Tunnel Operator

Harris County Toll Road Authority•Houston, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Tunnel Operator prepares and oversees daily work activities at the Washburn Tunnel. The position provides traffic control at tunnel entrances, preventing prohibited vehicles—including heavy-load trucks, vehicles carrying hazardous materials, and oversized vehicles—from entering. The operator responds to vehicle accidents, stalls, pedestrians, hazardous road conditions, and unauthorized vehicles; completes vehicle accident reports; and helps manage and clear incidents in the tunnel. The role operates, inspects, and maintains tunnel systems and equipment, including ventilation fans, lights, pumps, generators, motors, and auxiliary equipment. It also monitors control boards, cameras, and equipment status from the control room to identify issues affecting traffic flow or security. Routine facility upkeep includes cleaning, sanitizing, washing, sweeping, and watering plants. The operator records pump and transformer readings and traffic-stop times, gives safety briefings, and provides on-the-job training to new operators. This position works rotating eight-hour shifts, including weekends and holidays, across morning, evening, and graveyard shifts. Emergency situations may require additional hours, holdovers, or extra shifts. The operator is considered essential personnel and may be required to work during emergencies, declared disasters, or when needed to support critical public services. Work takes place in a control room and may also occur in a small, confined traffic-monitoring booth. The work environment includes exposure to inclement weather, varying temperatures, loud noises, high-speed traffic, and dangerous chemicals.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent from an accredited institution.
Valid driver's license; a Texas driver's license is required by the hire date.
Good driving record.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work well with the public and other staff, including training and mentoring others.
Good computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Ability to lead a small team in the absence of the Lead Operator.
Knowledge of mechanical maintenance principles.
Ability to walk, bend, climb stairs, and stand for extended periods while flagging traffic.
Ability to occasionally lift and/or move at least 50 pounds.
Ability to work in inclement weather and confined areas.
Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on the job application; a resume may be attached as supporting material, but only information stated on the application will be considered.
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Responsibilities

Prepare and oversee daily work activities.
Control traffic at tunnel entrances and prevent prohibited vehicles from entering.
Respond to vehicle stalls, accidents, pedestrians, hazardous road conditions, and unauthorized vehicles; complete accident reports and help manage and clear incidents.
Provide safety briefings and on-the-job training to tunnel operators.
Monitor control boards, cameras, and equipment status to identify and address traffic-flow or security issues.
Monitor and enforce vehicle rules and restrictions, including those concerning heavy-load trucks, trailers, wreckers, safety chains, unsafe loads, and height and width limits.
Evaluate problematic systems or facilities and determine whether repairs are needed.
Perform routine facility upkeep, including cleaning and sanitizing buildings and restrooms, washing, sweeping, and watering plants.
Inspect and assist with cleaning the tunnel and servicing tunnel equipment, including lighting, generators, motors, and ventilation systems.
Operate, inspect, and maintain tunnel systems and equipment, including ventilation fans, lights, pumps, emergency generators, and auxiliary equipment.
Record pump and transformer readings, including oil quantities and operating temperatures.
Record the start and end times of all traffic stops.
Operate and maintain pumps, blowers, water trailers, cutters, forklifts, and a wrecker.
Lead a small team in the absence of the Lead Operator.