Engineering Technician III

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Houston, TX
Job Type: Regular Full-time
Job Number: 17308
Department: Engineering Department
Opening Date: 10/06/2026
Closing Date: 10/20/2026 11:59 PM Central

Position Description
Position Overview:

This position supports Harris County's Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) program by overseeing day-to-day HHW collection, handling, and disposal activities in accordance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory standards. The role requires strong technical knowledge of hazardous materials management, clear and professional public interaction, and the ability to lead field technicians in safe operating practices. This position must be highly adaptable to outdoor and potentially adverse working conditions while ensuring accurate documentation, compliant waste segregation, and consistent delivery of high-quality service to county residents.

Job Duties:

• Performs advanced technical program operations and service execution in compliance with applicable local, state, federal, and HHW-specific regulatory requirements, including vendor standards and protocols.
• Conducts detailed hazardous material inventory logging to support shipment forecasting, coordination, and operational readiness.
• Provides team lead-level guidance to HHW Technicians through ongoing field assessments and review of HHW protocol execution.
• Identifies additional training needs and assists with employee training and program improvement strategies.
• Assists the public with questions regarding HHW program services and provides guidance on general and industry-standard practices.
• Reports issues that may disrupt service or program operations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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If you need special services or accommodations, please call or email

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.

Requirements
Education:

• A high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent is required.

Experience:

• Five (5) years of experience working in a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) service or similar facility.
• Must complete 40-hour HAZWOPER training within two (2) months of employment if not previously trained.
• Must be forklift operator trained or certified, or able to obtain required training and certification within six (6) months of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSAs):

• Must demonstrate a strong work ethic and willingness to work outdoors.
• Ability to interact effectively with the public and provide leadership to team members.
• Ability to operate all required facility equipment and maintain a safe and compliant work environment.
• Ability to perform classification testing on unknown materials and identify incompatible wastes.
• Valid driver's license (Texas Driver's License required upon hire) and a clean driving record.
• Ability to safely operate a County vehicle while towing a trailer.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Emergency Deployment & Continuity of Operations Requirement:

In accordance with Harris County's Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Policy, this position is subject to emergency response and deployment protocols. The employee may be designated as supporting a Mission Essential Function (MEF) and must:

• Participate in the classification of departmental staff based on MEF responsibilities.
• Be available for temporary deployment to an alternative work location, role, or telework assignment during emergencies.
• Confirm work assignments with their supervisor before reporting to any worksite during such events.
• Remain flexible in assuming alternative duties as directed to support continuity of County operations.

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.
Preferences
Education:

• An associate degree or higher in a scientific discipline.

Experience:

• Ten (10) years or more years of field experience in Household Hazardous Waste services or a closely related field.

General Information
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

Full-Time | Regular | 40 hours per week.

Subject to early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays at times, depending upon the project or workload.

Salary: Commensurate experience, based on 26 pay periods.

Physical Demands and Environmental Exposure:

May be exposed to varying amounts of noxious odors and dust. Occasionally exposed to intermittent or continued loud and insistent noises. Must be comfortable working outside in all seasons and weather extremes.

Requires frequent lifting of up to 50 pounds, moving waste containers up to 1,800 pounds with a pallet jack, drum dolly, or forklift. Work for extended periods in hot, cold, or otherwise inclement weather. Frequent bending, walking, standing, sitting, reaching, lifting, carrying, and frequent ascending/descending stairs. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including a respirator.

FEATURED BENEFITS:

Medical, vision, and dental insurance.

Wellness.

Professional development opportunities.

Flexible spending accounts.

457 deferred compensation plans.

Retirement pension (TCDRS).

Transportation assistance (Metro Ride Sponsor Program).

Disability and life insurance.

Harris County is a Qualified Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO RideSponsor Program*

* Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:
01

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position?Qualifying information must be documented in the Education section of your application.

• High School Diploma or GED
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher
• None of the above

02

If you selected an Associate Degree or higher in the previous question, which of the following best describes your field of study?

• Environmental Science
• Environmental Technology
• Environmental Engineering
• Biology or Natural Sciences
• Other Related Scientific or Technical Field
• Degree is in an Unrelated Field
• Not Applicable

03

How many years of experience do you have working in Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) services or a similar hazardous waste facility?

• Less than 1 year
• 1-2 years
• 3-4 years
• 5-6 years
• 7-9 years
• 10 years or more

04

Have you completed the 40-hour HAZWOPER training?

• Yes, I have completed the 40-hour HAZWOPER training.
• No, but I am willing and able to complete the required training within two (2) months of employment.
• No, and I am unable or unwilling to complete the required training within two (2) months of employment.

05

Are you currently trained or certified to operate a forklift?

• Yes, I am currently trained or certified.
• No, but I am willing and able to obtain the required training/certification within six (6) months of employment.
• No, and I am unable or unwilling to obtain the required training/certification within six (6) months of employment.

06

Do you currently possess a valid driver's license and have a clean driving record? (A valid Texas Driver's License is required upon hire.)

• Yes, I currently possess a valid Texas Driver's License and have a clean driving record.
• Yes, I possess a valid out-of-state driver's license, have a clean driving record, and can obtain a Texas Driver's License upon hire.
• No, I do not currently possess a valid driver's license.

Required Question