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Harris County

Wastewater Program Technician

Harris County, Houston, Texas, United States, 77246

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If you’re looking to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make an impact, explore our current opportunities in creating a better future for public health.

About Harris County Public Health Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant. This is a grant‑funded position.

Position Overview Under direct supervision, the Wastewater Field Technician will collect samples from various wastewater treatment facilities throughout Harris County. Individuals in this position will be responsible for conducting sample collection, managing inventory, maintaining accurate documentation, and verifying sample delivery to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. The Wastewater Field Technician must demonstrate strong communication and organizational skills and apply standard collection practices to maintain the accuracy and integrity of all samples.

Duties & Responsibilities

Sampling and Documentation: Collect wastewater samples at designated treatment facilities, program sampling equipment, document collection dates, initials sample bottles, update sampling data, scan supporting documents, and follow all sampling procedures to ensure accuracy and integrity.

Sample Delivery: Deliver samples to designated laboratories and complete chain of custody forms, ensuring all samples are accounted for and obtaining signatures at each transfer point.

Equipment Maintenance: Maintain and disinfect sample trucks and all wastewater equipment and supplies.

Partnerships and Site Visits: Build and sustain partnerships with various MUDs within Harris County and coordinate site feasibility visits and sampler installations.

Program Support: Review field documentation, maintain readiness records for internal planning, evaluate and improve projects, and perform additional tasks to support the wastewater surveillance program.

Education

Associate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in public health, environmental sciences, microbiology, engineering, or a related field.

High school or GED equivalent.

Experience

At least two (2) years of experience in public health, environmental science, microbiology, engineering or related field.

At least one (1) year experience with sample collection techniques.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of Wastewater Treatment Plants and Municipal Utility Districts.

Proficient in Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook).

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Must be detail-oriented and produce accurate, trustworthy reports.

Ability to build strong work relationships and communicate effectively with supervisor, project director, clients, and project team members.

Ability to travel and drive through Harris County jurisdiction.

Proactive and able to work without daily supervision.

Ability to develop safety procedures, plans, and reports.

Ability to interpret policies and procedures.

Core Competencies

Organizational Leadership

Understands the organizational mission.

Understands ethics and public good; is concerned with public trust.

Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others.

Collaboration

Contributes to an inclusive workplace where equity, diversity, inclusion, and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission.

Demonstrates a sense of responsibility for the success of the group.

Collaborates with others to improve quality and address needs.

Innovation

Ability to adapt to change.

Interpersonal Abilities/Personal Characteristics

Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect.

Behaves in an honest, fair, and ethical manner and models high standards.

Assesses and recognizes own strengths and weaknesses.

Uses sound judgment.

Self-motivated.

Organizes and maintains work environment to allow for maximum productivity.

Communication

Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

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.

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work

This is a Full‑Time | Grant‑Funded position.

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Other days/hours as needed, due to operational needs.

Work Environment

This position operates in a professional field outdoor setting within Harris County.

Physical Demands

Must be able to lift 150 lbs., drive for long periods of time, bend/stand/walk frequently, perform in any inclement weather (rain, summer, etc.).

Work Location

Harris County Public Health: Office of Epidemiology, Surveillance & Emerging Diseases - 1111 Fannin St., Houston, Texas 77002.

Additional Information 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 when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen. Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

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