Plant Operator

Our Roots

Sharyland Water Supply Corporation was established in May of 1968 for the purpose of providing safe, affordable drinking water to the rural communities in and around Mission, McAllen, and Edinburg. We continue to strive in that endeavor.

Sharyland Water Supply Corporation was created by a group of determined, community-minded men in the 1960's. With the help of Farmers Home Administration, a loan was acquired and construction began to build a rural water system. Initially, 700 property owners committed to take water service once construction was complete. Today, more than 50 years later, there are over 19,000 water connections on the system.

The Corporation has approximately 100 square miles of Certified Area, 800 miles of water lines, three water plants, four elevated storage tanks and plans for additional water system improvements in the works.

The Corporation has over 100 employees and a 7 person Board of Directors, all of whom are dedicated to the job required to ensure that Sharyland Water Supply Corporation continues to be the best it can be.

As a Plant Operator, you help protect public health by keeping treatment processes stable, compliant, and responsive to changing demand. This role exists to ensure water quality standards are met every shift through disciplined monitoring, accurate testing, and sound operational judgment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Monitor plant operations and maintain precise logs and lab records
• Operate/inspect pumps, motors, chlorination and ammonia systems, and chemical storage/day tanks
• Support installation, inspection, and repair activities across the system
• Perform filter backwash and manage backwash recycling as required
• Collect samples; run daily water-quality tests; interpret and document results
• Track and report daily weather conditions; calculate chemical dosages and water usage
• Maintain equipment, grounds, and buildings; respond to breakdowns and after-hours emergencies

Required skills:

• Strong math and detail orientation
• Clear reading, writing, and speaking communication
• Customer service mindset and practical problem-solving
• Ability to perform light manual labor

You’ll work onsite in Alton on a rotating schedule—day shift (Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.), evening shift (4:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m.), or night shift (12:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m.). A typical shift starts by reviewing prior readings and current plant status, then moving between the control room, lab bench, and equipment areas. You’ll balance routine checks with real-time decisions as conditions change—weather, demand, and system performance can all influence the day.

Documentation stays steady throughout, and when alarms or unexpected issues surface, you’ll pivot quickly, coordinate next steps, and keep operations steady through to shift handoff.

Sharyland Water Supply offers a competitive total compensation package that includes

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• 401(k)
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Supplemental Insurance