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Job Description
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.
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
Closing Date/Time: 1/6/2026 11:59 PM Central -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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Houston Airport System
Show moreOUR STOREY | HOUSTON AIRPORT SYSTEM
The Houston Airport System provides a safe and dynamic air services network that fosters economic vitality for the transportation industry and facilitates a strong level of global connectivity for a diverse and growing population living throughout the greater Houston region.
OUR MISSION
We exist to connect the people, businesses, cultures and economies of the world to Houston.
OUR VISION
Establish the Houston Airport System as a five-star global air service gateway where the magic of flight is celebrated.
OUR HISTORY
In 1937, as Houston began its ascent to become the energy capital of the world, the city acquired the site of its first major commercial airport, William P. Hobby Airport.
As the City of Houston continued to grow so did the Houston Airport System, adding George Bush Intercontinental Airport in 1969 and Ellington Airport in 1984. Today, George Bush Intercontinental Airport serves as the premier long-haul international airport facility, while Ellington Airport supports both general aviation flights as well as a host of government/military operations. Hobby Airport opened an international concourse and welcomed back international service in October 2015, serving destinations in Latin American and the Caribbean.
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