Water Treatment Plant Operator

Your Fit

Income

$69K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

-6.3%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Water Treatment Plant Operator?

Water Treatment Plant Operators manage the systems that treat and deliver water for public consumption and industrial use. They ensure water quality meets health standards and environmental regulations.

Sample job titles:

Process Operator (Process Op), Wastewater Operator (WW Operator), Water Plant Operator, Water Treatment Plant Operator

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Water Treatment Plant Operator.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Water Treatment Plant Operator earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Water Treatment Plant Operator.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$46K per year	$55K per year	$69K per year	$79K per year	$90K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $4.16K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Water Treatment Plant Operator do?

Work environment

Operators work in water treatment plants, often near reservoirs, wells, and municipal water supplies. The environment can be noisy and sometimes requires working in outdoor settings. Shift work, including nights and weekends, is common to ensure continuous operation of facilities.

Quick task list

Monitors plant operations and adjusts controls to regulate water flow and treatment processes.
Conducts tests and inspections to evaluate water quality and compliance with regulations.
Maintains and repairs plant equipment.
Records data related to water quality and plant operations.
Manages chemical supplies used in water treatment.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Quality Control Analysis: Focusing on testing and analyzing water samples to ensure compliance with standards.
System Maintenance: Specializing in the upkeep and repair of treatment plant machinery and systems.
Environmental Compliance: Ensuring plant operations adhere to environmental regulations and standards.
Process Improvement: Developing and implementing strategies to optimize treatment processes.
Emergency Response: Handling situations like contamination or system failures.

Description

Water Treatment Plant Operators play a crucial role in public health and environmental protection. Their job involves a mix of mechanical, technical, and scientific skills to ensure that water treatment processes are efficient and effective. They must understand complex systems, including pumps, filters, and chemical feeders, and how they interact to treat water.

Operators are responsible for routine monitoring of water quality, which includes conducting various chemical and biological tests. They must be knowledgeable about federal and state regulations regarding water quality and adept at maintaining detailed records of their findings and actions.

This career is ideal for those who have an interest in environmental science, enjoy problem-solving, and have a strong sense of responsibility towards public health and safety. It offers the opportunity to contribute to a vital public service and requires a commitment to continuous learning and adaptation to evolving technologies and regulations.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Playing a key role in ensuring public health and environmental safety.
Working with a variety of technical and scientific processes.
Opportunities for problem-solving and continuous learning.
Job stability in a field essential to public welfare.

You might make a good Water Treatment Plant Operator if you are...

Interested in science, especially chemistry and environmental science.
Detail-oriented, with a commitment to public health and safety.
Skilled in problem-solving and critical thinking.
Able to work independently and make responsible decisions.
Willing to work in various conditions and shifts.

Pros:

Contribution to public health and the environment.
Stable employment in a field with consistent demand.
Diverse work tasks combining technical, scientific, and mechanical skills.

Cons:

Potentially hazardous work environment with exposure to chemicals.
Requirement for shift work, including nights and weekends.
Responsibility for compliance with strict regulatory standards.

How to become a Water Treatment Plant Operator

Typical education

Typically, a high school diploma is required, with specialized training in water treatment processes. Post-secondary education in environmental science or engineering can be beneficial. Operators also need state certification, which requires ongoing education.

High school preparation

Courses:

Chemistry and biology to understand water treatment processes.
Mathematics for calculating dosages and flow rates.
Technical courses in mechanics or environmental science.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Environmental clubs to gain awareness of ecological issues.
Science fairs or projects related to water quality and treatment.

Preparation after high school

Vocational training or associate degree in water quality or environmental science.
State certification programs for water treatment plant operators.
Internships or entry-level positions at local water treatment plants for practical experience.

More resources

American Water Works Association (AWWA) - Provides training and resources for water professionals.
Water Environment Federation (WEF) - Offers educational programs and industry updates.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Water - Resources on water regulations and environmental standards.
Occupational Outlook Handbook - Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators - Detailed career information and job outlook.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.