Wastewater Field Technician

Wastewater Field Technician

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Location

Houston, TX

Job Type

Regular Full-time

Job Number

16777

Department

Public Health Services

Division

Office of Epidemiology, Surveillance and Emerging Diseases

Opening Date

06/04/2026

Closing Date

7/6/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

If you're looking to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make an impact, explore our current opportunities in creating a better future for public health.

About Harris County Public Health:

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.

Our Values:

HCPH embraces a foundation of progressive work anchored by the departments cornerstone values guiding our work to improve communitys health and well-being.

• Transparency- We share information openly and honestly so that staff, partners, and the community understand our actions and the reasons behind them.
• Integrity- Our actions reflect strong ethical principles, ensuring we remain trustworthy, accountable, and consistent with our mission.
• Respect - We foster a supportive environment by valuing diverse perspectives, listening intentionally, and treating people with dignity in every interaction.
• Impact -We focus our efforts on activities that improve health, reduce disparities, and create meaningful, measurable outcomes for the communities we serve.
• Collaboration- We actively partner across teams, disciplines, organizations, and communities to align our efforts toward common goals.

Position Overview:

Under direct supervision, the Wastewater Field Technician will collect samples from various wastewater treatment facilities throughout Harris County. Individuals in this position will be responsible for conducting sample collection, managing inventory, maintaining accurate documentation, and verifying sample delivery to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

The Wastewater Field Technician must demonstrate strong communication and organizational skills and apply standard collection practices to maintain the accuracy and integrity of all samples.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Sampling and Documentation: Collects wastewater samples at designated treatment facilities, programs sampling equipment, documents collection dates, initials sample bottles, updates sampling data, scans supporting documents, and follows all sampling procedures to ensure accuracy and integrity.
• Sample Delivery: Delivers samples to designated laboratories and completes chain of custody forms, ensuring all samples are accounted for and obtaining signatures at each transfer point.
• Equipment Maintenance: Maintains and disinfects sample trucks and all wastewater equipment and supplies.
• Partnerships and Site Visits: Builds and sustains partnerships with various MUDS within Harris County and coordinates site feasibility visits and sampler installations.
• Program Support: Reviews field documentation, maintains readiness records for internal planning, evaluates and improves projects, and performs additional tasks to support the wastewater surveillance program.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net

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.

Requirements

Education/Experience:

• Associate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in public health, environmental sciences, microbiology, engineering, or related field.

OR

• High school or GED equivalent with at least two (2) years of experience in public health, environmental science, microbiology, engineering or related field.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Wastewater Treatment Plants and Municipal Utility Districts.
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be detail-oriented and produce accurate, trustworthy reports.
• Ability to build strong work relationships and communicate effectively with supervisor, project director, clients, and project team members.
• Ability to travel and drive through Harris County jurisdiction.
• Proactive and able to work without daily supervision.
• Ability to develop safety procedures, plans, and reports.
• Ability to interpret policies and procedures.

Core Competencies:

• Data Analytics and Assessment Skills: Ability to use data to analyze community health needs and support decisions that improve community health outcomes.

• Communication Skills: This competency focuses on using clear and effective communication to engage audiences, address misinformation, and build trust, supporting informed decisions and stronger public health outcomes.

• Health Advancement Skills: This competency focuses on applying principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion to public health, addressing systemic barriers, and promoting fair access to resources for healthier communities.

• Community Partnership Skills: This competency focuses on collaborating with communities to address the systems and policies affecting health, fostering engagement, shared ownership, and sustainable improvements in well-being.

• Public Health Science Skills: This competency focuses on using public health science and evidence-based approaches to develop and improve policies and programs, ensuring effective delivery of the 10 Essential Public Health Services.

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 but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

Experience:

• At least one (1) year experience with sample collection techniques.

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• This is a Full-Time position.
• Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Other days/hours as needed, due to operational needs.

Work Environment:

• This position operates in a professional field outdoor setting within Harris County.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift 150 lbs., drive for long periods of time, bending/standing/walking frequently, perform in any inclement of weather i.e. (rain, summer, etc.)

Work Location:

• Harris County Public Health: Office of Epidemiology, Surveillance & Emerging Diseases - 1111 Fannin St. Houston, Texas. 77002.

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.

The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO RideSponsor Program*
• Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the Countys behalf as needed.

For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:

www.benefitsathctx.com

01

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position?

• High School or Equivalent
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or higher
• N/A; No Degree

02

If you selected a degree in response to the previous question, which of the following disciplines best relates to your degree most relevant to this position?

• Public Health
• Environmental Sciences
• Microbiology
• Engineering
• Other Related Field
• Non-Related Field
• N/A; No Degree

03

Which of the following best describes your verifiable experience in public health, environmental science, microbiology, engineering or related field. (To be considered, the qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history)

• Less than two (2) years.
• Two (2) years or more.
• I do not have this experience.

04

Please provide details about your verifiable experience in public health, environmental science, microbiology, engineering or related field. Do not use "Please see Resume" or "See Resume" (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history) Please include your (a) role(s), (b) types of organizations, (c) scope of duties and responsibilities If you do not have this experience, please type "None" in the space provided.

05

Which of the following best describes your verifiable experience with sample collection techniques. (To be considered, the qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history)

• Less than one (1) year.
• One (1) year or more.
• I do not have this experience.

06

Please provide details about your verifiable experience with sample collection techniques. Do not use "Please see Resume" or "See Resume" (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history) Please include your (a) role(s), (b) types of organizations, (c) scope of duties and responsibilities If you do not have this experience, please type "None" in the space provided.

Required Question

Employer Harris County

Address 1111 Fannin St

Ste. 600

Houston, Texas, 77002

Phone 713-274-5445

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx