ENVIRONMENAL INVESTIGATOR IV
City of Houston Houston, Texas, United States
- Location: Houston, Texas, United States
- Categories: Criminology and Forensics
- Job Type:
- Posted: Oct 23, 2026
Job Description:
ENVIRONMENAL INVESTIGATOR IV
Description
POSITION OVERVIEWApplications Accepted From: ALL PERSON INTERESTED
Division: Environmental and Regulatory Health Services
Section: Bureau of Pollution Control and Prevention
Location: 7411 Park Place Blvd., Houston, TX. 77087
Workdays & Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM*
*Subject to Change
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Environmental Investigator IV serves as a technical and compliance specialist within the City of Houston’s Criteria Pollutants Monitoring Program. This position leads monitoring activities at assigned air monitoring sites to measure ambient air pollutants, track compliance with the Clean Air Act, and provide comprehensive data to evaluate
and control air quality.
The role combines fieldwork, data analysis, managerial tasks, and the responsibility to represent the bureau in discussions with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) network coordinators. Fieldwork will involve hands-on operation, calibration, verification, documentation, troubleshooting, and maintenance/minor repair of O3, SO2, CO, NOX, particulate matter, and meteorological air monitoring instruments.
The ideal candidate has a strong environmental background with experience in continuous air monitoring and familiarity with air programs managed by TCEQ or the EPA. Additionally, experience working with air monitoring instruments, grant deliverables, and data analyses is expected to fulfill the needs of this position.
A successful candidate must possess these skills because they will be responsible for supervising the daily field work activities of direct reports that perform advanced data collection and analysis via continuous air monitoring to support the regulation and control of criteria pollutants in the environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan and supervise the daily field work activities of direct reports while maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.
- Receive and review reports submitted by direct reports to update and track status of grant deliverables to ensure compliance.
- Train, mentor, and evaluate direct reports; complete annual employee assessments.
- Possess excellent communication skills to collaborate daily with team members and correspond regularly with department leadership, grantor, and other stakeholders.
- Work outside in various types of weather, drive to remote monitoring sites, climb ladders, inspect sampling equipment on top of trailer roofs or small spaces under cabinets; lift and carry equipment up to 40 pounds, crank levers on meteorological towers.
- Perform hands-on operation, calibration, verification, documentation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and minor repair on O3, SO2, CO, NOX, particulate matter, and meteorological air monitoring instruments.
- Collect samples from the field following strict chain of custody protocols.
- Perform reviews of maintenance records; prepares monthly and quarterly reports.
- On occasion will promote environmental health and educate the public during public outreach events or special projects within the department.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
WORKING CONDITIONS
This position routinely requires lifting of moderately heavy items (up to 40 pounds) and/or very long periods of walking on rough surfaces on a routine basis. There are occasional exposures to significant levels of heat, cold, moisture and air pollution.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Health Engineering or a closely related degree.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Three (3) years of pollution/environmental control professional experience are required.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
N/A
PREFERENCES
**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**
GENERAL INFORMATION
SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED None
However, the department may administer a skills assessment evaluation.
SAFETY IMPACT POSITION Yes
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.
SALARY INFORMATION: GRANT FUNDED POSITION
Grants & Special fund positions are dependent upon continued available funds. If funding is no longer available, employee may be laid off or transferred. Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.
Pay Grade 23
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov .
To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call 832-395-3857.
If you need special services or accommodations, 832-393-4882 (TTY 7-1-1)
If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.
Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.
All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.
EOE Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy
The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Wellness
- Supplemental Insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability
- Retirement pension
- 457 deferred compensation plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- 10 days of vacation each year
- 13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
- Compensable Sick Leave
- Personal Leave
- Flexible schedules
- Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
- Professional development opportunities
- Transportation/parking plan
- Section 125 pretax deductions
- Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
- Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
- Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
Closing Date/Time: 11/2/2026 11:59 PM Central