Water Quality Inspector - Watershed Protection

Water Quality Inspector - Watershed Protection

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Location

Houston, TX

Job Type

Regular Full-time

Job Number

16784

Department

Engineering Department

Opening Date

10/16/2026

Closing Date

10/30/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

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.

The Water Quality Inspector will:

• 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.

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 then, they may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

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.

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

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).

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

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? Qualifying information must be documented in the Education section of your application.

• High School or GED diploma
• Associate Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or higher
• None of the above

02

This position requires incumbents to be a State-registered Designated Representative or obtain the certification within six (6) months of hire, unless an extension is granted by the Watershed Protection Division Manager. Do you meet this requirement?

• Yes, I am currently a State-registered Designated Representative.
• No, but I am willing and able to obtain the certification within six (6) months of hire.
• No.

03

Please indicate your level of proficiency using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint). This position requires at least an Intermediate level of proficiency.

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced
• Expert

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