Environmental Investigator III

Environmental Investigator III

Salary

$34.12 - $35.18 Hourly

Location

Houston, TX

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

39954

Department

Houston Public Works

Opening Date

11/10/2026

Closing Date

12/1/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

POSITION OVERVIEW

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

Division: Houston Water

Section: Drinking Water Operations

Reporting Location: 7027 Ardmore St, Houston, TX 77054

Workdays & Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30AM - 4:30PM*

• Subject to change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Houston Water is a team of approximately 1,500 drinking water and wastewater professionals, including but not limited to operators, mechanics, engineers, scientists, planners, regulatory and business personnel. The City of Houston Water and Wastewater Utility is a regulated public health agency governed by federal and state laws. Drinking Water Operations is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Environmental Investigator III. The selected candidate must meet all aspects of the Environmental Investigator III classification established by the City of Houston.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Prepare Tier II facility maps and assist with the preparation of annual Tier II chemical reporting.
• Conduct annual facility spill prevention control and countermeasure (SPCC) inspections; prepare reports with investigative findings.
• Assist with the classification of hazardous and non-hazardous waste and coordinate disposal efforts.
• Assist with the coordination of proper universal waste storage and disposal efforts.
• Assist with the annual SCBA fit testing, and annual training associated with SCBA respirators.
• Promote environmental awareness regarding proper handling, transport, and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste.
• Assist with quarterly dry scrubber sampling.
• Prepare workplace chemical lists and research and collect chemical safety data sheets.
• Perform advanced environmental-related technical inspections, investigative work, facility inspections and environmental compliance audits related to the City's surface water and groundwater plants.
• Conduct biennial chlorine kit inventory checks.
• Monitor aspects of environmental programs for compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Conduct chemical inventories and prepare hazardous materials inventory documents.
• Analyze problems, propose solutions, and work efficiently with supervision.
• Prepare observation reports and investigate findings for utilization in corrective recommendations.
• Serve as a back-up for chemical spill response and hazardous waste disposals.
• Assist with the preparation of HAZCOM (hazard communication) training materials and presentations.
• Perform routine data analysis, operate, and ensure the proper maintenance of equipment.
• Maintain administrative records and electronic filing system.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The position requires bending and/or lifting of items of up to 40 pounds and/or long periods of walking on rough surfaces. There are occasional discomforts from exposure to moderate heat, cold, moisture/wetness and unpleasant air conditions. The position may involve occasional exposure to chemicals substances and soiled materials which may require the use of a tight-fitting full-face respirator.

This is a Department of Public Works & Engineering 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

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

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

None

PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to applicants with:

• Environmental health/safety programs experience.
• Industrial & hazardous waste classification and reporting experience.
• Tier II chemical reporting experience, conducting facility inspections and investigations.
• Advanced computer skills, with the ability to utilize Microsoft Office applications.
• Advanced technical writing skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• The ability to adhere to the facial hairstyles listed on the CDC/NIOSH, facial hairstyles and filtering facepiece respirators poster.
• The ability to multitask, and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Valid Texas Driver's License and compliance with the City of Houston 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 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 832-395-2972.

If you need special services or accommodations (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 Employer

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
• 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 a general discharge under honorable conditions?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have at least a Bachelors degree or higher in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science/ Engineering or a closely related field with 2 years or more of pollution/environmental control experience?

• Yes
• No

03

How many verifiable years of pollution/environmental control professional experience do you possess?

• Less than 2 years
• 2 or more years

04

Do you have a valid/current Texas drivers license?

• Yes
• No
• Out of state drivers license.

05

How many years of verifiable experience do you have with: Environmental Health and Safety, environmental investigations and or environmental programs?

• More than 3 years of experience
• 1-3 years
• Less than 1 year
• None

06

List the environmental programs you have experience with. If you answered none to the previous question, please put "N/A".

07

How many years of verifiable experience do you have writing investigative or technical reports?

• More than 3 years
• 1-3 years
• Less than 1 year
• None

08

List a type of technical report you wrote. If you answered 'none' to the previous question, please put "N/A".

09

How many years of verifiable experience do you have with industrial and hazardous waste classification?

• More than 3 years
• 1-3 years
• Less than 1 year
• None

10

List a type of industrial or hazardous waste you classified. If you answered 'none' in the previous question, please put "N/A".

11

How many years of verifiable experience do you have with Spill Prevention Control & Countermeasure (SPCC) inspections?

• More than 3 years
• 1-3 years
• Less than 1 year
• None

12

How many Spill Prevention Control & Countermeasure (SPCC) inspections have you performed? If you answered 'none' in the previous question, please put "N/A".

• More than 50 inspections
• 20 - 50 inspections
• Less than 20 inspections
• N/A

13

How many years of verifiable experience do you have with Tier II chemical reporting?

• More than 3 years
• 1-3 years
• Less than 1 year
• None

14

List a type of Tier II reportable chemical you worked with or reported on. If you answered 'none' in the previous question, please put "N/A".

15

This position may require the applicant to wear a tight-fitting full-face respirator which requires the applicant to adhere to the facial hairstyles listed on the CDC/NIOSH Facial Hairstyles and Filtering Facepiece Respirators poster and annually pass a respiratory fit test. Will you adhere to the referenced facial hairstyles intended for workers who wear tight-fitting full-face respirators?

• Yes
• No

16

Please indicate your computer skill level with Microsoft Office:

• No experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Beginner use of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Intermediate use of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Advanced use of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)

Required Question

Employer City of Houston

Address 901 Bagby St

Houston, Texas, 77002

Website https://www.houstontx.gov/