Inspector

Salary: $25.19 - $28.24 Hourly
Location : Houston, Texas
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 39320
Department: Houston Public Works
Division: HW-Drinking Water Operations (DWO)
Opening Date: 08/12/2026
Closing Date: 8/26/2026 11:59 PM Central


POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
Section: Drinking Water Operations/System Maintenance
Reporting Location: Various Locations
Workdays & Hours: M-F, 7:00 am - 4 pm*
*Subject to change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Performs inspections on water distribution infrastructure, and restoration including concrete/asphalt. Ensures that all work is performed according to TCEQ Standards, City of Houston Specifications, Field Work Standards and permits. Interfaces with various departments and outside agencies. Responds to complaints or inquiries from citizens, City officials or outside agencies; represents the department at conferences and meetings. Reviews and updates SR's and work order system to ensure information is updated and closed out in a timely manner. Performs recordkeeping activities to maintain filing systems, reports, and documents. Ensures that all work orders, activity reports, photo logs, etc. are completed in a timely, accurate and efficient manner. Reads and understands drawings and maps to verify locations of mains, valves, fire hydrants, services lines, manholes and other utilities. Makes recommendations according to City specifications to install valves, relocate hydrants, etc. for approval by supervisor, uploads pictures into work order system, keeps detailed records, makes customer contact as required. Has the knowledge and capability to use tools and devices such as scanners, computers, tablets, manual water pumps, valve keys, etc. as required. Perform other duties as assigned.
WORKING CONDITIONS
This position routinely requires lifting moderately heavy items (up to 40 pounds) and/or very long periods of walking, driving, standing on a routine basis. There are routine discomforts from exposure to heat, cold, rain, floods, uneven walking terrain and other unpleasant working conditions.
This is a Department of Houston Public Works Emergency Management Position at the Tier I Level.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires High School Diploma/GED and up to 18 months of education or training in the area of inspection to be performed.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Two years of journey level or skilled experience related to the area of inspection to be performed are required.


LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Requires a valid Texas Driver's License and be in compliance with the City of Houston policy on driving (AP 2-2).

PREFERENCES


Preference will be given to applicants with experience, knowledge, and an understanding of the following:
Repair of water distribution assets City of Houston Waterlines, Standard Construction Specifications Houston Water Field Operations Work Standards, OSHA Standards, & 311 Service Requests.
Experience in Microsoft Applications (i.e., Word, Excel, and Outlook) and knowledgeable in INFOR IPS or similar work order tracking system application & GEOLINKS.
Distribution B/C License or the ability to acquire license within twenty-four (24) months of Hire/Promotion

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED: None
However, the department may administer a skills assessment test.



SAFETY IMPACT POSITION: Yes
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.



SALARY INFORMATION
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

PAY GRADE 18

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at:


To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: or call View phone number on click.appcast.io.


If you need special services or accommodations View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY 7-1-1)


If you need login assistance or technical support call View phone number on click.appcast.io.


Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.


All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

EOE Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable Sick Leave
• Personal Leave
• Flexible schedules
• Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit
01


Are you a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces (United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) for more than 90 consecutive days and received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions?

• Yes
• No

02


Please select the scenario that best describes how you qualify for this position.

• Less than a High School diploma/GED
• High School diploma/GED or higher and less than 18 months education or training in the area of inspection
• High School diploma/GED or higher and 18 months or more of education or training in the area of inspection
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree or higher

03


Do you have a valid/current driver's license?

• Yes
• No

04


Which best describes your VERIFIABLE skilled, journey level experience in Inspections?

• Less than 2 years
• 2 to less than 3 years
• More than 3 years and less than 5 years
• More than 5 years

05


Do you currently have a Distribution B water license or the ability to acquire license within 24 months of hire/promotion?

• Yes
• No

06


I have the following experience: (please check all that apply).

• Six months or more of experience inspecting water distribution infrastructure.
• Six months or more of experience checking, updating and responding to 311 Service Requests and escalated cases.
• Six months or more of experience repairing, performing maintenance and replacing water distribution infrastructure.
• Knowledge and experience operating/isolating valves.
• Knowledge of INFOR IPS or other work order tracking system.
• Working knowledge of the GIS/GEOLINKS system.
• None of the above

Required Question