POSITION OVERVIEW Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED Service Line/Section: Houston Water/Regulatory & Compliance Reporting Location: 10500 Bellaire Workdays & Hours: Mondoy - Friday/7:30am - 4:30pm* * Subject to change
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The Environmental Investigator I provides supporting-level compliance and technical assistance within the Industrial Waste Service (Pretreatment Program). This position assists with the timely review and processing of regulatory submittals from industrial users, including self-monitoring reports, periodic compliance reports, industrial user surveys, One-Time Compliance Reports for dental dischargers, and chain-of-custody documentation. The role supports senior compliance staff by helping prepare for facility inspections, conducting post-inspection follow-up activities, and participating in the industrial wastewater permit application review process. The investigator maintains accurate, detailed, and well-organized records to ensure all documents are reviewed, scanned, and filed in accordance with regulatory audit requirements.
As needed, the position performs compliance monitoring activities for industrial users and City-owned wastewater treatment facilities. This includes collecting wastewater samples, including those for emerging contaminants such as PFAS, and operating, cleaning, and maintaining field instrumentation sampling equipment. The investigator also promotes environmental awareness by educating the public on pollution prevention, the impacts and hazards of illegal dumping, and proper handling, transport, and disposal of hazardous and solid wastes.
WORKING CONDITIONS The position routinely requires lifting of moderately heavy items (up to 40 pounds) and/or very long periods of walking on rough surfaces on a routine basis. There are occasional exposures to significant levels of heat, cold, moisture and air pollution. This position may involve infrequent exposure to chemical substances and physical trauma or minor nature such as cuts, bruises and minor burns.
This is a Houston Public Works Emergency Management position at the Tier II level.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS Requires a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Health Engineering, or a closely related field.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS No experience is required.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS None
PREFERENCES**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.** GENERAL INFORMATION SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED: None
However, the department may administer a skills assessment test.
SAFETY IMPACT POSITION: Yes
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.
SALARY INFORMATION Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.
PAY GRADE 14 APPLICATION PROCEDURES Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period.
Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov . To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call 832-395-2976.
If you need special services or accommodations 832-395-2976 (TTY 7-1-1)
If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.
Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.
All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.
EEO Equal Employment Opportunity
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Wellness
- Supplemental Insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability
- Retirement pension
- 457 deferred compensation plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- 10 days of vacation each year
- 13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
- Compensable Sick Leave
- Personal Leave
- Flexible schedules
- Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
- Professional development opportunities
- Transportation/parking plan
- Section 125 pretax deductions
- Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
- Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
- Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html
Closing Date/Time: 5/1/2026 11:59 PM Central