Water Quality Inspector - Watershed Protection

Position Overview:

The Water Quality Inspector plays a critical role in ensuring environmental compliance across Harris County. This position involves evaluating newly built on-site sewage facilities (OSSF), and may include inspecting residential and commercial construction sites and investigating violations related to stormwater and wastewater management. The inspector maintains detailed records, monitors assigned areas for environmental infractions, and recommends corrective actions when needed. Work is performed independently or collaboratively within the Watershed Protection Group, with a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship, regulatory enforcement, and good customer service.

Job Duties:

• Evaluate newly constructed on-site sewerage facilities for regulatory adherence and operational integrity
• Investigate violations related to on-site sewerage systems and determine appropriate corrective actions
• Perform inspections of residential and commercial construction sites - both active and completed - to ensure compliance with environmental regulations enforced by the Watershed Protection Group
• Monitor assigned areas for stormwater quality issues, document findings, and report violations in accordance with established protocols
• Maintain accurate and detailed inspection records, reports, and documentation
• Schedule inspections and address complaints as necessary to ensure timely regulatory oversight
• Operate independently or collaboratively within designated inspection zones
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support environmental compliance and public health objectives
• Support enforcement actions for environmental violations
• Participate in disaster recovery planning and operational support as needed
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Education:

• A high school diploma or G.E.D. is required.
• Must be a State-registered Designated Representative or become one within six (6) months of hire, unless extended by the Watershed Protection Division Manager.

Experience:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with wastewater and stormwater treatment concepts.
• Intermediate computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office programs.

Knowledge, Skill & Abilities (KSAs):

• Detail-oriented, conscientious, and self-motivated.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work for extended periods in hot, cold, and inclement weather.
• This position requires bending, stooping, and lifting up to 25 pounds, frequent walking, standing, sitting, reaching, carrying, ascending/ descending stairs, extended time outside, and walking on uneven terrain.
• Good oral and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical information and regulatory findings.
• Capable of working independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.

Emergency Deployment & Continuity of Operations Requirement:

In accordance with Harris County’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Policy, this position is subject to emergency response and deployment protocols. The employee may be designated as supporting a Mission Essential Function (MEF) and must:

• Participate in the classification process of departmental staff based on MEF responsibilities.
• Be available for temporary deployment to an alternative work location, role, or telework assignment during emergency events.
• Confirm work assignments with their supervisor prior to reporting to any worksite during such events.
• Remain flexible in assuming alternative duties as directed to support County operations continuity.

Preferences:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a natural science or related field.
• Current State-registered Designated Representative or Registered Sanitarian.

Experience:

• Experience in environmental compliance or field inspections is preferred.

Knowledge, Skill & Abilities (KSAs):

• Basic understanding of stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWP3s) and Best Management Practices (BMPs)
• Bilingual Spanish and/or Vietnamese a plus.

General Information:

Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work:

Full-Time | Regular | 40 hours per week.

Subject to early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays at times, depending upon the project or workload.

Salary: Commensurate with experience, based on 26 pay periods.

Physical Demands and Environmental Exposure:

Most assignments will be performed in an office, meeting room, or operations command center environment, but some fieldwork may be required. May be required to work extended work hours during activation of disaster recovery operations for an unspecified length of time (varies based on the extent of the event). This position requires bending, stooping, and lifting up to 25 lbs., as well as frequent walking, standing, sitting, reaching, and ascending/descending stairs. The physical demands described here are representative of those required of an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

FEATURED BENEFITS:

Medical, vision, and dental insurance.

Wellness.

Professional development opportunities.

Flexible spending accounts.

457 deferred compensation plans.

Retirement pension (TCDRS).

Transportation assistance (Metro Ride Sponsor Program).

Disability and life insurance.

Harris County is a Qualified Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).