Water Quality Inspector - Watershed Protection

Harris County; Houston (TX); In loco; USD 52.000 - 76.000; Tempo pieno

Vantaggi offerti da questo lavoro

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

457 deferred compensation

Descrizione del lavoro

Harris County in Houston, TX, seeks a Water Quality Inspector to ensure environmental compliance across the county. You will evaluate OSSFs, inspect construction sites, and investigate stormwater and wastewater violations while maintaining detailed records and coordinating with the Watershed Protection Group.

The role emphasizes environmental stewardship, regulatory enforcement, and strong customer service, with full-time hours and potential for field deployments in varying conditions.

Competenze

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a natural science or related field.
• State-registered Designated Representative or Registered Sanitarian preferred.
• Experience in environmental compliance or field inspections is preferred.

Mansioni

• Evaluate OSSFs for regulatory adherence and operational integrity.
• Investigate violations related to on-site sewerage systems and determine corrective actions.
• Inspect residential and commercial construction sites for environmental compliance.
• Monitor areas for stormwater quality issues and report violations.
• Maintain detailed inspection records and documentation.
• Schedule inspections and respond to complaints to ensure regulatory oversight.
• Support enforcement actions for environmental violations.
• Participate in disaster recovery planning and operations as needed.

Conoscenze

Communication skills

Inspection

Environmental compliance

Field work

Formazione

Bachelor's degree in natural science

Descrizione del lavoro

Position Overview:

The Water Quality Inspector plays a critical role in ensuring environmental compliance across Harris County. This position involves evaluating newly built on-site sewage facilities (OSSF), and may include inspecting residential and commercial construction sites and investigating violations related to stormwater and wastewater management. The inspector maintains detailed records, monitors assigned areas for environmental infractions, and recommends corrective actions when needed. Work is performed independently or collaboratively within the Watershed Protection Group, with a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship, regulatory enforcement, and good customer service.

Responsibilities:

• Evaluate newly constructed on-site sewerage facilities for regulatory adherence and operational integrity
• Investigate violations related to on-site sewerage systems and determine appropriate corrective actions
• Perform inspections of residential and commercial construction sites - both active and completed - to ensure compliance with environmental regulations enforced by the Watershed Protection Group
• Monitor assigned areas for stormwater quality issues, document findings, and report violations in accordance with established protocols
• Maintain accurate and detailed inspection records, reports, and documentation
• Schedule inspections and address complaints as necessary to ensure timely regulatory oversight
• Operate independently or collaboratively within designated inspection zones
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support environmental compliance and public health objectives
• Support enforcement actions for environmental violations
• Participate in disaster recovery planning and operational support as needed
• Other duties as assigned.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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 then, they may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Education

• A high school diploma or G.E.D. is required.
• Must be a State-registered Designated Representative or become one within six (6) months of hire, unless extended by the Watershed Protection Division Manager.

Experience

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with wastewater and stormwater treatment concepts.
• Intermediate computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office programs.

Knowledge, Skill & Abilities (KSAs)

• Detail-oriented, conscientious, and self-motivated.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work for extended periods in hot, cold, and inclement weather.
• This position requires bending, stooping, and lifting up to 25 pounds, frequent walking, standing, sitting, reaching, carrying, ascending/ descending stairs, extended time outside, and walking on uneven terrain.
• Good oral and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical information and regulatory findings.
• Capable of working independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.

Emergency Deployment & Continuity of Operations Requirement

In accordance with Harris County’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Policy, this position is subject to emergency response and deployment protocols. The employee may be designated as supporting a Mission Essential Function (MEF) and must:

• Participate in the classification process of departmental staff based on MEF responsibilities.
• Be available for temporary deployment to an alternative work location, role, or telework assignment during emergency events.
• Confirm work assignments with their supervisor prior to reporting to any worksite during such events.
• Remain flexible in assuming alternative duties as directed to support County operations continuity.

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 a natural science or related field.
• Current State-registered Designated Representative or Registered Sanitarian.

Experience

• Experience in environmental compliance or field inspections is preferred.

Knowledge, Skill & Abilities (KSAs)

• Basic understanding of stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWP3s) and Best Management Practices (BMPs)
• Bilingual Spanish and/or Vietnamese a plus.

Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work:

Full-Time | Regular | 40 hours per week. Subject to early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays at times, depending upon the project or workload.

Salary

Commensurate with experience, based on 26 pay periods.

Physical Demands and Environmental Exposure

Most assignments will be performed in an office, meeting room, or operations command center environment, but some fieldwork may be required. May be required to work extended work hours during activation of disaster recovery operations for an unspecified length of time (varies based on the extent of the event). This position requires bending, stooping, and lifting up to 25 lbs., as well as frequent walking, standing, sitting, reaching, and ascending/descending stairs. The physical demands described here are representative of those required of an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

FEATURED BENEFITS:

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance.
• Wellness.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• 457 deferred compensation plans.
• Retirement pension (TCDRS).
• Transportation assistance (Metro Ride Sponsor Program).
• Disability and life insurance.
• Harris County is a Qualified Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

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.