Monitoring and Surveillance Specialist

Harris County; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris County Pollution Control Services Department (HCPCS) is seeking a Monitoring and Surveillance Specialist to perform ambient air quality monitoring, operate CAMP equipment, and contribute to new air monitoring programs in Pasadena, TX. This role reports to the Air Monitoring Services Supervisor and requires coordination with TCEQ and other departments.

Qualifications include a B.S. in a physical or life science and at least 1 year of environmental monitoring or instrumentation experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a physical or life science with documentation on the application.
• At least 1 year of experience in environmental monitoring or using analytical instrumentation.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently with good communication.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, calibrate and install air monitoring instrumentation.
• Perform ambient air quality monitoring in the field with various sampling equipment.
• Evaluate data, perform calculations, and prepare reports.
• Develop, update, and maintain SOPs, maintenance/calibration and QA/QC documents.
• Participate in HCPCS responses to environmental emergencies with analytical data.
• Assist in developing new air monitoring services and programs.
• Liaise with TCEQ, vendors, and other Harris County departments on air monitoring issues.
• Order parts and materials for air monitoring equipment.
• Assist in air investigations as needed.

Skills

Ambient air monitoring

Project management

Written and verbal communication

Equipment maintenance

Data reporting

Regulatory knowledge

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor’s degree in physical or life science

Tools

Air monitoring instrumentation

Drone equipment

Laboratory equipment

Calibration equipment

Job description

Harris County Pollution Control Services Department (HCPCS)

Mission

The mission of Harris County Pollution Control Services Department (PCS) is to protect the citizens of Harris County from environmental impacts through firm, consistent enforcement of state and federal regulations. The ultimate goal of PCS is clean air, water, and proper management of waste. The activities of PCS are directed toward ensuring clean air and water for the citizens of Harris County, consistent with the protection of public health, enjoyment of property and the protection of plant, animal, and marine life.

What you will do for Harris County Pollution Control

Under the supervision of the Air Monitoring Services Supervisor, the Monitoring and Surveillance Specialist will perform ambient air quality monitoring to characterize air quality, locate potential unauthorized or nuisance emission sources, conduct ambient air monitoring during environmental emergencies, operate and maintain Community Air Monitoring Program (CAMP) equipment and participate in the development of new air monitoring programs.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct operation, maintenance, calibration and installation of air monitoring instrumentation
• Perform ambient air quality monitoring in the field utilizing a variety of laboratory grade monitoring and sampling equipment
• Evaluate monitoring data, interpret results, perform calculations, and prepare data reports
• Develop, update, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures, maintenance and calibration documents, and QA/QC documents related to air monitoring
• Participate as part of HCPCS response to environmental emergencies to provide analytical data
• Assist in the development of new air monitoring services and programs
• Liaison with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, vendors, and other Harris County Departments on air monitoring network related issues
• Order parts and materials to ensure adequate supplies for air monitoring equipment are available
• Assist in air investigations as needed on a case-by-case basis

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

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

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.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with an emphasis in a physical or life science

Experience

• One (1) year of experience in environmental monitoring, or utilizing analytical laboratory instrumentation

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of ambient air monitoring
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of operation and maintenance of air monitoring equipment is desirable
• Knowledge of how to manage and report analytical data is desirable
• Mechanical aptitude necessary for installation, repair and maintenance of air monitoring equipment
• Ability to understand and apply applicable environmental rules, regulations, policies and procedures
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with site representatives, TCEQ air monitoring staff, and the general public

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.

Experience

• Experience working with air quality instrumentation, air sampling equipment, laboratory equipment, and drone equipment. (preferred)
• Experience working in the ambient air quality monitoring field. (preferred)
• Experience with emergency response, HAZMAT, or fire service. (preferred)

Position Type, location and Typical Hours of Work

• Full time | Monday - Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. and working a rotating On-Call shift
• May be required to work after hours and during weekend and holidays
• During response to emergencies and disasters may work extended hours and/or days.
• 101 S. Richey, Suite H Pasadena, TX 77506

Reporting Relationships

• Reports to Position: Air Monitoring Services Supervisor
• Supervised Positions: None

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Working in an office environment
• Working in an outdoor environment
• Possible exposure to inclement weather or various temperature changes
• Possible exposure to loud noises in the environment
• Possible exposure to dangerous chemicals
• Possible exposure to dangerous or aggressive/adverse situations
• May be required to operate within various businesses which will include heavy commercial and industrial facilities.
• As an operator of the PCS mobile air monitoring platforms, this specialist must be able to drive for extended periods of time, work in the rear of a climate controlled bus and drive a small bus-platform mobile lab if/when necessary.
• Medium work - Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects
• During response to emergencies and disasters may work extended hours and/or days. This position may require employee to be deployed to alternative county locations during emergency events.
• This position may require employee to be deployed to alternative county locations during emergency events.

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.