Environmental Investigator III

Environmental Investigator III

Salary

$30.39 - $33.99 Hourly

Location

Houston, Texas

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

39009

Department

Houston Public Works

Division

HW-Regulatory Compliance (RC)

Opening Date

06/12/2026

Closing Date

6/25/2026 4:00 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

POSITION OVERVIEW

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

SERVICE LINE/ SECTION: Houston Water/ Regulatory Compliance and Utility Development (RCUD)

REPORTING LOCATION: 22627 W. Shorewood Loop, Huffman TX 77336

WORKDAYS & HOURS: M-F, 7:00 am - 3:30 pm*

• Subject to change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Houston Source Water Protection Program aims to protect Houston's seven drinking water systems from hazards that could contaminate the water supply, both for drinking water wells and Lake Houston. The Program conducts investigations at sources of the Citys drinking water facilities where potential contamination could occur, educates the public about source water protection, and enforces state and construction code requirements regarding boat docks, piers, and bulkheads.

Key Responsibilities

• This role is primarily field-based, with approximately 80% of duties performed on-site.
• Coordinate with City of Houston departments to ensure compliance of boat houses, piers, and bulkheads.
• Oversee compliance activities related to structures on Lake Houston and its tributaries, including boat houses, piers, and bulkheads.
• Support and help lead field operations and inspections.
• Assist in evaluating source water protection areas, drinking water wells, and Lake Houston for regulatory compliance.
• Participate in the collection of source water samples from Lake Houston and associated drinking water wells.
• Conduct inspections that may involve reviewing construction plans, verifying setback requirements, assessing building materials, and identifying navigable waterways.
• Recommend corrective actions, conduct follow-up inspections, and issue warnings or citations as necessary.
• Interpret and apply state laws and policies related to source water protection.
• Investigate public complaints and conduct special investigations concerning water quality issues or unauthorized construction.
• Document findings thoroughly, including corrective actions, identified deficiencies, and supporting photographic evidence.
• Respond to public inquiries and provide effective solutions related to the Citys drinking water sources.
• May be required to testify in court or enforcement hearings regarding violations and investigative findings.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a field position 80% of the time. There are occasional exposures to significant levels of heat, cold, moisture and air pollution.

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

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

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

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

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

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

None

PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to applicants who are bilingual or speak multiple languages, with knowledge of water distribution and investigative experience.

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 candidates qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

PAY GRADE 20

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 832-393-6020.

If you need special services or accommodations 832-393-6020 (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 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

Do you have a Bachelors degree or higher in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science/ Engineering or a closely related field?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a valid/current drivers license?

• Yes
• No

03

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

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 to 2 years
• 2 or more years

04

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 a general discharge under honorable conditions?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Houston

Address 901 Bagby St

Houston, Texas, 77002

Website https://www.houstontx.gov/