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Office of the County Engineer · 2 hours ago

Senior Water Quality Inspector

Houston, TX

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

3+ years exp

The Office of the County Engineer is responsible for environmental compliance in Harris County, and they are seeking a Senior Water Quality Inspector. This role involves inspecting construction sites, evaluating sewage facilities, and investigating environmental violations while mentoring junior inspectors and supporting disaster recovery efforts.

Government Administration

Comp. & Benefits

Responsibilities

Perform inspections of residential and commercial construction sites—both active and completed—to ensure compliance with environmental regulations enforced by the Harris County Watershed Protection Group

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

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

Provide guidance, mentorship, and leadership support to Water Quality Inspectors to foster professional development and ensure consistent enforcement practices

Operate independently or collaboratively within designated inspection zones

Support supervisory staff in executing departmental responsibilities and initiatives

Participate in disaster recovery planning and operational support as needed

Perform other related duties as assigned to support environmental compliance and public health objectives

Qualification

Environmental compliance experienceField inspectionsWastewater treatment knowledgeMicrosoft Office proficiencyStormwater regulations knowledgeLeadership skillsAnalytical skillsDetail-orientedProblem-solving skillsCommunication skillsInterpersonal skillsOrganizational skills

Required

A high school diploma or G.E.D. is required

Must be a State-registered Designated Representative or become one within six months of hire, unless extended by the Watershed Protection Division Manager due to training schedule

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

A minimum of one (1) year of environmental compliance experience

A minimum of one (1) year conducting field inspections

Documented increases in work-related responsibilities and leadership roles

Familiar with wastewater and stormwater treatment concepts

Intermediate computer skills and proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office programs required

A valid driver's license (Texas upon hire)

This position requires daily operation of a County vehicle, and the candidate must provide and maintain a rider insurance policy at personal expense upon employment

Detail-oriented, conscientious, and self-motivated

Strong analytical, problem-solving, decision-making, leadership, 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

Excellent 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

Preferred

Bachelor's degree in a natural science or related field, or ability to obtain within six months of hire

Current State-registered Designated Representative and/or State-registered Registered Sanitarian is highly preferred

Certification as a Certified Professional in Stormwater Quality (CPSWQ) or a Certified Erosion, Sediment, and Stormwater Inspector (CESSWI) is a strong preference

Texas OSSF Site Evaluator or Installer II license is desirable

Bilingual Spanish and/or Vietnamese a plus

A minimum of three (3) years of experience in the environmental or regulatory field, including compelling compliance

Proven track record in successfully compelling compliance and resolving environmental violations

Extensive experience conducting environmental inspections on complex commercial construction sites

Ability to read and interpret complex engineering plans, blueprints, and specifications for stormwater and OSSF

In-depth knowledge of advanced aerobic and anaerobic wastewater treatment concepts and technologies used in onsite systems

Thorough understanding of stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWP3s), Best Management Practices (BMPs), and local, state, and federal stormwater regulations

Extensive knowledge of environmental laws and regulations as enforced by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and Harris County

Experience performing pre-construction site evaluations to assess suitability for OSSF systems, according to TCEQ guidelines

Demonstrated ability to act as a working supervisor, including assigning and reviewing work, providing effective feedback, and fostering professional growth in junior team members

Excellent interpersonal skills to establish and maintain cooperative and professional relationships with contractors, developers, government officials, and the public

Proven skill in preparing detailed, accurate, and concise inspection reports, regulatory correspondence, and compliance documentation

Strong ability to analyze and interpret field data, technical reports, and regulatory information to make sound decisions

Demonstrated ability to manage difficult conversations and navigate contentious situations with contractors or the public professionally and diplomatically