Environmental Inspector I

SALARY: $21.48 - $31.60, Hourly (DOE&Q) NON-EXEMPT
OPENING DATE: 11/09/2026
CLOSING DATE: 11/16/2026

JOB SUMMARY
To investigate potential violations of municipal and State laws, ordinances, codes, and regulations pertaining to junk vehicles, trash, litter and high grass, weeds and brush.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry class in the Environmental Inspector series. Positions in this class can be distinguished from higher level classes in the series by performance of the more routine inspections requiring less detailed knowledge of City codes and ordinances. Under the flexible staffing concept, employees assigned to the class of Environmental Inspector I should reasonably expect to be classified to the Environmental Inspector II level once able to perform the full range of journey level Environmental Inspector duties in an independent manner. Generally, requires at least two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience at the Environmental Inspector I level prior to becoming eligible for reclassification to Environmental Inspector II.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from Director of Building and Inspections.

May also receive lead supervision from higher level staff.

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES -Essential and
other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the
following:

Investigate complaints of violation of local and state laws, ordinances or codes relating to public nuisances or health and safety pertaining to junk vehicles, trash, litter and high grass, weeds and bushes.

Issue notices to abate violations and citations for violations; conduct follow-up inspections and prepare cases for prosecution in court in order to secure compliance with codes and ordinances.

Patrol assigned area and make field inspections in order to ascertain violations of local and state laws, ordinances or codes relating to public nuisance or health and safety to junk vehicles, trash, litter and high grass, weeds and brush.

Educate citizens regarding local and state laws, ordinances or codes relating to public nuisance or health and safety pertaining to junk vehicles, trash, litter and high grass, weeds and brush.

Identify abandoned and inoperable motor vehicles and coordinate with Police Department to secure abatement.

Provide informed testimony in court as required.

Coordinate inspection and enforcement activities with other divisions, departments and agencies when necessary to achieve City's environmental goals and objectives.

Maintain mental capacity, which allows the capabilities to:

• exercise sound judgment and rational thinking under stressful circumstances
• evaluate various options and alternatives and choose an appropriate and

reasonable course of action

• prepare complex policies and recommendations
• effectively supervise personnel
• operate effectively in an economically and culturally diverse environment.

Maintain physical condition, which will allow the capability to perform the following:

• running, walking, crawling or standing for extended periods of time
• climbing stairs or ladders
• moving loads of approximately 25-50 lbs.

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception for:

• making observations
• reading and writing
• operating necessary and assigned equipment
• communicating with others.

Prepare reports, which analyze and summarize environmental non-compliance and actions taken to secure abatement.

Prepare a variety of written reports, memos and correspondence related to enforcement of pertinent ordinances.

Research property ownership by using computer systems, city records, plat maps, deeds and other municipal and county records.

Inform property owner of code violations by personal contact and correspondence; and provide information relating to abatement.

Prepare cost estimates for the mowing of grass and weeds; assigning contractors to mow; and preparation of documents for the billing of property owners and payment of contractors.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of :
State and local codes and ordinances relating to public nuisances or health and safety pertaining to junk vehicles, trash, litter and high grass, weeds and brush.

Legal limitations and authority of a municipal environmental inspection agency.

Ability to :
Operate a passenger vehicle.

Perform the mathematical calculations required for preparing bills and invoices.

Use computer systems, city records, plat maps, deeds and other municipal and county records for research of property ownership.

Perform basic inspections to ensure compliance with the State and local laws, codes and ordinances.

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, sufficient to convey to property owners the nature if violations and the requirements for abatement.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Enforce pertinent laws, codes and ordinances in order to ensure compliance.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES – Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to do this would be:

Experience:
One (1) year of increasingly responsible experience in public contact work, real estate or property management is desirable.

Training:
Must have completed the twelfth grade and possess and high school diploma or have a GED.

License or Certificate:
Possession of an appropriate Texas Class C Driver’s License.

Possession of, or the ability to obtain, licensure from the Texas Department of State Health Services for the Registered Code Enforcement Officer Certification within twelve months of recommendation for hire.

Environmental Health Inspector I - Posting #26-107.

CITY OF PORT ARTHUR
Attn: Hiring Manager
P.O. Box 1089
Port Arthur, Texas 77641-1089
(EEO/AA/V/F/RC/H)
The City of Port Arthur is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer