Water Treatment Plant Chemists analyze samples of water, raw and treated wastewater, sludge, and byproducts of wastewater treatment processes. Then they determine the procedures necessary to ensure that treated water and effluents (refers to liquids that flow out of a sewer or septic tank) meet quality standards. They also compute and analyze test results and keep precise and detailed records.

JOB DUTIES

Water Treatment Plant Chemists may:

Test for bacteria, freedom from odor or taste, and clarity

Test for pesticides, herbicides, and the presence of radiation

Determine how much chlorine to use to destroy harmful organisms

Determine which chemicals to add that will result in clear, softened water

Test samples at various points in the system for safety

Decide what tests are needed, keep precise and detailed records, and develop testing procedures to gain the necessary information

Prepare reports and recommendations based on test findings

Conduct specialized, complex analysis of wastewater and sewage

Test samples from major users of the plant to monitor and regulate waste discharges

Deal with problems caused by chemicals in the environment

Conduct research and repair test instruments

Tools and equipment used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Water Treatment Plant Chemists may specialize in these areas:

022.281-014 WATER PURIFICATION CHEMISTS analyze water in purification plants to control chemical processes which soften the water and/or make it suitable for drinking.

022.261-022 WASTEWATER TREATMENT CHEMISTS analyze samples of streams, raw and treated wastewater, sludge, and other byproducts of the wastewater treatment process to determine the efficiency of the plant treatment processes. They must also perform these tests to ensure that plant effluents meet local, State, and Federal requirements.

022.061-010 POLLUTION CONTROL CHEMISTS deal with problems caused by the use or release of chemicals or chemical compounds in the environment.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

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WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Although Water Treatment Plant Chemists are under the direction of plant supervisors or superintendents, they generally plan, organize, and carry out their assignments with a minimum of supervision. In many plants, the Chemist also supervises one or more laboratory technicians.

Most of them work in well equipped laboratories. Chemists might spend some time in the plant collecting samples or examining equipment. The work may require considerable standing. Workers may also be exposed to fumes, odors, and toxic substances. Chemists find safety procedures reduce hazards to a minimum.

Their normal workweek is 40 hours. They may work overtime to finish an assignment or test. Occasional travel may be necessary to attend conferences, seminars, or other work-related activities.

Water Treatment Plant Chemists may belong to such organizations as the American Chemical Society, the American Institute of Chemists, and a wide variety of other professional organizations. Members of professional organizations must pay periodic membership fees.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities of a scientific and technical nature

• Activities which involve the use of special machines/processes/methods

You Should Be Able To:

• Understand and use scientific theories and data

• Rate information by measurable, verifiable standards

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Direct, control, and plan an activity or the activities of others

• Perform arithmetical operations quickly and accurately

• Communicate well in both speech and writing

• See details in objects/recognize slight differences in shapes/shadings

• Perform a variety of duties in both the field and laboratory

Math Problem You Should Be Able To Solve:

If the correct pH level is 4 for normal drinking water and three different samples have pH levels of 3, 2, and 5, is the mean of the samples at the expected level?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Elements at opposite ends of the periodic table attain the noble gas configuration by transferring electrons to one another.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to prepare reports which explain any tests that you have conducted.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to decide on test procedures which would best gain you the desired knowledge.

A bachelor's degree, with a major in chemistry, biochemistry, or closely related area, is usually required for employment in this occupation. Experience and skill in laboratory techniques help provide a foundation. Civil service exams may be required for those who wish to work for government employers. Certification is not usually required, however, Water Treatment Plant Chemists are encouraged to become certified as a sewage treatment plant operator. Certification is required for advancement to water treatment plant supervisor or superintendent.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: An Apprenticeship (usually three to four years of training beyond High School); a Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond High School) or a Master's Degree (five to six years of study beyond High School) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 2200 MATH , 2900 SCIENCE , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

BIOCHEMISTRY

Programs in Biochemistry provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for employment in areas related to the chemistry of materials fundamental to life. Biochemists explain biological functions in chemical terms. They contribute to our understanding of the structure and functioning of all organisms, tissues, and cells.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

029 CHEMISTRY

Programs in Chemistry provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for employment using the science of Chemistry. Chemists generally do research on the properties, composition, and reactions of substances in order to formulate and develop new materials for both industrial and consumer markets. Individuals who teach Chemistry at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

    Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

059 WATER TREATMENT PLANT CHEMIST

Some people enter occupations within this MOIScript through an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is a formal program that takes 3 - 5 years to complete with most of the time spent on the job.

WHAT IS LEARNED ON THE JOB

Basic Compressor Operations

Basic Firefighting Procedures

Basic Chilled Water Systems

Types of Grease and Additives

Basic Boiler Plant Operations

Proper Handling/Storage of Grease/Oil

Company & Personal Safety & Work Habits

Maintain/Align/Repair Various Types of Pumps

Perform Water Samplings & Chemical Analysis

Gather Data/Keep Various Reports/Charts/Sampling Records

Water Department Operations for Distribution Systems: Potable,

Industrial, Wells, Storage Tanks, Booster Pumps, Chlorinators,

Sanitary Sewers, Storm Sewers and Environmental Systems

WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

 There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript 

   E-Learning Courses and Programs

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Opportunities for experience are somewhat limited. Postsecondary programs in chemistry and biochemistry may offer experience. Class work in chemistry will offer an idea of the work. College students may be able to obtain summer or part-time work in environmental research at their college or in a laboratory for chemical, industrial, or agricultural firms. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is one of the federal agencies which participates in the cooperative education program, offering the chance to gain work experience and an income while going to school. A formal apprenticeship program may also offer opportunities for experience.

  School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Water Treatment Plant employer

internships

volunteer work with a Water Treatment Plant employer

community service work with an agency

Direct application to employers is the usual way to enter this occupation. Applicants must take exams to be eligible for most positions in municipal water and sewage departments. Assistance in obtaining a job is available from college placement offices and local offices of the Michigan Works! Agency. Openings may appear in newspaper want ads and professional journals. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:  

ACS Job Bank (http://www.acs.org/careers)

Michigan Talent Bank

America's Job Bank

Yahoo! Careers

MONSTER.COM

JobOptions 

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Water Treatment Plant Chemists vary by education, experience, job responsibilities, and size, type, and site of employer.

Nationally, depending on academic records and employer, recent graduates with degrees in chemistry were offered annual starting salaries of:

Annual salaries (mid 1999) for Water Treatment Plant Chemists by municipal water and sewage departments in Michigan were:

Most Water Treatment Plant Chemists receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; retirement plans; and sick leave. Some employers also offer dental and optical insurance, prescription drug plans, and tuition reimbursement for continued education.

Beginners usually start as assistants to experienced Water Treatment Plant Chemists. The most important factors influencing advancement are ability and experience. With certification, a Chemist could become an assistant superintendent or a plant superintendent.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

The exact number of Water Treatment Plant Chemists employed nationally is not known. Opportunities in fresh water treatment plants should increase as new plants are built to meet the needs of a growing population. Also, public water systems will need more laboratory personnel to meet regulations and water quality standards. Openings in wastewater treatment and pollution control are predicted to grow as tighter controls and increased monitoring of discharges are ordered by current and future legislation.

An estimated 200-300 Water Treatment Plant Chemists were employed in Michigan. They are employed mainly in fresh water treatment plants and sewage treatment plants run by local governments. Others work in private industrial waste treatment facilities. Some are employed by government regulatory agencies.

Employment of Water Treatment Plant Chemists in Michigan should grow through the year 2005. Increasing concern over water quality and pollution plus greater enforcement of environmental regulations should increase opportunities. Industry will need more of these Chemists to work on meeting water quality standards. Opportunities in municipal treatment facilities will be fewer because of reductions in federal construction grants.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

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SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from sources below.

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