What are the responsibilities and job description for the Environmental Investigator II position at HOUSTON AIRPORT SYSTEM?
POSITION OVERVIEW
Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
Service Line: Houston Permitting Center
Reporting Location: Houston, Texas, USA*
Workdays & Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm*
* Subject to Change
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Performs varied technical inspections and investigative work relative to the detection, analysis and elimination or control of environmental pollutants and contaminants. Performs routine chemical and microbiological water and wastewater analysis.
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Investigates complaints concerning pollutant and contaminant sources; conducts on-site inspections; collects samples of suspected pollutants; reports investigative findings.
• Conducts routine surveillance of the MS4 community to determine pollutant or contaminant problems.
• Prepares survey, investigation and observation reports for utilization in corrective recommendations or as legal evidence in the prosecution of violators.
• Coordinates the collection of air, water and/or soil samples.
• Operates, cleans and ensures the proper maintenance of scientific instrumentation equipment. Prepares laboratory standards and solutions.
• May issue citations and violation notices to violators and may testify during court proceedings.
• Coordinates special inspections and investigations.
• Performs routine chemical and microbiological analyses of water and wastewater samples.
• Monitors chemical and microbiological aspects of treatment plant performance.
• Participates in basic applied research projects.
• Promote environmental awareness concerning the effects and hazards associated with illegal dumping and discharge of chemicals to the storm sewer and waterways. Educates the public regarding pollution prevention and the proper transport and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The position routinely requires lifting of moderately heavy items, such as typewriters or records boxes (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. The 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 Houston Public Works 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
One (1) year of pollution/environmental control experience is required.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
None
PREFERENCES
**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: 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.
The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:
Closing Date/Time: 8/14/2026 11:59 PM Central
Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
Service Line: Houston Permitting Center
Reporting Location: Houston, Texas, USA*
Workdays & Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm*
* Subject to Change
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Performs varied technical inspections and investigative work relative to the detection, analysis and elimination or control of environmental pollutants and contaminants. Performs routine chemical and microbiological water and wastewater analysis.
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Investigates complaints concerning pollutant and contaminant sources; conducts on-site inspections; collects samples of suspected pollutants; reports investigative findings.
• Conducts routine surveillance of the MS4 community to determine pollutant or contaminant problems.
• Prepares survey, investigation and observation reports for utilization in corrective recommendations or as legal evidence in the prosecution of violators.
• Coordinates the collection of air, water and/or soil samples.
• Operates, cleans and ensures the proper maintenance of scientific instrumentation equipment. Prepares laboratory standards and solutions.
• May issue citations and violation notices to violators and may testify during court proceedings.
• Coordinates special inspections and investigations.
• Performs routine chemical and microbiological analyses of water and wastewater samples.
• Monitors chemical and microbiological aspects of treatment plant performance.
• Participates in basic applied research projects.
• Promote environmental awareness concerning the effects and hazards associated with illegal dumping and discharge of chemicals to the storm sewer and waterways. Educates the public regarding pollution prevention and the proper transport and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The position routinely requires lifting of moderately heavy items, such as typewriters or records boxes (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. The 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 Houston Public Works 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
One (1) year of pollution/environmental control experience is required.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
None
PREFERENCES
**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: 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.
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
Closing Date/Time: 8/14/2026 11:59 PM Central