Project Manager (Wastewater Operations)
Salary
$2,767.00 - $3,604.10 Biweekly
Location
Houston, Texas
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
39730
Department
Houston Public Works
Division
HW-Wastewater Operations (WWO)
Opening Date
10/15/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
POSITION OVERVIEW
Applications Accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
Service Line/Section: Houston Water/Wastewater Operations
Location: 611 Walker St, Houston, TX 77002, USA
Workdays & Hours: Monday - Friday/8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The primary purpose of this position is to provide independent, routine operational oversight and internal compliance auditing of the City's wastewater treatment system, consisting of 38 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and 365 lift stations. The position will function as an internal compliance inspector, helping ensure that facilities are operated safely, consistently, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable TCEQ requirements, wastewater permits, City policies, operating procedures, and industry standards.
The Compliance Inspector will conduct frequent hands-on inspections of wastewater treatment facilities and lift stations to evaluate plant operations, operator performance, maintenance practices, documentation, housekeeping, equipment condition, process control, sampling and monitoring activities, and overall compliance. The position will maintain a strong field presence and will routinely visit facilities throughout the system, with the expectation of conducting facility visits on a daily basis.
The position will independently identify, document, and communicate actual or potential non-compliance, operational deficiencies, permit concerns, procedural violations, and other conditions that could negatively impact regulatory compliance or plant performance. The employee will prepare non-compliance reports and inspection documentation when deficiencies are identified and will track corrective actions through completion.
This position will serve as an internal check-and-balance function between plant operations and management. This position will provide an independent level of oversight to ensure that established procedures, permits, regulatory requirements, and operational expectations are being followed consistently across all facilities.
This position will be primarily field-based and onsite at facilities five days per week. Daily facility visits and routine inspections are essential functions of the position. The employee will spend significant time in the field observing operations, inspecting facilities, reviewing records, communicating with plant personnel, documenting deficiencies, and following up on corrective actions.
The position is intended to provide continuous operational oversight and accountability across the wastewater system, helping identify problems before they become regulatory violations and ensuring that plant personnel maintain facilities in compliance with applicable requirements. The employee must be comfortable asking difficult questions, challenging practices that do not meet established requirements, documenting deficiencies objectively, and holding personnel accountable for timely corrective action while maintaining a professional and collaborative working relationship.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The position requires frequent field work at wastewater treatment plants, lift stations, and related facilities. Duties require stooping, bending, climbing, walking, and/or lifting items of up to 30 pounds, with occasional periods of walking on uneven or rough surfaces. The position involves routine exposure to outdoor environmental conditions, including moderate heat, cold, moisture, wetness, and unpleasant air conditions. Employees may be exposed to wastewater, soiled materials, odors, and light chemical substances such as cleaning solutions and treatment chemicals. The employee must be capable of working safely in and around wastewater treatment facilities and lift stations and following all applicable safety procedures and personal protective equipment requirements. Regular travel between facilities is required, and the employee must be able to conduct inspections and perform duties independently in a variety of field environments.
This is a Houston Public Works Emergency Management position at the Tier II Level.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires a Bachelors degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Landscape Architecture, Project Management or a closely related field based on the responsibilities of the position. Considerable knowledge of design or construction is required.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Four (4) years of experience in construction, construction inspection, design, landscape design, geotechnical, environmental or a closely related field are required.
Substitution: Directly related professional architectural, construction or landscape design experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
None
PREFERENCES
Preferred 5 years of progressively responsible, hands-on experience in wastewater treatment plant operations, regulatory compliance and facility inspections
Preferred Valid TCEQ Class C occupational license in wastewater treatment . Applicants should have extensive experience in wastewater treatment plant operations, regulatory compliance, facility inspections, and working with all levels of plant stakeholders, including operators, supervisors, management, contractors, engineers, and customers.
Applicants with strong knowledge of Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requirements, wastewater permits, operational standards, recordkeeping, sampling, reporting, and regulatory compliance are highly preferred. The ideal candidate will have the ability to identify operational deficiencies, document findings, communicate corrective actions, and work effectively with plant personnel to ensure deficiencies are corrected in a timely manner.
Applicants must be able to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team. Strong communication, documentation, organizational, investigative, and problem-solving skills are essential.
Also those who posses a 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 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 24
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:
For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html
01
Please select the best scenario below that describes your level of education and experience:
02
Do you possess a Bachelor's degree or higher in one of the following fields relevant to wastewater treatment and environmental compliance?
03
How many years of supervisory or management experience do you have overseeing WWTP staff, consultants, or contractors?
04
Do you have experience leading or supporting regulatory inspections, compliance audits, or facility assessments for wastewater treatment or collection systems?
05
Do you have experience managing or supporting projects under a federal or state wastewater consent decree or enforcement action (e.g., EPA, DOJ, State Environmental Agency)?
06
Do you have a valid/current drivers license?
07
Please describe your experience managing WWTP-related projects, including operations support, regulatory compliance (e.g., NPDES permits), facility audits, or capital improvement programs.
08
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?
Required Question
Employer City of Houston
Address 901 Bagby St
Houston, Texas, 77002
Website https://www.houstontx.gov/
| Location | Houston, TX |
| Salary | $2,767–$3,604.10 |
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