Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
What is a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are responsible for the effective operation and maintenance of treatment facilities that process water and wastewater. Their primary role involves monitoring and controlling the equipment and systems used to treat drinking water and wastewater, ensuring that both meet regulatory standards for quality and safety. Operators perform a range of duties, including sampling and testing water quality, adjusting chemical dosages, and operating pumps and valves. They also troubleshoot equipment malfunctions, maintain records of operations, and may be involved in the planning and execution of routine maintenance to enhance the longevity and efficiency of treatment systems. This career is vital in providing communities with clean and safe water while protecting public health and the environment from the potential hazards of untreated wastewater. Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators often work in settings that require adherence to strict safety and environmental regulations, requiring a combination of technical skill, attention to detail, and a commitment to public service.
Tasks
- Add chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, or lime, to disinfect and deodorize water and other liquids.
- Collect and test water and sewage samples, using test equipment and color analysis standards.
- Record operational data, personnel attendance, or meter and gauge readings on specified forms.
- Operate and adjust controls on equipment to purify and clarify water, process or dispose of sewage, and generate power.
- Inspect equipment or monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges to determine load requirements and detect malfunctions.
Technology Skills
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
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Data base user interface and query software
- Data logging software
- Database software
- Operational Data Store ODS software
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Industrial control software
- Human machine interface HMI software
- Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
- Wastewater expert control systems
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Geographic information system
- Geographic information system GIS systems
Tools Used
- Ultrafiltration equipment
- Mixers or agitators
- Chlorine handling equipment
- Nitrogen or nitrate or nitrite analyzer
- Packaged water treatment systems
Knowledge
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Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
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Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
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Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Skills
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Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Quality Control Analysis
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Abilities
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
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Some college, no degree
Work Activities
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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
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Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Detailed Work Activities
- Operate chemical processing or water treatment systems or equipment.
- Collect samples of materials or products for testing.
- Test chemical or physical characteristics of materials or products.
- Record operational or production data.
- Inspect production equipment.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$36680.0 - $83090.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.