Water and Waste Treatment Plant Operators
(NOC 9243)
in All Manufacturing and UtilitiesWater treatment plant operators monitor and use computerized control systems and related equipment in water filtration and treatment plants to regulate the treatment and distribution of water. Liquid waste plant operators monitor and use computerized control systems and related equipment in wastewater, sewage treatment and liquid waste plants to regulate the treatment and disposal of sewage and wastes. They work for municipal governments and industrial facilities. This group also includes waste treatment plant operators in composting plants and other waste management facilities.
Job Outlook
Average
Read more
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
Hourly Pay
$20.00
Minimum$25.50
Median$32.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$4,031
Minimum$51,144
Median$75,481
MaximumCompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
Hourly Pay
$14.00
Minimum$20.80
Median$33.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,056
Minimum$30,111
Median$70,518
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Water treatment plant operators monitor and use computerized control systems and related equipment in water filtration and treatment plants to regulate the treatment and distribution of water. Liquid waste plant operators monitor and use computerized control systems and related equipment in wastewater, sewage treatment and liquid waste plants to regulate the treatment and disposal of sewage and wastes. They work for municipal governments and industrial facilities. This group also includes waste treatment plant operators in composting plants and other waste management facilities.
Job duties
Water treatment plant operators:
- Use and monitor computerized control systems and related equipment in water filtration and treatment plants to regulate the treatment and distribution of water.
- Monitor and inspect plant equipment and systems to detect equipment malfunctions and to make sure plant systems are operating normally.
- Read flow meters, gauges and other recording instruments to measure water output and consumption levels, bacterial content, chlorine and fluoride levels.
- Collect and test water samples for chemical and bacterial content, analyze test results and instrument readings and adjust plant equipment and systems to ensure quality control.
- Provide spoken or written instructions for process control changes to waterworks system to make sure water produced meets standardized quality requirements.
- Do security checks in plant and on grounds.
- Answer public questions about water quality issues and emergencies.
- Complete and maintain plant logs, reports and statistics.
- May do minor maintenance or help skilled tradespersons with installation and repair of plant machinery.
- May measure, mix, and transport chemicals to maintain feed stocks.
Liquid waste plant operators:
- Use and monitor computerized control systems and related equipment in wastewater treatment, sewage treatment and liquid waste plants to regulate the flow of sewage through settling, aeration and digestion tanks, and to treat and dispose of sewage and wastes.
- Patrol plant to check pumps, motors, filters, chlorinators and other plant equipment; monitor and read gauges, meters and other recording instruments to detect equipment malfunctions and make sure plant systems and equipment are operating within specified limits.
- Test and adjust chemical feed rates to make sure that disinfection processes meet quality standards.
- Collect waste and sewage samples, test and analyze results and adjust plant equipment and systems as required.
- Perform security checks in plant and on grounds.
- Complete and maintain plant logs and reports.
- Do preventive maintenance on plant equipment to make sure that the facility operates in line with required standards.
- May help skilled tradespersons with installation and repair of plant machinery.
Sample job titles
- environmental systems operator - water treatment
- industrial waste treatment plant operator
- pump station operator - water treatment
- sewage plant operator
- waste treatment plant operator
- wastewater treatment plant worker
- water and wastewater operator
Skills
- You should be responsible, alert, and in good physical health. Coordination, agility, and a mechanical skill are important. You must also be able to take direction and carry out instructions given by a supervisor.
Job requirements
- High school is required.
- College or industry training courses in chemistry, pollution control or related subjects are required.
- Certification in water treatment and distribution (Levels I, II, III or IV depending on the certification level of the plant) is necessary for water treatment plant operators.
- Certification in wastewater collection and wastewater treatment (Level I, II, III or IV depending certification level of the plant) is necessary for wastewater treatment plant operators.
- Solid waste, landfill or compost facility operator certification may be necessary for operators in waste treatment plants.
- Certification in workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS), transportation of dangerous goods (TDG), and courses in safety practices may be required.
- On-the-job training is provided.
Other considerations
- Experience as a worker in the water treatment or wastewater field may be required. There is limited movement between water treatment plant and waste plant operators. Movement to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$46,602 median annual incomeCape Breton
$53,067 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$62,748 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$52,470 median annual incomeSouthern
$50,952 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Utilities
Public administration
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
Construction
Wholesale trade
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
High school
$38,353 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$59,189 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$53,175 median annual incomeBachelor
$56,527 median annual incomeLess than high school
N/ACompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
High school
$28,505 median annual incomeLess than high school
$19,224 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$38,781 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$43,975 median annual incomeBachelor
$39,715 median annual incomeEducation & training
Environmental Engineering Technology/Environmental Technology
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing and using indoor and outdoor environmental pollution control systems. They include courses in environmental safety principles, testing and sampling procedures, laboratory techniques, instrumentation calibration, safety and protection procedures, equipment maintenance, and report preparation.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Compulsory Certification (Mandatory): This is a regulated designated trade in Nova Scotia. Individuals must hold a Certification of Qualification, be a registered apprentice, or hold a temporary work permit to legally work in this trade.
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.