Public Loss Investigator
Job details
- Location
- Houston, Texas
- Work type
- Onsite
- Compensation
- $61,568 - $63,773/yr
- Clearance
- Other
- Posted
- Sep 28, 2026
- Apply on
- governmentjobs.com
About this role
About the Department
Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
Job Classification: Public Loss Investigator
Division: Security Management
Reporting Location: 611 Walker Street*
Workdays & Hours: Monday – Friday, 8am-5pm * Subject to change*
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The General Services Department (GSD) is seeking a Public Loss Investigator who will conduct administrative investigations on reports of employee wrongdoing and or policy violations. This position will also perform the following duties:
- Investigates reports of illegal or improper use, diversions, or theft of City and/or department materials or tools.
- Gathers and submits evidence in cooperation with other City departments.
- Contacts the Houston Police Department or other law enforcement agencies for the purpose of furnishing or obtaining information concerning damage, theft, or misuse of City and/or department facilities.
- Prepares reports and case summaries to document investigations.
- Provide effective and adequate communication skills written and verbal.
- May be on call to respond to City facilities where building security has been breached and coordinates securing of the facility.
- May coordinate contract security guard services at selected sites.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
- Will require driving to various office locations to perform duties as assigned.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The position occasionally requires stooping or bending. Occasional very light lifting, such as three or four reams of paper or books (up to 20 pounds or an equivalent weight) may be required. There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e., essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature, and air conditions. Requires the ability to make simple gross motor responses within large tolerances.
This is a Tier II position, which requires reporting during emergencies and/or special events and may require night/weekend/multiple day duty. This position also requires passing a criminal background check and obtain and maintain federally mandated security clearances where required.
Position Duties
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires an Associate's degree in Criminal Justice, Accounting, or a related field.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Four years of professional experience in law enforcement and/or investigating public loss at the corporate level are required.
Pertinent professional experience in law enforcement and/or investigating public loss at the corporate level may be substituted for the above educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
A Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Accounting, or a related field may be substituted for the education requirement and two years of the experience requirement.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Valid Texas driver's license and compliance with the City of Houston's policy on driving (AP 2-2).
Minimum Qualifications
Preference will be given to applicants who are familiar and experienced with retrieval and review of various forms of video recording and related evidence logging, storage, record keeping, and chain of evidence procedures.
This position is security sensitive and a criminal background check with no derogatory findings may be required.
**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. **
Other Qualifications
SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED
The selection process will involve application review and/or interview. The hiring department will administer a skills test/assessment.
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 22
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: www.houstontx.gov .
To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm . or call 832-393-6120.
If you need special services or accommodations, call 832-393-6051. (TTY 7-1-1)
If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.
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.
Benefits
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
Supplemental Questions
- Yes
- No
- Bachelor's Degree or Beyond in Criminal Justice, Accounting, or a related field.
- Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice, Accounting, or a related field.
- High School Diploma or GED.
- None
- Less than 1 year
- 1 year but less than 2 years
- 2 years but less than 4 years
- 4 years but less than 6 years
- 6 years or more
- No experience
- Yes
- No
- My license is presently restricted, suspended or revoked
- My license is valid but from another state
- Limited experience (fewer than 10 interviews)
- Moderate experience (10-50 interviews)
- Extensive experience (more than 50 interviews)
- I have formal training in interview techniques
- No experience
- Limited experience with basic reports for internal use only
- Experience with preparation of investigative reports reviewed by supervisors or management
- Experience with preparation of reports used in administrative, legal, or disciplinary proceedings
- I have trained others in investigative report writing
- No experience preparing investigative reports
- Yes
- No
- Basic skills; can create reports with some guidance
- Moderate skills; confident with most standard report writing tasks
- Above average skills: can insert photos, format sections, and prepare organized reports
- Proficient; can produce polished, well-structured reports with consistent formatting
- No experience: I would need training
- Less than 1 year
- 1 year but less than 3 years
- 3 years but less than 4 years
- 4 or more years
- No Experience
- Yes
- No
Required Question
Agency Information
EmployerCity of HoustonAddress 901 Bagby StHouston, Texas, 77002 Website https://www.houstontx.gov/