Bayou Citizen Science
The primary goal of the Bayou Citizen Science Program is to improve bayou water quality by training citizens to provide quantitative and qualitative information to inform the public and to support actions by the authorities who have jurisdiction to improve water quality.
WaterWorks Operator Training Program
Bayou Preservation Association is proud to offer a groundbreaking workforce development program designed to connect residents from across the Gulf Coast region with stable, resilient careers in the growing green economy.
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Through a collaborative initiative, we are providing no-cost training, licensing, and career support for individuals seeking to become Class D Basic WaterWorks Operators — essential roles that support clean water, healthy communities, and environmental sustainability.
What You’ll Receive:
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Free, high-quality training to prepare for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Class D WaterWorks Operator exam
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All fees covered, including the state licensing exam and application costs
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Job readiness support and connection to potential employers
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A clear career path in a high-demand industry with a starting salary of $55,000+ per year
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Who Should Apply?
We are currently recruiting 35 participants who:
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Live in Harris, Montgomery, Liberty, Chambers, Galveston, Brazoria, Fort Bend, or Waller County
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Are seeking a new career path or want to enter the environmental or utility sector
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Are committed to completing the training and pursuing licensure
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May benefit from a no-cost, supported workforce training opportunity
No previous experience is required — just your commitment to learning and growing in a field that makes a real impact.
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Why It Matters
WaterWorks Operators are on the front lines of environmental and public health. As our communities grow and our infrastructure ages, these roles are more vital than ever. This program addresses a pressing workforce gap while advancing equity and economic opportunity for underrepresented communities.
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What Does It Take To Become A Certified Operator?
These are some of the key skills that it takes to be a successful certified operator:
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High School Diploma or Equivalent
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Strong mathematical, mechanical, and science skills
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Ability to read charts, graphs, and maps
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Ability to engage in logical processes for troubleshooting
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Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
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Ability to create records and observations; engage in reporting of issues and lapse of best practices
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Articulates issues, problems, and processes clearly
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Demonstrates a strong commitment to plant safety activities, practices, and standards
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Willingness to work indoors and outdoors
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Willingness to work nights, weekends and holiday shifts — as plants are always running​
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Ready to Take the First Step?
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Have questions or need help applying?
📧 Contact us at info@bayoupreservation.org
📞 Call us at 713-529-6443
Already Licensed? Scholarships Available for New Resiliency Certification
In addition to supporting new operators, we are offering 30 fully funded scholarships for currently licensed water operators who need to complete the newly required Resiliency Certification.
This certification is now mandatory under TCEQ guidelines to ensure operators are trained to maintain service and protect public health during natural disasters and extreme weather events.
We will cover the full cost of approved training courses that meet the requirements outlined in TCEQ's resiliency certification guidance (RG-637).
If you’re already licensed and need to meet this new requirement, we can help you stay certified and stay prepared.
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📧 Contact us at info@bayoupreservation.org or 📞 Call us at 713-529-6443
Texas Stream Team
Standard Core monitoring involves performing tests for parameters such as conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH, total depth, water and air temperature, and water transparency using a chemical Standard Core kit. In addition to these parameters, Bayou Citizen Scientists also conduct various field observations.
Watershed Explorer
Are you an educator seeking ways for your classroom to get involved and learn more about their local watershed?
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Bayou Preservation's Watershed Explorer Kits are an informative and fun way to learn and keep an eye on the bayou. Our elementary age science kits come with all the necessary items needed to explore, test, and record the water quality at a bayou near you.
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Not near a bayou? Our kits are versatile and can be used inside the classroom as well. Email info@bayoupreservation.org to receive your class's hands-on instructions and classroom kits today!
Targeted Bacteria Monitoring
In coordination with the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC), Bayou Preservation aims to reduce bacteria concentrations in impaired streams in the BIG project area. The objectives of the Targeted Bacteria Monitoring project are to (1) investigate bacteria sources in the most bacteria impaired waterways in the BIG project area and (2) work with local jurisdictions to reduce or eliminate those sources.
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In its annual reports, the BIG identifies the Top 10 "Most Wanted" Streams-those designated Assessment Units (AUs) with the highest geomeans of Escherichia coli (E. coli) concentrations in the BIG Project Area.
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This project will target sites within the top 10 most impaired AUs with a goal to significantly reduce the bacteria levels in these streams.
Other outreach efforts will convey the results to other jurisdictions and the general public to help promote the successes and importance of bacteria reduction efforts.
