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Posted: April 2, 2026 (1 day ago)

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ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATOR I

City of Houston

Houston Public Works

Fresh

Location

Salary

$1,976.47 - $2,038.40

per week

Closes

May 2, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This entry-level job involves helping ensure that industries follow rules for safely discharging waste into the city's wastewater system, including reviewing reports, collecting samples, and educating the public on preventing pollution.

It suits recent graduates with a science background who are detail-oriented, comfortable working outdoors in tough conditions, and interested in environmental protection.

No prior experience is needed, making it a great starting point for building a career in regulatory compliance.

Key Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Health Engineering, or a closely related field
  • Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and walk long periods on rough surfaces
  • Tolerance for occasional exposure to heat, cold, moisture, air pollution, and minor chemical or physical hazards
  • Skills in maintaining accurate records and handling regulatory documents for audits
  • Capability to collect wastewater samples, including for emerging contaminants like PFAS, and maintain sampling equipment
  • Availability for fieldwork and emergency management duties as a Tier II position
  • Valid driver's license (implied for fieldwork, though not explicitly stated)

Full Job Description

The position routinely requires lifting of moderately heavy items (up to 40 pounds) and/or very long periods of walking on rough surfaces on a routine basis. There are occasional exposures to significant levels of heat, cold, moisture and air pollution. This position may involve infrequent exposure to chemical substances and physical trauma or minor nature such as cuts, bruises and minor burns. Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

Service Line/Section: Houston Water/Regulatory & Compliance
Reporting Location: 10500 Bellaire
Workdays & Hours: Mondoy - Friday/7:30am - 4:30pm*
* Subject to change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Environmental Investigator I provides supporting-level compliance and technical assistance within the Industrial Waste Service (Pretreatment Program). This position assists with the timely review and processing of regulatory submittals from industrial users, including self-monitoring reports, periodic compliance reports, industrial user surveys, One-Time Compliance Reports for dental dischargers, and chain-of-custody documentation. The role supports senior compliance staff by helping prepare for facility inspections, conducting post-inspection follow-up activities, and participating in the industrial wastewater permit application review process. The investigator maintains accurate, detailed, and well-organized records to ensure all documents are reviewed, scanned, and filed in accordance with regulatory audit requirements.

As needed, the position performs compliance monitoring activities for industrial users and City-owned wastewater treatment facilities. This includes collecting wastewater samples, including those for emerging contaminants such as PFAS, and operating, cleaning, and maintaining field instrumentation sampling equipment. The investigator also promotes environmental awareness by educating the public on pollution prevention, the impacts and hazards of illegal dumping, and proper handling, transport, and disposal of hazardous and solid wastes.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The position routinely requires lifting of moderately heavy items (up to 40 pounds) and/or very long periods of walking on rough surfaces on a routine basis.

There are occasional exposures to significant levels of heat, cold, moisture and air pollution.

This position may involve infrequent exposure to chemical substances and physical trauma or minor nature such as cuts, bruises and minor burns.

This is a Houston Public Works Emergency Management position at the Tier II level.

Requirements

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Health Engineering, or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

No experience is required.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
None

Qualifications

**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.**

Additional 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 14

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 832-395-2976.

If you need special services or accommodations 832-395-2976 (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.

EEO Equal Employment Opportunity
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.

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Posted on NEOGOV: 4/2/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 4/3/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-houston-5290475