Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators

Education

Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators typically need a high school diploma or equivalent to enter the occupation. High school students may benefit from taking classes in subjects such as biology, chemistry, and math.

Employers may prefer applicants who have completed a certificate, an associate’s, or a bachelor’s degree program in a related field such as environmental science or wastewater treatment technology.

Training

Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators need long-term on-the-job training to become fully qualified. Trainees learn their skills on the job under the direction of an experienced operator. The trainees learn by observing and doing routine tasks, such as recording meter readings, taking samples of wastewater and sludge, and performing simple maintenance and repair work on plant equipment. They also learn about industrial safety and how to use personal protective equipment.

Some water and wastewater treatment plants combine on-the-job training with formal classroom or self-paced study programs. As plants get more complicated, operators need more skills before they are allowed to work without supervision.

Licenses, certifications & registrations

Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators typically require a state license; however, entry-level workers often complete their licensing requirements during on-the-job training. Requirements and standards vary widely depending on the state. State licenses typically have multiple levels, which indicate the operator’s experience and training. Although some states will honor licenses from other states, operators who move from one state to another may need to take a new set of exams to become licensed in their new state.

Some workers choose to earn professional certification, which may help to demonstrate competency in the field.

Advancement

Most states have multiple levels of licenses for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators. Each increase in license level allows the operator to perform more complicated processes without supervision.

At the largest plants, operators who have the highest license level work as shift supervisors and may oversee large teams of operators.

Important qualities

Critical and analytical thinking skills. Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators must conduct tests and inspections on water or wastewater and evaluate the results.

Computer skills. Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators often need to use computerized systems to help monitor plant processes.

Detail oriented. Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators must monitor machinery, gauges, dials, and controls to ensure everything is operating properly. Because tap water and wastewater are highly regulated, operators must be careful and thorough in completing these tasks.

Math skills. Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators must have the ability to apply data to formulas that determine treatment requirements, flow levels, and concentration levels.

Mechanical skills. Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators must know how to work with machines and use tools. They must be familiar with how to operate, repair, and maintain equipment.

Problem-solving skills. Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators must find and troubleshoot problems that arise with equipment or controls.