Houston Water Operations Section Chief

Houston Water Operations Section Chief

Salary

$39.06 - $40.27 Hourly

Location

Houston, Texas

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

39012

Department

Houston Public Works

Division

HW-Drinking Water Operations (DWO)

Opening Date

06/12/2026

Closing Date

6/25/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications accepted from: All Persons Interested

Service Line/Section: Houston Water/Drinking Water Operations

Reporting Location: Various Locations*

Workdays & Hours: Mondays - Fridays 7:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.*

• Subject to Change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assigns work to subordinate supervisor, clerical and technical personnel.
• Monitors work assignments for accuracy and adherence to pertinent legal, technical, contractual and procedural guidelines.
• Responds to citizens complaints and inquiries; gives technical or procedural advice to personnel concerning special or unique problems; interprets policy, procedure and legal requirements for employees and citizens.
• Compiles reports and maintains records of services rendered, clients served, procedures completed.
• Maintains files on fiscal and legally mandated matters and reports compliance with or progress toward division and/or branch performance measures.
• Coordinates activities within section, other sections and divisions of the department, and cooperates with interested agencies or committees.
• Maintains current knowledge of technological advances, changes in statutes and impact of long-range planning objectives.
• Analyzes methods and operations and recommends improvements.
• Represents the section at legal proceedings, committees and before agencies.
• Prepares annual operating budget.
• Makes recommendations for capital facilities.
• Ensures that personnel receive appropriate safety training and supplies, including review of SARA Title III right-to-know information.
• Interviews and recommends selection of new employees, completes performance appraisals, recommends disciplinary and/or performance counseling as appropriate; ensures consistent application of personnel policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position involves considerable physical exertion, such as regular climbing of ladders, lifting of heavy objects (up to 80 pounds) on a highly frequent basis and/or assuming awkward positions for long periods of 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 I Level.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires a high school diploma or GED.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Five (5) years of experience closely related to the activities of the section are required.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

May require a valid Texas drivers license and compliance with the City of Houstons policy on driving. (AP 2-2)

Requires a valid Texas Class "B" Water Operators certificate appropriate to position location, i.e. surface water, groundwater, maintenance wastewater plant, and wastewater. Class "A" Wastewater certificate may be required.

PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to the applicant with a TCEQ Class "A" Surface Water Operators license and experience managing a 24-hour control center.

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.

Pay Grade 22

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during posting opening and closing dates shown. 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 please 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, with specific instructions, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

Must be able to pass a criminal background check, obtain and maintain federally mandated security clearances where required.

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
• 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

Which scenario best describes your education and experience.

• GED/High School Diploma and less than 5 years of experience closely related to the activities of the section
• GED/High School Diploma and 5 or more years of experience closely related to the activities of the section
• Associates Degree or higher and less than 5 years of experience closely related to the activities of the section
• Associates Degree or higher and 5 or more years of experience closely related to the activities of the section

02

Do you have a valid/current drivers license?

• Yes
• No

03

How many years of verifiable plant operation experience do you have?

• None
• At least 1 year
• At least 3 years
• At least five years or more

04

Do you have a valid Texas Class "B" Surface Water or Groundwater Operators License?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have experience operating a Human Machine Interface (HMI) at a surface water treatment plant?

• Yes
• No

06

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/