Resilient Pathways

Resilient Pathways brings together BPA’s people-centered programs that support environmental resilience through community engagement capacity and credentialed workforce pathways. These pathways serve different audiences, operate under different requirements, and are delivered through distinct program models.

Bayou Preservation Association’s Resilient Pathways program strengthens the human and organizational capacity needed to sustain urban water quality and restoration outcomes over time. By supporting both community-based engagement efforts and formal workforce licensing pathways, BPA helps ensure that bayou systems are cared for by informed communities and skilled practitioners.

Pathway A: Conservation Stewardship

This pathway focuses on building engagement capacity and program support that complements BPA’s monitoring and restoration work. Activities are designed to increase public understanding, support partner organizations, and provide logistical and outreach capacity where it is most needed.

Pathway B: Credential & Licensing

This pathway supports formal, credential and licensing programs aligned with water and environmental careers. This pathway is designed to meet defined regulatory, performance, and partnership requirements and are delivered through grant-funded initiatives.

Credential and licensing pathways are formal programs delivered under specific grants and partnerships and are separate from BPA’s community engagement activities

WaterWorks Operator Training Program

Bayou Preservation Association is proud to offer a fully funded training program for individuals interested in entry-level careers in water and wastewater operations—a hands-on field that protects public health and local waterways.

Participants receive no-cost training and licensing support to pursue TCEQ Class D WaterWorks Operator certification.

What You’ll Get

Free training for the TCEQ Class D exam
All exam and licensing fees covered
Self-paced, online or in-person coursework
Job readiness support and employer connections
Entry-level utility jobs with starting pay around $45,000+

Is This Program a Good Fit?

This program is best for applicants who have:

High School Diploma or Equivalent
Strong mathematical, mechanical, and science skills
Ability to read charts, graphs, and maps
Ability to engage in logical processes for troubleshooting
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
Ability to create records and observations; engage in reporting of issues and lapse of best practices
Articulates issues, problems, and processes clearly
Demonstrates a strong commitment to plant safety activities, practices, and standards
Willingness to work indoors and outdoors
Willingness to work nights, weekends and holiday shifts — as plants are always running

No previous experience required.

What WaterWorks Operators Do

Monitor and operate treatment systems
Read gauges, charts, and system data
Complete reports and logs
Follow safety and compliance procedures
Support clean water and public health

Why This Matters

WaterWorks Operators are essential to public health and environmental protection. Utilities across Texas need trained operators now—and this program helps fill that gap while expanding access to stable careers.