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ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATOR IV

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ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATOR IV

Salary

$2,863.44 - $3,388.00 Biweekly

Location

Houston, Texas

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

37728

Department

Houston Public Works

Division

HW-Regulatory Compliance (RC)

Opening Date

12/08/2025

Closing Date

1/6/2026 11:59 PM Central

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

Service Line/Section: Houston Water/Regulatory Compliance Utility Development (RCUD)

Reporting Location: 10500 Bellaire Blvd

Workdays & Hours: Mon - Fri, 7:00a.m.- 4:30 p.m.*

*Subject to change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Environmental Investigator IV serves as a senior-level technical and compliance specialist within the City of Houston’s Pretreatment Program. This position leads inspections, investigations, and enforcement activities for assigned industrial users to ensure industrial facilities comply with federal, state, and local wastewater regulations. The role combines fieldwork, data analysis, permitting, and enforcement, with opportunities to mentor junior investigators and represent the City in regulatory discussions with industrial users as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

+ Performs technical inspections and investigative work in the Industrial Waste/Pretreatment Program to detect, analyze, and eliminate or control environmental pollutants and contaminants.

+ Investigates complaints of pollutant and contaminant sources, conducts on-site inspections, and collects samples of suspected pollutants as needed.

+ Prepares comprehensive reports of the investigative findings.

+ Determines compliance of non-domestic customers with various environmental regulatory requirements.

+ Determines appropriate enforcement actions for permit violations, prepares enforcement documents, reviews data for trends and outliers, and may testify during court proceedings.

+ Prepares industrial wastewater discharge permits for new and existing industrial customers as needed.

+ Receives and reviews reports submitted by permittees to determine compliance with permit requirements and enforcement orders.

+ Updates and maintain compliance tracking database for each assigned permittee.

+ Collaborates closely with other team members, trains and mentors junior staff, and possesses excellent communication skills.

+ Maintains a safe and healthy work environment.

+ Promotes environmental awareness about the effects and hazards associated with illegal dumping and educates the public regarding pollution prevention.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The position may require lifting of moderately heavy items (up to 40 pounds) and/or long periods of walking field work. There are occasional exposures to significant levels of heat, cold, moisture, air pollution, and raw sewage. This 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 Public Works & Engineering Emergency Management position at the Tier II Level.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

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

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Three years of pollution/environmental control experience is required.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

None.

PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to applicants with experience implementing pretreatment program requirements, industrial wastewater treatment, and investigation of industrial users upstream from treatment plants.

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: No

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 candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

PAY GRADE 23

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.

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 individual's 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

+ 11 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 at least a Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Health Engineering or a closely related field?

+ Yes

+ No

02

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

+ No experience

+ Less than 3 years

+ 3 to 4 years

+ 4 years or more

03

Do you have a valid/current driver's license?

+ Yes

+ No

+ My license is presently restricted, suspended or revoked.

04

Are you willing to work in air contaminated areas, or around areas that have strong odors or vapors?

+ Yes

+ No

05

Are you willing to work with sanitary sewage, sludge and industrial wastewater?

+ Yes

+ No

06

Are you willing to perform field work in various weather conditions including high heat and humidity?

+ Yes

+ No

07

Are you willing to work on weekends, holidays or after hours?

+ Yes

+ No

08

Are you willing to work with various chemicals?

+ Yes

+ No

09

How many years of experience do you possess working in the field of industrial waste or pretreatment programs?

+ No experience

+ 1 - 2 years

+ 3 years or more

10

Years of experience with environmental regulations (e.g., 30TAC, 40CFR, city ordinances)

+ No experience

+ 1 - 2 years

+ 3 years or more

11

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