people with dignity in every interaction.
• Impact - We focus our efforts on activities that improve health, reduce disparities, and create meaningful, measurable outcomes for the communities we serve.
• Collaboration - We actively partner across teams, disciplines, organizations, and communities to align our efforts toward common goals.

Position Overview

The EPH Investigator, Pool will conduct inspections, investigate complaints, and maintain records for public swimming pools to determine compliance with county regulations for Swimming Pools and Spas, Texas Health and Safety Code (THSC) 341, THSC 757 and Texas Administrative Code 265.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct routine, permitting, and preopening inspections as well as re-inspections of swimming pools for compliance with the Texas Health & Safety Code, Texas Administrative Code, and the Harris County Rules and Regulations of Public Swimming Pools.
• Conduct complaint investigations for public swimming pools, spas, artificial swimming lagoons, and interactive water features. Document and communicate investigation findings to complainant.
• Conduct water quality sampling as required and maintain sampling equipment in good repair.
• Complete and document assigned work according to policy and procedures using computers, reports and established priorities to maintain thorough record-keeping.
• Gather evidence for court action and perform testimony as required.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

If you need special services or accommodations, please call [phone] or email [e-mail]

Education

• Must have a high school diploma from an accredited school or equivalent.

Licenses/Certifications

• Certified Pool Operator license is preferred. If not currently licensed, must be able to obtain Certified Pool Operator license within 18 months of hire.
• Must have a valid Texas driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Understands the organizational mission.
• Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others.
• Establishes relationships and collaborates with others to improve quality and address needs.
• Ability to use sound judgment.
• Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Written and verbal English competency.
• Able to read and follow directions.
• Ability to formulate policies and procedures § Ability to develop innovative approaches to maximize program efficiency and staff proficient.
• Working knowledge of state and federal environmental public health regulations.

Core Competencies

• Data Analytics and Assessment Skills: Ability to use data to analyze community health needs and support decisions that improve community health outcomes.

• Communication Skills: This competency focuses on using clear and effective communication to engage audiences, address misinformation, and build trust, supporting informed decisions and stronger public health outcomes.

• Health Advancement Skills: This competency focuses on applying principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion to public health, addressing systemic barriers, and promoting fair access to resources for healthier communities.

• Community Partnership Skills: This competency focuses on collaborating with communities to address the systems and policies affecting health, fostering engagement, shared ownership, and sustainable improvements in well-being.

• Public Health Science Skills: This competency focuses on using public health science and evidence-based approaches to develop and improve policies and programs, ensuring effective delivery of the 10 Essential Public Health Services.

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.

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 is a professional position that requires a combination of fieldwork and office work.
• The majority of the work occurs in the community in various pool establishments and neighborhoods throughout Harris County.

Physical Demands

• This position requires extensive driving and work outside in various weather conditions.
• Persons in these positions must be able to sit or stand for long periods, bend, climb ladders, and frequently lift, carry, and push and pull objects weighing up to 10 lbs.
• They also occasionally move objects weighing up to 20 lbs., and sometimes, but rarely, up to 50 lbs.

Work Location

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

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen. Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.