Environmental Investigator II

Environmental Investigator II

Salary

$1,750.00 - $2,339.20 Biweekly

Location

Houston, Texas

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

39236

Department

Houston Public Works

Opening Date

07/31/2026

Closing Date

8/14/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

Service Line: Houston Permitting Center

Reporting Location: Houston, Texas, USA*

Workdays & Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm*

• Subject to Change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Performs varied technical inspections and investigative work relative to the detection, analysis and elimination or control of environmental pollutants and contaminants. Performs routine chemical and microbiological water and wastewater analysis.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Investigates complaints concerning pollutant and contaminant sources; conducts on-site inspections; collects samples of suspected pollutants; reports investigative findings.
• Conducts routine surveillance of the MS4 community to determine pollutant or contaminant problems.
• Prepares survey, investigation and observation reports for utilization in corrective recommendations or as legal evidence in the prosecution of violators.
• Coordinates the collection of air, water and/or soil samples.
• Operates, cleans and ensures the proper maintenance of scientific instrumentation equipment. Prepares laboratory standards and solutions.
• May issue citations and violation notices to violators and may testify during court proceedings.
• Coordinates special inspections and investigations.
• Performs routine chemical and microbiological analyses of water and wastewater samples.
• Monitors chemical and microbiological aspects of treatment plant performance.
• Participates in basic applied research projects.
• Promote environmental awareness concerning the effects and hazards associated with illegal dumping and discharge of chemicals to the storm sewer and waterways. Educates the public regarding pollution prevention and the proper transport and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes.

WORKING CONDITIONS

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 Emergency Management position at the Tier II level.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires a Bachelors degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Health Engineering or a closely related degree.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

One (1) year of pollution/environmental control 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 skill assessment evaluation.

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 candidates qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification. The salary range for this position is:

Pay Grade: 16

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 832-393-6737.

If you need special services or accommodations, call 832-393-6737. (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.

EOE Equal Opportunity Employment

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 individuals 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

01

Are you a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces (United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) for more than 90 consecutive days and received either an honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions?

• Yes
• No

02

Please select your highest level of education.

• Less than a High School diploma/GED
• High School diploma/GED
• Associates degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Health Engineering or closely related degree
• Bachelors degree or higher in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Health Engineering or closely related degree

03

How many years of experience in pollution/environmental control do you have?

• None
• One year
• 2 years
• 3 years
• 4 years or more

04

Do you have a valid/current drivers license?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have experience with the EPA or TCEQ Multi Sector General Permit?

• Yes
• No

06

Which best describes your VERIFIABLE experience in the industrial application of environmental regulations?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 2 to 3 years
• 3 to 4 years
• 4 to 5 years
• 6 years or more

07

Have you performed inspections at industrial sites relating to the EPA or TCEQ Multi Sector General Permit?

• Less than 2 years
• 2 to 3 years
• 3 to 4 years
• 4 to 5 years
• 5 years or more

08

Do you hold any current environmental certifications?

• Yes
• No

09

If you answered "yes" to question 6, please list the environmental certifications you have.

Required Question

Employer City of Houston

Address 901 Bagby St

Houston, Texas, 77002

Website https://www.houstontx.gov/