Environmental Protection Specialist
Defense Logistics Agency
FreshPosted Jan 9
Older Listing
Posted: December 31, 2025 (15 days ago)
This job has been posted for 2-4 weeks. Consider applying soon if interested.
Environmental Investigator II
City of Houston
Houston Public Works
Location
Houston, Texas, 77002
Salary
$2,085.89 - $2,260
per week
Type
Closes
January 14, 2026
Job Description
Summary
This job involves traveling to various sites around Houston to inspect and investigate potential risks to the city's drinking water from improper connections or backflow, educating the public, and enforcing related rules.
You'll spend most of your time in the field, analyzing plumbing systems, issuing fixes or fines, and handling complaints.
It's a good fit for someone with a science background who enjoys hands-on investigative work outdoors and has experience in environmental protection.
Key Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Health Engineering, or a closely related field
- One year of experience in pollution or environmental control
- Ability to conduct field inspections of plumbing systems, including evaluating drawings, pressure variations, and flow directions
- Knowledge of state laws, plumbing codes, and backflow prevention policies
- Skills in investigating complaints, identifying hazards, recommending corrective actions, and issuing warnings or citations
- Proficiency in using data management software to document inspections, findings, and images
- Valid driver's license and ability to drive in compliance with city policy (preferred)
Full Job Description
Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
Service Line/Section: Houston Water - Regulatory Compliance and Utility Development
Reporting Location: 7101 Renwick Dr. Houston TX 77081
Workdays & Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm
* Subject to Change
* Subject to Change
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Houston Cross-Connection Control Program aims to protect Houston’s seven drinking water systems from hazards that could contaminate the water supply through a cross-connection or backflow event. The Program conducts investigations at facilities where potential cross-connection hazards exist, educates the public about cross-connection control, and enforces state and uniform plumbing code requirements regarding backflow prevention.
Key Responsibilities:
- This is a field position 80% of the time.
- This is a position that conducts cross-connection control inspections at different types of industries/ establishments. Some inspections may include, evaluating plumbing drawings, analyzing piping pressure variations, and determining flow directions.
- Must be able to identify new locations that are not registered in the program’s database that pose a risk of introducing hazards into Houston’s public drinking water systems.
- Recommend corrective action; perform follow-up inspections; issue warnings and citations.
- Interpret state laws, plumbing and installation codes, and policies regarding cross-connection control backflow prevention requirements.
- Investigate community complaints and perform special investigations regarding customer’s water quality complaints or potential illegal connections.
- Be able to issue detailed corrective actions, enter survey details including inspection findings, deficiencies, and supporting images into the program’s data management software.
- Respond to public inquiries and provide optimized solutions related to cross-connections.
- May be required to appear in court for testimony regarding violations; provides testimony in enforcement hearings.
Working Conditions
This is a field position 80% of the time. There are occasional exposures to significant levels of heat, cold, moisture and air pollution.
This is a Department of Public Works position at the Tier II Level.
Requirements
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTSRequires 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
Qualifications
Preference will be given to applicants who are bilingual or speak multiple languages, with knowledge of water distribution and investigative experience. Also, who possess a valid driver’s license and compliance with the City of Houston’s policy on driving.
**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 skill assessment evaluation.
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: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call 832-393-6737.
If you need special services or accommodations, call 832-393-6737. (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 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.
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