Environmental Investigator III

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

Service Line / Section:
Houston Water/ Regulatory Compliance

Reporting

Location:

10500 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77072, USA

Workdays &

Hours:

Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
* * Subject to change

This position performs technical inspection, sampling, and investigative work in support of the Industrial Waste/Pretreatment Program. The role focuses on detecting, evaluating, and managing environmental pollutants to ensure regulatory compliance and protect public health and water quality. Responsibilities include conducting field investigations, collecting and analyzing samples, documenting findings, and promoting pollution prevention practices. Support permitting, enforcement and inspection activities of industrial users.

• Collect industrial wastewater and treatment plant samples in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs), ensuring proper preservation and handling.
• Perform field analyses (e.g., pH, temperature, residual chlorine) using approved methods, while maintaining, calibrating, and operating analytical equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Deliver samples to in-house and contract laboratories and maintain strict chain-of-custody (COC) documentation.
• Conduct inspections and field investigations to identify potential sources of treatment plant upsets, monitor industrial dischargers, and detect illegal or non-compliant discharges.
• Monitor chemical and microbiological conditions at treatment facilities to verify compliance with TCEQ regulations.
• Review field data for QA/QC and enter results into the electronic pretreatment software system in a timely manner.
• Train staff on specialized field projects, sampling techniques, and proper documentation procedures.
• Prepare clear, detailed reports summarizing inspection results, sampling findings, and investigative outcomes; may be required to testify in court related to environmental enforcement actions.
• Promote environmental awareness through public outreach, including education on pollution prevention and illegal dumping.
• Identify opportunities to improve program quality, efficiency, and workflow; lead or support special projects as assigned.
• Collaborate effectively with team members, outside stakeholders, and regulatory partners while ensuring QA/QC standards are consistently met.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

The position routinely requires lifting of moderately heavy items, such as typewriters or records boxes (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. The position may involve infrequent exposure to chemical substances and physical trauma of a minor nature such as cuts, bruises and minor burns.

This is a Department of Houston Public Works position at the Tier II Level.

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Health Engineering or a closely related degree.

Two (2) years of pollution/environmental control experience is required.

None Preference will be given to applicants with experience implementing pretreatment program requirements and dental amalgam program requirements, industrial wastewater treatment, and investigation of industrial users upstream from treatment plants. Also, those who possess a valid driver's license and compliance with the City of Houston's policy on driving (AP 2-2).

Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the…