Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator

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  Production Occupations

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator

Also Called: Plant Operator, Process Operator (Process Op), Relief Operator, SCADA Operator (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Operator), Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator (WWTP Operator), Wastewater Operator (WW Operator), Water Control Dispatcher, Water Plant Operator, Water Treatment Operator, Water Treatment Plant Operator, Plant Operator, Process Operator (Process Op), Relief Operator, SCADA Operator (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Operator), Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator (WWTP Operator), Wastewater Operator (WW Operator), Water Control Dispatcher, Water Plant Operator, Water Treatment Operator, Water Treatment Plant Operator

What they do

Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.

$36,680
Starting Salary (2023)
$54,890
Median Salary (2023)
-6.3%
Projected Job Growth
120,710
Employment (2022)

Typical Tasks

Record operational data, personnel attendance, or meter and gauge readings on specified forms.
Inspect equipment or monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges to determine load requirements and detect malfunctions.
Operate and adjust controls on equipment to purify and clarify water, process or dispose of sewage, and generate power.
Collect and test water and sewage samples, using test equipment and color analysis standards.
Add chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, or lime, to disinfect and deodorize water and other liquids.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Integrity
Dependability
Attention to Detail
Independence
Initiative
Concern for Others

What key skills are needed for this job?

Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Monitoring
Active Listening
Quality Control Analysis
Speaking

Expected Knowledge

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.
Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Common Activities

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.
Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

More Info

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