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Ballast Control Operator Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Operates and understands the Ballast Control System, Power Management System and Fire and Gas ... Valid Ballast Control Operator credential * One (1) year minimum experience as certified DPO on ...

... ballast regulators, forklifts, backhoes, compact track or wheel loaders, and brush cutters in a ... control, snow and debris removal from tracks, switches, crossings, and walkways to maintain safe ...

New

... ballast regulators, forklifts, backhoes, compact track or wheel loaders, and brush cutters in a ... control, snow and debris removal from tracks, switches, crossings, and walkways to maintain safe ...

New

... ballast regulators, forklifts, backhoes, compact track or wheel loaders, and brush cutters in a ... control, snow and debris removal from tracks, switches, crossings, and walkways to maintain safe ...

New

... control systems, building management systems, and digital systems. Maintains the professional ... Maintains the building lighting system, including element and ballast repairs or replacements.

Ballast Control Operator information

See Houston, TX salary details

$11

$23

$36

How much do ballast control operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for ballast control operator in Houston, TX is $23.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.61 and $26.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a ballast control operator on an offshore installation?

As a Ballast Control Operator, your daily responsibilities include monitoring and adjusting ballast levels to maintain the stability and trim of the offshore installation, overseeing the integrity of tanks and bulkheads, and responding to changes in sea or weather conditions. You will also coordinate with marine and drilling teams about planned operations, conduct regular system checks, and ensure compliance with all safety and environmental regulations. Collaboration with maintenance crews, emergency response teams, and platform management is common, making teamwork an integral part of the job. The role often requires vigilance and swift decision-making to address potential stability issues as they arise.

What is a ballast control operator?

A Ballast Control Operator (BCO) is responsible for managing the ballast system on offshore rigs, ensuring the stability and proper distribution of weight. They monitor and control ballast pumps, valves, and tanks to maintain the rig's position and stability in varying sea conditions. BCOs also coordinate with other departments to support safe operations and emergency response procedures. This role is critical for the safety and efficiency of offshore drilling and production activities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the ballast control operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ballast Control Operator, you need a strong understanding of marine engineering, vessel stability principles, and operational safety, often supported by maritime certifications such as STCW and relevant offshore training. Proficiency in ballast control systems, dynamic positioning consoles, and computerized monitoring equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These capabilities are vital for ensuring the safety, stability, and operational integrity of offshore platforms or vessels in demanding marine environments.

What are popular job titles related to Ballast Control Operator jobs in Houston, TX? For Ballast Control Operator jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Ballast Control Operator jobs in Houston, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Ballast Control Operator jobs in Houston, TX are:
Infographic showing various Ballast Control Operator job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,938 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Dynamic Positioning Operator (DPO)

Valaris

Houston, TX

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Job Summary

The Dynamic Positioning Operator (DPO) operates the automated and fixed station keeping system of the MODU while on location and acts as Officer in Charge of the Navigational Watch (OICNW) while underway. 

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

  • Reports directly to the Sr DPO.

  • Operates within the Company's core values and in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

  • Complies with the Valaris Management System (VMS), policies, procedures, and relevant regulatory requirements.

    • Operates the dynamic positioning (DP) system under the direct supervision of the Sr DPO and has an understanding of the principles of DP operations.

    • Monitors all control room alarms including DP system, VMS, and Fire and Gas systems.

    • Prioritizes alarm response as necessary to maintain DP system operability by calling for technical assistance or additional DP room help.

    • Operates and understands the Ballast Control System, Power Management System and Fire and Gas Detection Systems in accordance with the latest class-approved DP FMEA and Proving Trials.

    • Maintains the vessel in a stable condition at all times.

    • Assists the Sr DPO in setting up the DP System operational parameters.

    • Ensures all DP System data are recorded.

    • Advises the Sr DPO, or Master/OIM, of potential position loss, malfunction of equipment, or degraded situation.

    • Assists with preventive and corrective maintenance on DP equipment under direction of Sr DPO.

    • Understands basic drill floor operations and the potential impact on DP Operations.

    • Ensures effective communication with the drill floor, Engine Control Room (ECR), and ROV (when deployed) while connected to the seabed.

    • Maintains operational awareness and support Sr DPO in planning DP operations to support the overall operational goal.

    • Supports management of the 500 meter zone.

  • Stands safe navigational watch as required and instructed by the Master or Sr DPO.

  • Reviews and has a basic understanding of the vessel's class-approved DP Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Proving Trials.

  • Possesses a basic understanding of the SSOC, drift off calculations, and riser analysis.

  • Possesses basic operational knowledge of the data logger.

  • Maintains system specific knowledge of DP System and Vessel Management System.

  • Assists with preparation and execution of rig move plans in accordance with Master's Standing Orders and company procedures.

  • Maintains nautical publications and charts as per regulatory standards.

  • Assists in maintaining Voyage Planning report (transits/field moves).

  • Performs emergency duties and responsibilities as stated on the Station Bill, DP Emergency Response Plan, and vessel specific Emergency Response Manual. 

Qualifications / Experience

  • Officer in Charge of Navigational Watch License STCW 95 II/1 

  • Valid Flag State endorsement

  • Valid Dynamic Positioning Operator certificate

  • Valid Ballast Control Operator credential

  • One (1) year minimum experience as certified DPO on MODU's and preferably on same type of DP system; or two (2) years minimum experience as certified DPO from other type DP vessel

  • Fluent English communication skills

  • Compliant with all mandatory DPO training described in the company training matrix. 

Behaviors    

As part of our commitment to fostering a high-performance culture, employees are expected to align their actions and decisions with the principles outlined in our Behavioral Framework. This framework serves as the foundation for our organizational culture and guides our behaviors to drive better outcomes across the company. Employees are responsible for incorporating these behaviors into their daily actions, relationships, and decision-making to help manage expectations, strengthen relationships, and contribute to the overall success of the organization.  

Our five behaviors that define our culture are:  

Analyze & Plan - Being deliberate in understanding and describing the problem to solve and using information from a range of relevant sources to develop solutions that are effective and evidence-based. 

Collaborate - Collaborating effectively, sharing ideas, and leveraging one another's strengths based on trust, transparency, and empathy, creating an environment where everyone's input is valued. 

Communicate - Communicate clearly with all employees and stakeholders, ensuring active listening, understanding, and timely information sharing. 

Learn, Grow & Adapt - Building organizational capability through our own learning and development while coaching others and supporting others to adapt, learn, and develop. 

Deliver Results - Striving to deliver and exceed required results, identifying and overcoming obstacles, and taking responsibility for the outcome while respecting our values. 

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. Valaris is an equal opportunity employer in all aspects of employment to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation or any other non-job related factors. Valaris is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application process. If you need such an accommodation, or a religious accommodation, please contact  recruiting@valaris.com.

At Valaris, our core purpose is to provide responsible solutions that deliver energy to the world.  Our purpose is the driving force that defines us as a leading organization in our industry.  Our diverse fleet of ultra-deepwater drillships, versatile semisubmersibles and modern shallow-water jackups is capable of meeting a wide spectrum of customers' well program requirements.  Our rig fleet is among the most technologically advanced in the industry and our well-trained crews perform at the highest levels in the most challenging offshore environments.  With an unwavering focus on safety and dedicated employees, we provide innovative solutions and aim to deliver excellence in everything that we do.