Talent Apprenticeship Program
Get paid to train for your career in the water industry.
Austin Water's Talent Apprenticeship Program (TAP) is a six-week paid apprenticeship offering real-world training and career development in the water industry. TAP is designed for graduating seniors and recent graduates who are not pursuing higher education and want to build a sustainable career in public service.
Participants receive hands-on training alongside Austin Water employees, explore our water and wastewater facilities and interact with staff at all levels of the organization. The program also includes employment preparation to help participants move into a full-time position with Austin Water. Contact AW-TAP@austintexas.gov for more information.
Applications close: April 19, 2026
Program start date: June 15, 2026
What You'll Receive
- $22.05 per hour
- TCEQ-certified water or wastewater operator training (Class D license)
- Paid Class D Water or Wastewater Operator license exam
- Resume writing, application assistance and interview skills training including mock interviews
- Worksite tours and demonstrations
Requirements
- Age 18 or older
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid Texas Class C driver's license
- Ability to perform the essential physical duties of the program, with or without reasonable accommodation
- Ability to attend all formal training sessions
Employment Opportunities
Participants who complete TAP will receive a conditional offer of employment for a Seasonal Austin Water Treatment Plant Worker or Seasonal Austin Water Pipeline Technician Worker position, contingent on passing pre-employment checks.
Entry-level full-time positions are available with an annual starting salary of $45,000. Additional training is provided at no cost to employees. Seasonal employees can apply for regular, benefitted positions through a competitive process.
Pre-employment checks may include criminal background checks, drug screening and education verification, depending on the position. Candidates who do not meet the education requirement may be considered if they have relevant work experience.
TCEQ Licensing
Both seasonal positions require a Class D Water or Wastewater Operator license from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The Class D license is an entry-level certification that allows the holder to operate a public water system.
TCEQ requires applicants to complete a 20-hour block training course, which is included in the TAP program. If you miss a formal training session, you will need to coordinate with facilitators to make up the content.
If you have a prior conviction or deferred adjudication and are concerned about eligibility for a TCEQ license, you may request a criminal history evaluation from TCEQ before applying.
Equal Opportunity and Accessibility
The City of Austin does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or HIV status.
If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question about an essential job function, call 512-974-3210 or contact us through Video Relay Service (VRS).