Environmental Investigator-Environmental Health Department - Fort Bend County

Overview

Fort Bend County is ranked as one of the fastest growing counties in the nation. We have capitalized on not only the creed of our location, but on the "quality of life" for our families to call home. Our employees are the key to our success and the heartbeat of our foundation. The diversity and inclusivity of our community is our strength and at the forefront of a workplace environment welcoming to all. Live Here! Work Here!

Performs work in the field of investigations, law enforcement and public education regarding public health nuisances, land use, polluting, illegal dumping and related environmental complaints and violations on public and private properties.  land use, polluting, dumping and other municipal waste complaints and violations.  Participates in planning of programs, policies or objectives for own work group and department.

This is a Law Enforcement position; Must maintain all requirements to be licensed as a Texas Peace Officer under TCOLE rules.  Annual TCOLE approved firearms qualifications are required.

Responsibilities

• Conducts criminal and civil investigations and inspections representing the Environmental Health Department concerning: Texas Water Code, Texas Health and Safety Code, and County orders regarding Public Health, OSSF, Environmental or Public Nuisances, land usage, illegal dumping, and other environmental violations for prosecution and remediation.  Performs routine and proactive patrol and surveillance to investigate, evaluate and enforce land use and complaint violations.
• Issue Notice of Violations or citations to property owners or other violators for possible legal action.  File charges in Justice of Peace Court, County Court or District Courts.  Represents the department with testimony in court.  
• Research property ownership using tax rolls, maps, court records, and other applicable databases/sources.
• Identifies, documents, photographs and collects evidence from violation sites. 
• Responds to and investigates complaints, conducts surveillance on possible violations. 
• Manages and follows-up on investigations and oversees abatement of violations.  Responds to citizens and elected officials’ inquiries.  Advises property owners of conditions, requirements and potential violations.
• Educates landowners, contractors and the public on violations, ordinances and state mandates.
• Researches and maintains reports with ongoing environmental grants.
• Develops, locates and interviews witnesses and victims. Takes statements and verifies the accuracy of them.
• Serves as the Environmental Health Department Peace Officer/Investigator.  Assists department co-workers with duties, to include emergencies and enforcement, or with conflict situations where a Texas Peace Officer may be required.
• Utilizes data entry program and completes detailed reports.
• Provides information to the public through media and schools to alleviate illegal dumping and to inform citizens about proper waste handling.
• Conducts citizen awareness meetings to increase knowledge about municipal solid waste reduction and disposal.
• Maintains weapon proficiency.
• Participates in activities and duties related to emergency management during a local state of disaster as directed by appropriate county managers.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED.
• 2 years of job-related experience or 2 years of investigative experience.   
• Computer and typing skills; good verbal and written communication skills; interpersonal skills and ability to deal effectively with others.  Management, supervisory and organizational skills.  Ability to prioritize work and complete assigned tasks within deadlines.  Must keep current with federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding department operations; Maintains weapon proficiency; Preferred bilingual English/Spanish
• *Intermediate TCOLE Certification; Knowledge of Health and Safety Codes and Texas Environmental Laws.  Works weekends or flex time to conduct special assignments or surveillance and is on-call status. Considered an essential employee during disasters or emergencies. Valid Texas Driver’s License: Must maintain all requirements to be licensed as a Texas Peace Officer under TCOLE rules.  Annual TCOLE approved firearms qualifications are required.

SALARY RANGE: $29.98 Hourly -$37.47 Hourly based on Qualifications

CLOSING DATE:  Upon filling position

All full-time and part-time employees are members of the Texas County District Retirement System (TCDRS). Full-time employees also enjoy a wide-range of great benefits.

Fort Bend County is an equal opportunity employer, committed to non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, religion or creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy status (including childbirth and related medical conditions), national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, age (40 and over), physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected military and veteran status, political affiliation or beliefs, or any other classification protected by state, federal  and local  laws, unless  such classification is a bona fide occupational qualification.

For more information on Fort Bend County's Title VI / Nondiscrimination Statement, visit www.fbctx.gov/comply

To be considered for employment, all interested candidates must complete the required Fort Bend County online employment application located at www.fortbendcounty.jobs

Fort Bend County is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities. FBC complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and all other applicable federal, state and local laws regarding disability discrimination and accommodation.