Operator - Night Shift

Trinity River Authority of Texas; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Advancement opportunities

Essential personnel status

Emergency coverage

Job summary

Trinity River Authority of Texas is seeking an entry‑level plant operator to help run a water or wastewater facility. You will monitor processes, collect samples, run basic lab tests, and document daily operations under supervision.

You’ll work with SCADA systems, adjust flows, and assist in routine maintenance while following safety guidelines and SOPs. A Texas driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Entry level position with on‑the‑job training.
• Within year obtain TCEQ Class D Water/Wastewater Certificate; Class C after three years.
• Valid Texas driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Monitor plant operations by observation, instrumentation and lab test results; adjust parameters as needed.
• Perform laboratory tests and monitor process using field instrumentation.
• Under supervision, observe and adjust flows and treatment conditions via SCADA.
• Note equipment status and coordinate repairs or minor maintenance as needed.
• Take samples at various operating points and maintain thorough process records and logs.
• Operate safely, follow SOPs, and document daily activities for proper plant operation.

Skills

Lab tests

Basic math

Communication

Microsoft Office

Education

HS diploma/GED

TCEQ Class D

TCEQ Class C

Driver's license

Tools

SCADA

Lab equipment

Flow meters

Job description

Position Summary

This position is responsible for performing the duties in the operation of a water or wastewater treatment plant or a raw water pump station. Duties involve routine inspection of plant processes and equipment. Works under close supervision while consulting with direct supervisor when changes are necessary.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Monitors plant operations by observation, instrumentation and laboratory test results and makes adjustments to predetermined parameters.
• Monitors plant process using field instrumentation and process knowledge. Performs laboratory tests.
• Under the direct supervision of a C level or greater licensed operator, observes and adjusts the plant’s flows and treatment process conditions by monitoring the status of production via hands‑on or remotely via SCADA.
• Monitors condition of mechanical equipment and notifies appropriate personnel of needed repairs or any operational problems. Performs minor preventative maintenance to facilities in a safe and effective manner and may include grounds maintenance where needed.
• Takes samples at various operating points in the plant process. Responsible for general housekeeping.
• Maintains thorough and complete process records and logs. May assist with data input into computer system.
• Observes all safety guidelines as initiated by the Authority, and is aware and responsive to plant security issues. May be responsible for plant security during the night shift, takes action to protect certain structures and equipment under emergency flood conditions, assists in the safe handling and unloading of chemicals in the plant, and may be responsible for responding to various emergency situations as directed by supervisor.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• May be responsible for responding to various emergency situations, including after‑hours, as directed by supervisor.
• Employees assigned to this position are classified as essential personnel. Essential personnel are required to report to work when scheduled during departmental and/or emergency situations including, but not limited to, extended periods of inclement weather when travel may be difficult. This position is essential because in the absence of sufficient personnel, the plant cannot operate safely.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not regularly provide work leadership or full personnel management to any employees.

Financial Responsibility

None.

Qualifications

Education

High school diploma or GED.

Experience

Entry level.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (or predecessor agency) Class D Water or Wastewater Operator’s Certificate of Competency is required within the first year of employment. Class C Certificate is required before three years of employment. Valid Texas driver’s license.

Knowledge

Within six months requires a limited knowledge of principles and practices of water and/or wastewater treatment. Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, etc.

Skills And Abilities

Within six months of employment, must be able to independently conduct lab tests per Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), interpret results and identify equipment malfunction with limited supervision. Must be able to communicate essential information and document daily activities to ensure proper plant operation. Must possess the ability to perform basic math calculations.

Physical Demands

This position requires passing a physical and physical ability assessment specific to this position.

Working Conditions

Working conditions include exposure to adverse weather, odor, noise, chemical hazards, gases and dust, standing for prolonged periods of time, walking up and down several flights of stairs, climbing and descending ladders, working at heights, and working in tight or confined spaces.

Tools and Equipment

Hand tools, broom, sample collectors, flow meters, high pressure hoses, field meters, test kits, lab equipment, Authority vehicles, general and/or specialized material handling equipment. Subject to the use of respirators, SCBA, PPE and other safety equipment as required.

Benefits

Advancement opportunities: Operations Division Chief, Operations & Maintenance Chief, Operations & Maintenance Supervisor II, Operations & Maintenance Supervisor I, Operator, Chief, Operator, Senior, Operator III, Operator II.