Job Details

Environmental Investigator II

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Environmental Investigator II

Salary

$2,085.89 - $2,260.00 Biweekly

Location

Houston, TX

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

38377

Department

Houston Public Works

Opening Date

03/12/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications acceptedfrom: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

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

Reporting Location: 10500 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77072

Workdays & Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:30pm * Subject to Change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The City of Houston is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Environmental Sampling Investigator to join our Pretreatment Program team. This role plays a critical part in protecting public health and the environment by monitoring industrial wastewater discharges, conducting field sampling, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform field sampling of industrial and commercial wastewater discharges, following established protocols and safety requirements.

• Collect, preserve, and transport samples for laboratory analysis in accordance with EPA, TCEQ, and City of Houston standards.

• Assist with site inspections at industrial facilities and wastewater treatment plants to ensure compliance with pretreatment regulations.

• Document field activities with accurate records, chain of custody forms, and detailed field notes.

• Operate and maintain sampling equipment, vehicles, and related field instruments.

• Communicate effectively with industrial users, contractors, and City staff to explain requirements and resolve issues.

• Assist with investigations of potential violations, including illegal discharges, accidental spills, and other environmental incidents.

• Prepare reports and contribute to compliance enforcement actions when necessary.

Working Conditions

Routine lifting of moderately heavy items (up to 40 pounds). Extended walking on uneven or rough surfaces in outdoor environments under typical Houston weather conditions. Occasional exposure to heat, cold, rain, air pollution, and high-noise environments. Infrequent exposure to chemical substances and minor physical hazards such as cuts, bruises, or burns (safety training and protective equipment are provided).

This is a Department of Public Works 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

One (1) year of pollution/environmental control experience is required.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

None

PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to applicants with field experience related to Industrial wastewater treatment, samples collection 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 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 candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification. The salary range for this position is:

Pay Grade: 16

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: or call 832-###-####.

If you need special services or accommodations, call 832-###-####. (TTY 7-1-1)

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-###-####.

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 Employment

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

• 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

01

Do you have a Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Health or a closely related field?

• Yes

• No

02

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

• No experience

• 1 - 2 years

• 3 years or more

03

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

• Yes

• No

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 various chemicals?

• 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 with sanitary sewage, sludge and industrial wastewater?

• Yes

• No

08

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

• Yes

• No

09

How many years of experience with environmental regulations (e.g., 30TAC, 40CFR, city ordinances) do you have?

• No experience

• 1 year

• 2 years or more

10

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

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 general discharge under honorable conditions?

• Yes

• No

Required Question