Environmental Enforcement Investigator - Hazardous Materials and Storm Water Compliance

Job Overview

The Environmental Enforcement Investigator role involves performing hazardous material inspections in strict accordance with state and federal laws. You will oversee that warehouse facilities complete essential training, maintain emergency response strategies, and manage accurate hazardous materials inventories. Additional duties include enforcing local dumping and discharge rules and supporting commercial litter prevention enforcement.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform both scheduled and surprise hazardous material inspections at warehouses to ensure adherence to local and federal regulations.
• Verify completion of required trainings such as Department of Transportation standards for hazardous material handlers.
• Confirm that Emergency Response Plans (ERPs) are developed and properly maintained.
• Ensure hazardous materials inventory lists are precise and current.
• Enforce regulations surrounding illegal dumping and discharge activities.
• Review and uphold compliance with Commercial Litter Prevention Plans and other applicable legislation.
• Operate city vehicles as necessary for official duties.
• Carry out other job-related tasks as assigned.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Familiarity with environmental enforcement laws at city and state levels.
• Understanding of Department of Transportation training mandates and 49 CFR 172 regulations for hazardous materials.
• Proficiency in emergency response procedures and documentation.
• Competency with modern office tools and software, including Haztrac for hazardous material tracking.
• Strong command of English grammar and business writing.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and multitasking abilities.
• Skilled in identifying hazardous substances by name, UN number, CAS number, and quantity.
• Effective verbal and written communication capabilities.
• Capacity to establish and sustain professional working relationships and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to meet deadlines and directions from supervisors while managing staff compliance.
• Physical fitness to carry out demanding duties and maintain a valid Texas driving license with good driving record.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Work settings include office environments, warehouses, outdoor sites, street areas, and construction locations, some involving confined spaces.
• Exposure to environmental hazards such as extreme temperatures (above 100°F and below 32°F), loud noises, airborne particles, toxic chemicals, and communicable diseases.
• Interaction with individuals who may be hostile or have violent backgrounds is occasional to frequent.
• Physical exertion ranges from sedentary tasks to lifting or moving objects weighing up to 100 pounds.
• Travel requirements cover primarily local and regional areas, seldom national and never international.

Qualifications and Licenses

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum five years’ experience in waste management, environmental science, enforcement, law enforcement, investigations, or hazardous materials management.
• Valid Texas Driver License required; out-of-state licenses must be converted to Texas license within six months of hiring.
• Must obtain Texas Department of State Health Services Code Enforcement Certification and Texas A&M Engineering Hazardous Material Certification within 24 months of employment.
• Must pass background check, school transcript verification, drug and alcohol screening prior to hire, and may be subject to random testing if in safety-sensitive position.

Diversity and Accommodations

The City of Laredo is an equal opportunity employer valuing diversity across gender, race, ethnicity, disability, and other areas. The organization fosters a culture grounded in character and core values. Reasonable accommodations during the selection process are available upon request by contacting Human Resources prior to scheduled interviews or tests.