little giant 3 4 hp cast iron sewage pump

Occupation Profile | Zhuo Mei

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators

Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators manage a system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.

What do they typically do

Add chemicals, such as ammonia or chlorine, to disinfect water or other liquids. Inspect equipment on a regular basis. Monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges. Collect and test water and sewage samples. Record meter and gauge readings and operational data. Document and report test results to regulatory agencies. Operate equipment to purify and clarify water or to process or dispose of sewage. Clean and maintain equipment, tanks, filter beds, and other work areas. Follow U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Ensure safety standards are met.

Number of Jobs

Average Annual Job Growth +0.2%. Job Openings 308

Education & Training

Education Most occupations require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Associated Programs or Majors

NA

NC Workforce Credentials

Wastewater Operator Certification Level I, II, III, IV [NC Department of Environmental Quality]

Interests

Realistic Conventional

Work Place

Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators work both indoors and outdoors. Their work is physically demanding and usually is performed in locations that are unclean or difficult to access. Operators may be exposed to noise from machinery and are often exposed to unpleasant odors. Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators sometimes get injured on the job. They must pay close attention to safety procedures because of hazardous conditions, such as slippery walkways, the presence of dangerous gases, and malfunctioning equipment. Operators are trained in emergency management procedures and use safety equipment to protect their health, as well as that of the public. Water and waste treatment plant and system operators typically work full time. Plants operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In small plants, operators are likely to work during the day and be on call nights and weekends. In medium- and large-size plants that require constant monitoring, operators work in shifts to control the plant at all hours. Occasionally, operators must work during emergencies. For example, they may need to work during weather conditions that cause large amounts of storm water or wastewater to flow into sewers, exceeding a plant's capacity. Emergencies also may be caused by malfunctions within a plant, such as chemical leaks or oxygen deficiencies.

Top Skills & Abilities

Repairing Equipment Maintenance Operation and Control Troubleshooting Equipment Selection Process Tracking Quality Testing Science Mathematics Performance Assessment

Knowledge/Specialties

Biology Chemistry Mechanical Physics Engineering and Technology Production and Processing Building and Construction Public Safety and Security Geography Mathematics

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required.

Training

Usually one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers - an apprenticeship may be available.

Annual Salary (Wages)

Lower End Wage (10th Percentile) $37,460($18.01/hr) Middle Wage (50th Percentile) $49,710($23.90/hr) Higher End Wage (90th Percentile) $70,750($34.02/hr)

Common Job Titles

Wastewater Treatment Operator Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Water Treatment Plant Operator Wastewater Operator (WW Operator) Wastewater Plant Operator Water Operator Water Treatment Operator Water Treatment Technician Water Treatment Specialist Treatment Specialist Waste Water Operator Waste Water Technician Wastewater Engineer Wastewater Technician Water Engineer Water Filtration Technician Water Systems Operator Water Technician Plant Operator Water Plant Operator Process Operator (Process Op) Relief Operator SCADA Operator (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Operator) Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator (WWTP Operator) Water Control Dispatcher Water System Operator Industrial Waste Treatment Technician Biosolids Management Technician Drinking Water Technician On-Site Wastewater Systems Technician Water Supply Technician Basin Tender Clarifying Plant Operator Disposal Operator Disposal Plant Operator Filter Tender Filterer Filtration Operator Filtration Plant Operator Purification Operator Radioactive Waste Disposal Dispatcher Sewage Plant Operator Sewage Treatment Plant Operator Waste Disposal Plant Operator Waste Treatment Operator Water Filterer Water Pump Operator Water Pumper Water Purifier Operator Water Reclamation Systems Operator