Sr. Field Investigator

Harris County; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Investigator to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. This role involves investigating air, water, and waste complaints, conducting inspections, and mentoring new employees. You will play a crucial part in protecting public health and the environment while working in diverse settings. The position offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for fieldwork and emergency response. If you are passionate about environmental protection and have a keen eye for detail, this is the perfect opportunity for you to make a significant impact in the community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 30 hours in Biology, Chemistry, Ecology or related field required.
• Three years of experience in environmental investigations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct technical inspections for compliance with environmental regulations.
• Investigate air, water, and waste complaints and gather evidence for court.

Skills

Written and verbal communication skills

Analytical and problem-solving abilities

Knowledge of pollution control principles

Ability to drive extensively

Interpersonal skills

Ability to collect environmental samples

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Ecology or related field

Tools

pH meters

DO meters

Photoionization Detectors (PIDs)

Job description

Harris County Pollution Control Services Department (HCPCS)
Mission
The mission of Harris County Pollution Control Services Department (HCPCS) 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 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

The Senior Investigator will investigate air, water, and solid waste complaints to determine compliance with rules and regulations set forth by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the Texas Health and Safety Code, the Texas Water Code, and Harris County. The Senior Investigator will conduct technical and complex inspections of facilities and ensure that proper records and documentation are maintained.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform technical inspections of facilities for compliance with existing environmental regulations and permit parameters.
• Investigate complaints of air, water, solid or hazardous waste problems to determine compliance with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality rules and regulations. Perform proactive Air Curtain Incinerator (ACI), Concrete Batch Plant and Aggregate facility inspections.
• Plan daily schedule to maximize work time and minimize drive time, while establishing priorities and other work as assigned.
• Collect samples and perform field tests as required.
• Record complaints and industrial notifications on weekends, holiday and evening shifts. Be on call for and respond to emergencies when scheduled to do so.
• Work evenings and weekends when assigned. Gather evidence for court action as required. Prepare and perform testimony in court cases.
• Provide technical support and mentor new employees in the environmental investigation field.
• Responsibilities include other duties as assigned, including special tasks involved in responding to an emergency event and assisting the Field Supervisor with basic supervisory support requests.

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 with 30 hours in Biology, Chemistry, Ecology or related field from an accredited college or university.

Experience:

• Three (3) years of experience conducting complex investigations of air, solid/ hazardous waste, and water.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must have good written and verbal skills.
• Must be able to drive extensively.
• Must understand principles and practices of pollution control.
• Must have a good understanding of state and federal statutes related to air, solid waste, hazardous waste, water and wastewater issues.
• Must establish effective working relationships, exercise balanced judgment and organize work for maximum efficiency.
• Must have the ability and knowledge necessary to collect environmental samples (air, solids, and liquids) and operate analytical field equipment such as pH meters, DO meters, PIDs.
• Must be highly detailed and organized with excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities as well as displaying excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills such as active listening, working together as a team.

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.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Ecology or environmental studies from an accredited college or university (preferred).

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• Full-time | Monday - Friday | Typically 8 am to 5 pm.
• After hours and/or weekend work on a scheduled on-call basis.
• On call during emergency events, natural disasters, etc.
• This position may require employee to be deployed to alternative county locations during emergency events.

Reporting Relationships:

• Reports to Position: Field Supervisor.
• Supervised Positions: None.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• Work in an office environment.
• Work 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.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• 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.

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.