People of SJRA
Behind every gallon of water delivered, every wastewater system maintained, and every project completed by the San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) is a dedicated team of professionals committed to serving the region.
SJRA operates across seven counties, covering approximately 3,936 square miles and employing more than 170 people across its divisions. While many in the community are familiar with the infrastructure SJRA operates and maintains, the dedicated people who make those operations possible often work behind the scenes, receiving little public recognition for the essential work they do every day.
While the public may primarily associate careers at SJRA with our frontline operators, maintenance technicians, and electricians, there is also a diverse team of professionals working behind the scenes. SJRA employees represent a wide range of professions, including accounting, human resources, communications, procurement, engineering, and information technology, as well as skilled trades such as welding, electrical work, maintenance, and water and wastewater operations. Regardless of their role, each employee plays a critical part in fulfilling SJRA’s mission.
What makes SJRA especially unique is the dedication of its workforce. Many employees have served the organization for more than 15 years, with some celebrating careers spanning three decades or more. Their longevity reflects not only a commitment to SJRA, but also a deep connection to the communities they serve.
Whether responding during severe weather, maintaining critical infrastructure in the heat of summer, or ensuring customers have reliable water and wastewater treatment services every day, SJRA’s operational divisions would not be successful without the behind-the-scenes support of essential departments. Their work often goes unnoticed by the public, because when systems are operating as intended, there is little reason to think about the people behind them.
SJRA’s Support Departments
Technical Services Department is composed of Engineering, Construction Management, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Engineering manages project development and reviews plans to ensure they meet required design standards, SJRA specifications, and compatibility with existing infrastructure.
Construction Management oversees the execution of projects in the field, ensuring work stays on schedule and contractors follow approved specifications and materials.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) captures, stores, analyzes, and maps infrastructure data, providing critical spatial information for SJRA’s operational systems.
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) maintains the instrumentation and control systems that monitor facilities in real time, helping ensure reliable service and rapid response to operational issues.
Information Technology (IT) manages systems, networks, hardware, software, cybersecurity, data storage, and technical support that keep SJRA operating efficiently.
Risk and Safety oversees safety programs, training, and compliance. This includes ensuring employees have proper PPE, maintaining safety protocols, managing emergency equipment, and supporting insurance and risk mitigation efforts across the organization.
Accounting manages financial operations across SJRA’s divisions, including budgeting, payroll, asset tracking, and accounts payable. While SJRA is one authority, each of its five operational divisions maintains its own budget.
Procurement oversees contracts across all divisions, managing the full lifecycle from bid solicitation and advertising through vendor selection and contract execution.
Human Resources supports recruitment, retention, onboarding, training, and employee relations, helping ensure SJRA attracts and develops a strong workforce.
Public Communications shares SJRA’s mission, projects, and updates with the community through accessible messaging, including social media, blog content, and print materials.
Administrative Services supports internal operations by managing front desk services, scheduling, office coordination, and day-to-day administrative needs across departments.
Every successful project, every facility maintained, and every service provided is the result of employees who take pride in their work and understand the importance of what they do. They are neighbors, volunteers, mentors, parents, and community members who bring their skills and dedication to SJRA each day.
As SJRA continues to serve a growing region, its people remain its greatest asset. Their expertise, commitment, and passion for public service help ensure SJRA can meet the needs of the communities it serves today and for generations to come.
