Asbestos Inspector Region 5/6

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Houston, TX

1d • $51,158 - $81,351

About The Position

The Asbestos Inspector performs advanced environmental and public health inspections and investigations under the Texas Asbestos Health Protection Rules (TAHPR) and the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP). The position conducts compliance and complaint investigations, prepares reports concerning compliance and enforcement of state and federal requirements, responds to public requests for regulatory information and interpretation, and may attend and testify at administrative hearings. The role works under very limited supervision and exercises considerable latitude for independent judgment.

The inspector conducts unannounced field inspections of asbestos abatement and demolition projects, examines facilities for compliance, collects samples when necessary, photographs observed activities, and retrieves notification information from the Regulatory Administrative System. Following inspections and investigations, the inspector documents observations, deficiencies, and evidence in reports using Iron Data Mobile, Microsoft Word, and Excel. The role also provides compliance assistance and technical information to the regulated community and public, reviews submitted technical and inspection reports, and may provide outreach or public speaking.

The position attends required training, meetings, and conferences; maintains required accreditations and completes EPA asbestos training; prepares activity reports and travel documentation; and may proctor state licensing exams. The employee may assist with public health response and emergency relief duties. The job requires frequent daytime travel, travel of up to 45%, occasional overnight travel, and work that may include evenings, weekends, irregular hours, and hours outside the standard Monday–Friday schedule. The posting describes the role as a mobile work position headquartered in Austin, with occasional visits to a regional state office; the listed job location is Houston. A personal vehicle and current, valid Texas driver’s license are required for driving duties.

Requirements

• At least one year of work experience conducting compliance inspections, complaint investigations, or surveys, and interpreting or explaining and enforcing laws or regulations; experience and education may substitute for one another year for year.
• Knowledge of state and federal environmental regulations, including TAHPR and NESHAP.
• Knowledge of asbestos, its health effects, asbestos control, and asbestos-related illnesses.
• Knowledge of inspection and investigative principles, techniques, and procedures.
• Skill in conducting compliance inspections, documenting evidence, collecting environmental samples, training new inspectors, and writing reports.
• Skill in public speaking and using computers, word-processing software, and databases.
• Skill in writing and reviewing technical reports, including asbestos project documents.
• Ability to organize and prioritize workloads and meet deadlines; plan and execute projects with minimal supervision.
• Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with the public and regulated community and explain government regulatory requirements.
• Ability to work in a team environment and under minimal supervision, and to communicate effectively with staff, the regulated community, media, and public.
• Ability to move at least 25 pounds of equipment, use safety equipment, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces during inspections.
• Ability to provide transportation; must provide a licensed, inspected, and insured personal vehicle in accordance with Texas traffic laws.
• Must have a current, valid Texas driver's license for the type of vehicle operated while performing duties.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information and documents.
• Ability to work at times that may include evenings and weekends and to undertake overnight travel.
• Reliable internet access is required.
• Safe operation of a state-owned or personal vehicle and maintenance of an acceptable driving record are required.

Nice To Haves

• A degree or some college hours from an accredited four-year college or university, with major coursework in environmental or natural sciences, environmental engineering, public health, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Conduct unannounced field asbestos compliance inspections of abatement and demolition projects prompted by notifications and public complaints.
• Physically inspect facilities involved in asbestos-related activities to determine compliance with TAHPR and NESHAP.
• Collect samples when necessary and take photographs to document observed activities.
• Retrieve notification data from the Regulatory Administrative System (RAS) database.
• Create inspection reports using Iron Data Mobile (IDM), Microsoft Word, and Excel, including detailed observations, findings, deficiencies, and supporting evidence for potential violations.
• Provide compliance assistance and answer technical questions about TAHPR and NESHAP for the regulated community and public.
• Provide printed outreach materials and participate in public speaking assignments as needed.
• Review technical and inspection reports submitted by the regulated community.
• Attend meetings, training, and conferences as needed; attend and testify at administrative hearings as needed.
• Maintain required accreditations and fulfill EPA training requirements by attending initial and annual asbestos courses in the appropriate disciplines.
• Prepare weekly activity reports and travel requests and vouchers, and perform other administrative tasks as assigned.
• Proctor state licensing exams as needed.
• Assist with public health needs, including emergency relief duties related to disease outbreaks and environmental or weather emergencies.
• Operate a state-owned or personal vehicle safely for state business and maintain an acceptable driving record.
• Complete emergency preparedness training, including at least IS-100, IS-200, and IS-700, and support agency response or recovery during Continuity of Operations activation.

Benefits

• Insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed