Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators control treatment plant equipment to purify and clarify water so that there will be a continuous and adequate supply for human consumption and industrial use. Operators must be familiar with government guidelines and how they effect their plant.

JOB DUTIES

Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators may:

Operate valves, pumps, motors, chemical feeders, agitators and filters to control the flow and purification process of water

Make minor adjustments on equipment

Perform routine servicing and cleaning of equipment

Make simple tests of water for acidity, color, and impurities

Collect samples for a variety of routine tests

Read gages, meters, and charts to spot equipment malfunctions or the need for maintenance

Add specified amounts of chemicals needed to clarify the water and correct taste and odor problems to make it safer and more palatable

Monitor control panels and adjust valves, and gates to control wastewater flow

Control pumps, engines, and generators that move wastewater through the processes of settling, aeration (means to cause air to circulate through something) and sludge digestion

Maintain records and report data

Remove obstructions from filtering screens to increase the flow of wastewater through the initial screening process

Operate computers to help monitor equipment and processes

The tools and equipment used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators may specialize in these areas:

955.362-010 WASTEWATER-TREATMENT-PLANT OPERATORS are responsible for removal of harmful domestic and industrial pollution from wastewater in sewage treatment plants.

954.382-014 FRESH-WATER-TREATMENT-PLANT OPERATORS control equipment to purify water so that it is fit for human consumption and industrial use.

954.382-014 WATER-TREATMENT-PLANT OPERATORS control treatment plant equipment to purify and clarify water so that there will be a continuous and adequate supply for human consumption and industrial use.

955.585-010 WASTEWATER-TREATMENT-PLANT ATTENDANTS tend pumps, conveyors, blowers, chlorinators, vacuum filters, and other equipment used to decontaminate sewage.

954.382-010 WATER-PLANT-PUMP OPERATORS operate and control pumping equipment to transfer raw water to the treatment plant, or to distribute processed water to customers.

955.382-010 CLARIFYING-PLANT OPERATORS control equipment to clean and neutralize water used in industrial bleaching processes to prepare it for discharge into natural waterways.

In small plants, Fresh Water Treatment Plant Operators and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators may be responsible for the entire operation. In larger plants which employ several people, they may be responsible for only one or two of the operations and duties listed above.

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

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators may work alone or as a member of a crew under the supervision of a senior Operator or superintendent. They work indoors and outdoors in all kinds of weather. They are exposed to fumes, odors, dust, as well as noise from motors, pumps, engines, an generators. They may work with hazardous chemicals, powders, and lime. In both water and wastewater plants, Operators may be exposed to many bacterial and viral conditions. Dangerous gases such as methane and hydrogen sulfide could be present so they need to use proper safety gear.

Operators generally work a 5-day, 40-hour week. However, many treatment plants are in operation 24 hours a day, and Operators may have to work night, weekend, holiday, or rotating shifts. Some overtime is occasionally required in emergencies.

Persons with allergies might suffer due to dust and other substances in the air. Operators must pay close attention to safety procedures for they may be confronted with hazardous conditions, such as slippery walkways, dangerous gases, and malfunctioning equipment.

You Should Prefer:

• Working with things and objects

• Doing routine and organized work

• Using specific equipment and processes in your work

You Should Be Able To:

• Understand and follow instructions

• Rate information using standards that can be measured

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Adapt to changing shifts

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If 4 different samples of water were extracted and it was found that the pH levels were 4, 6, 7, and 3, what is the average pH level of the water that is being distributed by the plant?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

An elastic material will be compressed by a volume stress, that is, will show a change in volume but not in general shape.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to give written explanation of any malfunctions that might occur.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to decide on options that might alleviate inefficiencies in the plant's operations.

Operators need mechanical aptitude and basic mathematics. In large plants, computer knowledge and experience is helpful since computers are used to monitor equipment and procedures. Some large plants require a bachelor's degree.

At least one person in a wastewater or freshwater treatment plant must be certified. There are different classes of certification based on the type of facility, the size of the population served, and the designated treatment capacity. Others are encouraged to obtain certification by taking and passing an examination on the general subject of treatment plant operation. Wastewater-Treatment-Plant Operators are certified by the Department of Environmental Quality and Fresh-Water-Treatment-Plant Operators by the Department of Public Health.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) or an Apprenticeship (usually three to four years of training 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***

060 ENVIRONMENTAL/SANITATION TECHNOLOGY

Programs in Environmental and Sanitation Technology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed to supply supportive technical services to engineers and other professionals in pollution control, water quality work, and control of occupational safety and health hazards.

Courses will vary from school to school but may include:

                 Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

055 WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

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

WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM

Technical Drawing

Phosphorus Analysis & Removal

Technical Report Writing

Statistics & Engineering Materials

Chemistry, Physics, Biology & Microbiology

Hydraulics, Electricity, Electronics & Computer Programming

Activated Sludge, Wastewater Analysis (Lab) & Sludge Handling

056 WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

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

WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military web site at http://www.myfuture.com

WATER AND SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT OPERATORS

Military bases operate their own water treatment plants when public facilities cannot be used. These plants provide drinking water and safely dispose of sewage. Water and sewage treatment plant operators maintain the systems that purify water and treat sewage.

What They Do

Water and sewage treatment plant operators in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Operate pumps to transfer water from reservoirs and storage tanks to treatment plants

• Add chemicals and operate machinery that purifies water for drinking or cleans it for safe disposal

• Test water for chlorine content, acidity, oxygen demand, and impurities

• Regulate the flow of drinking water to meet demand

• Clean and maintain water treatment machinery

• Keep records of chemical treatments, water pressure, and maintenance

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subject include chemistry, math, and shop mechanics. Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in working with mechanical equipment

• Interest in chemistry and pollution control

Work Environment

Water and sewage treatment plant operators work indoors and outdoors. They may be exposed to strong odors.

Physical Demands

Normal color vision is needed to examine water for acidity and impurities.

Training Provided

Job training consists of 8 to 10 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice operating water and sewage treatment equipment. Course content typically includes:

• Operation of treatment systems

• Water testing and analysis

• Maintenance and repair of pumps, compressors, and other equipment

Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. The Army and the Navy offer certified apprenticeship programs for some specialties in this occupation.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian water and sewage treatment plant operators work for municipal public works and industrial plants. Their work is similar to military water and sewage treatment plant operators. Civilian plant operators usually specialize as water treatment plant operators, waterworks pump station operators, or wastewater treatment plant operators.

Opportunities

The services have about 2,000 water and sewage plant operators. On average, they need 200 new plant operators each year. After job training, new operators work under close supervision in water or sewage treatment plants. With experience, they may supervise plant operations. Eventually, they become base utilities superintendents.

E-Learning Courses and Programs

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Because of the knowledge and skill required, opportunities for exploration and experience are limited. Some localities may have summer or part-time jobs available. You may also gain experience in military service or in an apprenticeship program. Postsecondary programs in environmental/sanitation technology might offer a co-op or internship segment which offers practical experience.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator employer

internships

volunteer work with a Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator employer

community service work with an agency

To find employment as a Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, apply directly to freshwater and/or sewage control departments of cities, government agencies, and industrial plants. To locate plants, contact the Michigan Department of Community Health, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality or the Michigan Municipal League. Most municipally-run treatment plants require applicants to pass a civil service test. Assistance may come from an office of Michigan Works!. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

American Waterworks Association Employment Listings (http://www.awwa.org/forums/main.cfm?cfapp=79)

America's Job Bank

Classifieds Employment

Michigan Works!

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

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators vary according to plant size, geographic location, and the operator's previous experience.

Nationally, median annual earnings for Water and Sewage Treatment Plant Operators were $30,472 in 1998. Trainees earned about 80%-90% of Operators' rates in most localities.

Annual earnings of Water and Sewage Plant Operators who worked for local governments in Michigan were (early 1999):

The Detroit water and sewerage system is the largest in the State and serves most of southeast Michigan. Water and Sewage Treatment Plant Operators working for the City of Detroit in 1998 had annual earnings ranging from $20,883 to $30,514 for apprentices; $31,037 to $32,111 for Operators; $35,493 to $37,052 for senior operators; and $43,000 to $45,300 for head operators.

Waste Water Treatment Plant Attendants employed by automobile manufacturers had base annual earnings of between $30,368 and $49,026 in 1999. These workers also received a cost-of-living allowance. Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators working for the State of Michigan earned from $26,915 to $40,539 per year in mid 1999, depending on their experience and level of responsibility.

Most Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators receive vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; retirement plans; and sick pay. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer.

Trainees may advance to Operators. Training, experience, and certification are key factors in advancement. With more experience and education, a senior Operator may transfer to related jobs with industrial wastewater treatment plants, equipment and chemical supplies, engineering or consulting firms, vocational schools, or advance to a managerial position. Superintendents of large plants generally need an engineering or science degree.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally in 1996, there were approximately 98,300 Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators employed. Employment in this occupation is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2006. The industry distribution for Water and Wastewater Plant Operators looked like this:

Employment opportunities will be greater for those Operators trained in the use of computers for data collection and analysis. Highly trained Operators will have an advantage in securing new positions or advancing to higher-level jobs. Employment for these Workers is usually steady because treatment of water is essential regardless of economic conditions.

There are approximately 2,525 Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators employed in Michigan. Most Operators are employed by municipally-owned treatment plants. Others may be employed by manufacturing firms such as auto manufacturers, paper mills, chemical products manufacturers, and steel companies. Still others are employed by utility and sanitary service companies.

Employment of Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. An average of 60 annual openings is expected due to replacement of those who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations.

There will be a greater need for water as the population continues to expand. Many water and sewage departments are planning extensive expenditures to meet the future demand for new storage facilities, treatment plants, pumping stations, and transmission mains and to rehabilitate existing plants. Although these factors should help to increase employment of Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators, the lack of funding for public works projects has delayed most of the planned plant construction and rehabilitation and has resulted in reduced demand for these Operators.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development