Field Investigator

Harris County•Houston, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Investigator I is an entry level field position. This position will have a critical role in identifying & coordinating investigations, interacting with the general public, and commercial & industrial entities to support key Pollution Control initiatives and services. The Investigator I will be responsible for conducting routine inspections and investigate complaints regarding air, solid and hazardous waste, stormwater and wastewater and generate detailed investigation reports documenting investigations. This position will report to the Field Supervisor.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with 30 hours in Biology, Chemistry, Ecology or related field from an accredited college of university
Must have good written and verbal skills
Must have a cell phone
Must have transportation to and from work
Must be able to drive extensively, prioritize, and organize routes for maximum efficiency
Must establish effective working relationships, exercise balanced judgment and organize work for maximum efficiency
Must be a self-starter, able to work with minimal supervision
Must be able to use discretionary judgment in routine fieldwork and must be able to handle difficult situations with tact and diplomacy
Must be able to follow the policies and guidelines established by the County and the department

Nice To Haves

An understanding of the principles and practices of pollution control is preferred
Knowledge of state and federal statutes related to air, water, solid waste issues is preferred
Ability and knowledge necessary to collect samples and operate analytical field equipment such as pH meters, DO meters, composite samplers, and summa canisters is preferred

Responsibilities

Investigate complaints of air, water, solid or hazardous waste problems to determine compliance with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality rules and regulations.
Perform inspections of facilities for compliance with existing environmental regulations and permit parameters and complete detailed reports.
Plan daily schedule to maximize work time and minimize drive time, while establishing priorities and other work as assigned
Work on-call shift when assigned
Work evenings and weekends per the assigned rotation
Collect samples and perform field tests and maintain chain of custody protocols as required
Enter complaints into Client Record Management (CRM) during assigned weekends, holiday and evening shifts.
Gather evidence for court action as required
Prepare for and provide testimony in court cases
Responsibilities include other duties as assigned, including special tasks involved in responding to an emergency event