Water and Waste Treatment Plant Operators

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.

Regulations

Contacts

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