Environmental Investigator III
City of Houston Houston, Texas, United States
- Location: Houston, Texas, United States
- Categories: Criminology and Forensics, Environmental Services
- Job Type:
- Posted: Nov 11, 2026
Job Description:
Environmental Investigator III
Description
POSITION OVERVIEWAPPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
Division:Houston Water
Section: Drinking Water Operations
Reporting Location: 7027 Ardmore St, Houston, TX 77054
Workdays & Hours:Monday - Friday, 7:30AM - 4:30PM*
*Subject to change
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Houston Water is a team of approximately 1,500 drinking water and wastewater professionals, including but not limited to operators, mechanics, engineers, scientists, planners, regulatory and business personnel. The City of Houston Water and Wastewater Utility is a regulated public health agency governed by federal and state laws. Drinking Water Operations is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Environmental Investigator III. The selected candidate must meet all aspects of the Environmental Investigator III classification established by the City of Houston.
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Prepare Tier II facility maps and assist with the preparation of annual Tier II chemical reporting.
- Conduct annual facility spill prevention control and countermeasure (SPCC) inspections; prepare reports with investigative findings.
- Assist with the classification of hazardous and non-hazardous waste and coordinate disposal efforts.
- Assist with the coordination of proper universal waste storage and disposal efforts.
- Assist with the annual SCBA fit testing, and annual training associated with SCBA respirators.
- Promote environmental awareness regarding proper handling, transport, and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste.
- Assist with quarterly dry scrubber sampling.
- Prepare workplace chemical lists and research and collect chemical safety data sheets.
- Perform advanced environmental-related technical inspections, investigative work, facility inspections and environmental compliance audits related to the City’s surface water and groundwater plants.
- Conduct biennial chlorine kit inventory checks.
- Monitor aspects of environmental programs for compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Conduct chemical inventories and prepare hazardous materials inventory documents.
- Analyze problems, propose solutions, and work efficiently with supervision.
- Prepare observation reports and investigate findings for utilization in corrective recommendations.
- Serve as a back-up for chemical spill response and hazardous waste disposals.
- Assist with the preparation of HAZCOM (hazard communication) training materials and presentations.
- Perform routine data analysis, operate, and ensure the proper maintenance of equipment.
- Maintain administrative records and electronic filing system.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The position requires bending and/or lifting of items of up to 40 pounds and/or long periods of walking on rough surfaces. There are occasional discomforts from exposure to moderate heat, cold, moisture/wetness and unpleasant air conditions. The position may involve occasional exposure to chemicals substances and soiled materials which may require the use of a tight-fitting full-face respirator.
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
Two (2) years of pollution/environmental control professional experience are required.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
None
PREFERENCES
Preference will be given to applicants with:
- Environmental health/safety programs experience.
- Industrial & hazardous waste classification and reporting experience.
- Tier II chemical reporting experience, conducting facility inspections and investigations.
- Advanced computer skills, with the ability to utilize Microsoft Office applications.
- Advanced technical writing skills.
- Excellent communication skills.
- The ability to adhere to the facial hairstyles listed on the CDC/NIOSH, facial hairstyles and filtering facepiece respirators poster.
- The ability to multitask, and work in a fast-paced environment.
- 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 skills assessment test.
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.
PAY GRADE 20
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 832-395-2972.
If you need special services or accommodations (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
- 13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
- Compensable Sick Leave
- Personal Leave
- Flexible schedules
- 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: 12/1/2026 11:59 PM Central