Harris County
Position Overview
The Senior Water Quality Inspector plays a critical role in ensuring environmental compliance across Harris County. The inspector inspects residential and commercial construction sites, evaluates newly built on-site sewage facilities (OSSF), and investigates violations related to stormwater and wastewater management. The inspector maintains detailed records, monitors assigned areas for environmental infractions, and recommends corrective actions. Additionally, the role includes mentoring junior inspectors, supporting supervisory tasks, and contributing to disaster recovery efforts, all performed independently or collaboratively with a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship and regulatory enforcement.
Responsibilities
Perform inspections of residential and commercial construction sites—both active and completed—to ensure compliance with environmental regulations enforced by the Harris County Watershed Protection Group.
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.
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.
Provide guidance, mentorship, and leadership support to Water Quality Inspectors.
Operate independently or collaboratively within designated inspection zones.
Support supervisory staff in executing departmental responsibilities and initiatives.
Participate in disaster recovery planning and operational support as needed.
Perform other related duties as assigned to support environmental compliance and public health objectives.
Requirements Education:
A high school diploma or G.E.D. is required.
Must be a State-registered Designated Representative or become one within six months of hire, unless extended by the Watershed Protection Division Manager.
Experience:
Minimum one (1) year of environmental compliance experience. Minimum one (1) year conducting field inspections. Documented increases in work‑related responsibilities and leadership roles. Familiar with wastewater and stormwater treatment concepts. Intermediate computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office programs. Valid driver’s license (Texas upon hire). Must provide and maintain a rider insurance policy for county vehicle.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
Detail-oriented, conscientious, and self‑motivated.
Strong analytical, problem‑solving, decision‑making, leadership, and organizational skills.
Ability to work for extended periods in hot, cold, and inclement weather.
Position requires bending, stooping, and lifting up to 25 pounds, frequent walking, standing, sitting, reaching, carrying, ascending/descending stairs, extended time outside, and uneven terrain.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical information and regulatory findings.
Capable of working independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
Additional Requirements:
Criminal history check required. Only relevant convictions will be considered and may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Contact special services or accommodations: (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a natural science or related field, or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
Current State-registered Designated Representative and/or State-registered Registered Sanitarian.
Certification as a Certified Professional in Stormwater Quality (CPSWQ) or a Certified Erosion, Sediment, and Stormwater Inspector (CESSWI).
Texas OSSF Site Evaluator or Installer II license.
Bilingual Spanish and/or Vietnamese.
Minimum three (3) years of experience in the environmental or regulatory field, including proven compliance success.
Extensive experience conducting environmental inspections on complex commercial construction sites.
Ability to read and interpret complex engineering plans, blueprints, and specifications for stormwater and OSSF.
In‑depth knowledge of advanced aerobic and anaerobic wastewater treatment concepts and technologies used in onsite systems.
Thorough understanding of stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWP3s), BMPs, and local, state, and federal stormwater regulations.
Extensive knowledge of environmental laws and regulations enforced by TCEQ and Harris County.
Experience performing pre‑construction site evaluations for OSSF systems according to TCEQ guidelines.
Salary & Benefits Salary: Commensurate with experience, based on 26 pay periods. Employment is full‑time, regular, 40 hours per week, with potential early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays. Medical, vision, and dental insurance. Wellness programs. 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 high volume of applications, positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
Equal Opportunity Employer Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Application 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.
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Responsibilities
Perform inspections of residential and commercial construction sites—both active and completed—to ensure compliance with environmental regulations enforced by the Harris County Watershed Protection Group.
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.
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.
Provide guidance, mentorship, and leadership support to Water Quality Inspectors.
Operate independently or collaboratively within designated inspection zones.
Support supervisory staff in executing departmental responsibilities and initiatives.
Participate in disaster recovery planning and operational support as needed.
Perform other related duties as assigned to support environmental compliance and public health objectives.
Requirements Education:
A high school diploma or G.E.D. is required.
Must be a State-registered Designated Representative or become one within six months of hire, unless extended by the Watershed Protection Division Manager.
Experience:
Minimum one (1) year of environmental compliance experience. Minimum one (1) year conducting field inspections. Documented increases in work‑related responsibilities and leadership roles. Familiar with wastewater and stormwater treatment concepts. Intermediate computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office programs. Valid driver’s license (Texas upon hire). Must provide and maintain a rider insurance policy for county vehicle.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
Detail-oriented, conscientious, and self‑motivated.
Strong analytical, problem‑solving, decision‑making, leadership, and organizational skills.
Ability to work for extended periods in hot, cold, and inclement weather.
Position requires bending, stooping, and lifting up to 25 pounds, frequent walking, standing, sitting, reaching, carrying, ascending/descending stairs, extended time outside, and uneven terrain.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical information and regulatory findings.
Capable of working independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
Additional Requirements:
Criminal history check required. Only relevant convictions will be considered and may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Contact special services or accommodations: (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a natural science or related field, or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
Current State-registered Designated Representative and/or State-registered Registered Sanitarian.
Certification as a Certified Professional in Stormwater Quality (CPSWQ) or a Certified Erosion, Sediment, and Stormwater Inspector (CESSWI).
Texas OSSF Site Evaluator or Installer II license.
Bilingual Spanish and/or Vietnamese.
Minimum three (3) years of experience in the environmental or regulatory field, including proven compliance success.
Extensive experience conducting environmental inspections on complex commercial construction sites.
Ability to read and interpret complex engineering plans, blueprints, and specifications for stormwater and OSSF.
In‑depth knowledge of advanced aerobic and anaerobic wastewater treatment concepts and technologies used in onsite systems.
Thorough understanding of stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWP3s), BMPs, and local, state, and federal stormwater regulations.
Extensive knowledge of environmental laws and regulations enforced by TCEQ and Harris County.
Experience performing pre‑construction site evaluations for OSSF systems according to TCEQ guidelines.
Salary & Benefits Salary: Commensurate with experience, based on 26 pay periods. Employment is full‑time, regular, 40 hours per week, with potential early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays. Medical, vision, and dental insurance. Wellness programs. 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 high volume of applications, positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
Equal Opportunity Employer Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Application 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.
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