Tunnel Operator

Salary: $22.44 Hourly
Location : Houston, TX
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202600552
Department: Washburn Tunnel Operations and Maintenance
Opening Date: 07/02/2026
Closing Date: 7/7/2026 4:30 PM Central


Position Description


Provides traffic control duties at the Washburn Tunnel entrances. Ensures all prohibited vehicles including heavy-load trucks, hazardous materials vehicles and oversized vehicles do not enter the tunnel. Stops and inspects trailers and wreckers for safety chains and safe loads before entering the tunnel. Compiles vehicle accident reports and helps maintain/clear incident and stall events in the tunnel. Performs routine facility upkeep such as cleaning, disinfecting, washing, and sweeping. Operates and maintains construction equipment including, blowers, water trailers, cutters, forklifts, and wrecker.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Monitors traffic in a safe and timely manner checking all heavy load trucks for hazardous materials, unsafe loads, height and width requirements. Stops and inspects all trailers and wreckers for safety chains and safe loads before entering the tunnel. Communicates with control room via telephone and two-way radio. Enforces all rules and regulations for vehicles traveling through tunnel.
• Performs routine, non-technical maintenance as assigned, including cleaning, sanitizing, washing, sweeping, watering plants, gathering and disposing of trash and litter, etc., in or around County buildings, restrooms and vehicles in a safe and timely manner.
• Operates and maintains tunnel equipment including lighting, generators, motors, and ventilation systems. Performs inspections on operator vehicles and equipment in vehicles needed to respond to incidents in the tunnel and compile data for maintenance or service needs.
• Assists with monitoring traffic and radio communications when assigned in the control room and assist with responding to incidents such as stalls, walkers, wrecks, etc. Compiles and assists with vehicle accident reports in and around tunnel area.
• Assists in basic training for new employees and temps regarding traffic safety, rules and regulations, vehicle inspections, unauthorized vehicles, radio and phone communications, temporary and long-term road closure procedures, etc.

Other Duties:
This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Management may, at its discretion, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Requirements

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent for an accredited educational institution
• Valid driver's license with good driving record

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work well with the public and other staff members

Physical Demands:

• Physical ability to perform job duties including walking, bending, climbing stairs, and standing for extended periods of time flagging traffic
• Must occasionally lift and/or move at least fifty (50) pounds
• Ability to work in inclement weather and confined areas

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours Work:

• Rotating 8-hour shifts Including Weekends and Holidays
• Three (3) Shifts covering 24-hour period; morning, evening, and graveyard
• Emergency situations may require additional hours

Work Environment:

• There are minor discomforts from exposure to less-than-optimal weather and outside temperatures
• The position involves dealing with some exposure to vehicle exhaust

Reporting Relations:
Reports To Position: Tunnel Operations Foreman II

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

Equal Opportunity Statement
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.
If you need special services or accommodations, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io or email:
Harris County offers a competitive benefits program, including comprehensive group health and related benefits plan as well as defined benefit retirement plan.


The following list of benefits is offered only to employees in regular (full-time) positions:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Life Insurance
• Long-term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year for the first five (5) years of service. Accrual rates increase based on years of service.
• 10 county holidays plus one (1) floating holiday
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Healthcare Reimbursement Account
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Retirement pension (TCDRS)
• Transportation Assistance (Metro RideSponsor Program)

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, Group Health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.

For plan details, visit the Harris County benefits website:
01


Do you have a high school diploma or GED equivalent for an accredited educational institution?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you have a valid driver's license with good driving record ?

• Yes
• No

03


Do you currently have valid auto insurance?

• Yes
• No

04


How many years of mechanical experience do you have ?

• Less than 1 year
• 1-2 years
• 2-4 years
• 4 or more years

05


Do you have any level of experience working with electrical, plumbing, carpentry, automotive, or welding?

• Yes
• No

06


Are you able and willing to work rotating 8-hour shifts-including mornings, evenings, overnights, weekends, holidays-and be available for additional hours during emergency situations?

• Yes
• No

07


This position may involve working in less-than-optimal weather conditions and around vehicle exhaust. Are you comfortable performing duties in these environments?

• Yes
• No

08


Do you require sponsorship?

• Yes
• No

Required Question