Career Overview
Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.
Also Known As
- Wastewater Operator (WW Operator)
- Water Plant Operator
- Water Treatment Operator
- Water Treatment Plant Operator
Alternate Job Titles
- Basin Tender
- Biosolids Management Technician (Biosolids Management Tech)
- Clarifying Plant Operator
- Disposal Operator
- Disposal Plant Operator
- Drinking Water Technician (Drinking Water Tech)
- Filter Tender
- Filterer
- Filtration Operator
- Filtration Plant Operator
- Industrial Waste Treatment Technician (Industrial Waste Treatment Tech)
- Liquid Waste Treatment Plant Operator
- On-Site Wastewater Systems Technician (On-Site Wastewater Systems Tech)
- Plant Operator
- Process Operator (Process Op)
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Collect and test water and sewage samples, using test equipment and color analysis standards.
- Operate and adjust controls on equipment to purify and clarify water, process or dispose of sewage, and generate power.
- Record operational data, personnel attendance, or meter and gauge readings on specified forms.
- Add chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, or lime, to disinfect and deodorize water and other liquids.
- Inspect equipment or monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges to determine load requirements and detect malfunctions.
- Direct and coordinate plant workers engaged in routine operations and maintenance activities.
- Clean and maintain tanks, filter beds, and other work areas, using hand tools and power tools.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Complete wastewater discharge monitoring reports and maintenance logs.
- Maintain and repair portable safety equipment and permanent safety infrastructure to ensure operational readiness and compliance with safety protocols.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Public Safety and Security
- Mechanical
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Operation and Control
- Operations Monitoring
- Monitoring
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Near Vision
- Deductive Reasoning
- Written Comprehension
- Problem Sensitivity
- Inductive Reasoning
- Information Ordering
- Control Precision
- Selective Attention
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Dependability
- Integrity
- Stress Tolerance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Independence
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Absorption equipment
- Aeration compressors
- Aerators
- Aerobic digesters
- Agitators
- Air monitoring equipment
- Air strippers
- Ammoniators
- Ammonium analyzers
- Anaerobic treatment equipment
- Atomic absorption AA spectrophotometers
- Autosamplers
- Backwash filters
- Biochemical oxygen demand analyzers
- Blowers
Work Environment
- Telephone Conversations
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $37,870 |
| Median | $58,260 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $86,160 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 126,750
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Chemical Plant and System Operators
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $73,540
Biomass Plant Technicians
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $99,670
Power Plant Operators
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $99,670
Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $99,670
Gas Plant Operators
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $83,400
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.