Senior Water Quality Inspector

Position Overview:

The Senior Water Quality Inspector plays a critical role in ensuring environmental compliance across Harris County. This position involves inspecting residential and commercial construction sites evaluating newly built on-site sewage facilities (OSSF) 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. Additionally the role includes mentoring junior inspectors supporting supervisory tasks and contributing to disaster recovery efforts. Work is performed independently or collaboratively with a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship and regulatory enforcement.

Job Duties:

• Perform inspections of residential and commercial construction sitesboth active and completedto 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.
• Responsibilities may evolve and are not limited to the list above.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
you need special services or accommodations please call or email

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and even when considered may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Education

• 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.

Experience:

• 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 drivers 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.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

• 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.

NOTE: Qualifying education experience knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation butONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. See Resume will not be accepted for qualifications.

Education:

• Bachelors 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.

Experience:

• 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.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

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

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 experience based on 26 pay periods.

Physical Demands and Environmental Exposure:

• Work is performed in both indoor office settings and outdoor environments depending on project needs. Indoor conditions include standard lighting temperature ventilation and noise levels.
• Frequent use of computer monitors and other video display terminals is required.
• Potential exposure to fluids chemicals and compounds commonly found in office and field project areas.
• Physical activity includes prolonged sitting frequent standing and walking and occasional stair climbing.
• Field visits for compliance verification may involve exposure to varying weather conditions such as heat humidity rain and wind.
• May occasionally require exerting up to 20 pounds of force and/or minimal constant force to move objects.

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).