What is the primary responsibility of water treatment plant operators?
Water Plant Operators are responsible for managing and monitoring the processes of a water treatment plant. Their duties include operating treatment plants and apparatus, cleaning screens and filters, adding chemicals, monitoring gas and water levels, taking reading as well as inspecting wastewater and water samples.
What is the job description of a plant operator?
A plant operator's primary role is to supervise and oversee operations in an industrial setting. They are responsible for controlling machinery and equipment, coordinating with fellow officers, monitoring the quality of progress among a particular unit or department, and maintaining daily operations records.
What happens at a water treatment works?
As sewage enters a plant for treatment, it flows through a screen, which removes large floating objects such as rags and sticks that might clog pipes or damage equipment. After sewage has been screened, it passes into a grit chamber, where cinders, sand, and small stones settle to the bottom.
What are some pros of being a wastewater treatment plant operator?
There are many benefits to becoming a wastewater operator, which includes:Job security. ... Various work environments. ... It's a long-lasting career. ... The pay is good. ... It's a growing industry. ... Specialized training & certification. ... It's beneficial to the environment and the community.Apr 10, 2018
What skills do you need to be a plant operator?
SkillsAble to use, repair and maintain machines and tools.Knowledge of engineering science, maths, and technology.Design skills and knowledge.Able to work well with your hands.Be thorough and pay attention to detail.Able to accept criticism and work well under pressure.Able to work well with others.More items...
How do you become a plant operator?
Follow these steps to become a plant operator:Earn a diploma. The minimum education requirement for a plant operator is a high school diploma or GED.Complete technical training. ... Earn licensure or certification. ... Complete on-the-job training.
What are the steps of a water treatment plant?
They typically consist of several steps in the treatment process. These include: (1) Collection ; (2) Screening and Straining ; (3) Chemical Addition ; (4) Coagulation and Flocculation ; (5) Sedimentation and Clarification ; (6) Filtration ; (7) Disinfection ; (8) Storage ; (9) and finally Distribution.
What are the 4 steps of water treatment?
4 Steps of Community Water TreatmentCoagulation and Flocculation. ... Sedimentation. ... Filtration. ... Disinfection. ... Learn More. ... Recommended Readings.
What are the two processes involved in water treatment?
Public water systems often use a series of water treatment steps that include coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection.
Is water treatment a good career?
No matter what position you are in it is a great career to open your views to how a large number of fields combine to create one product. Since the process is slower you really get a chance to learn something and watch it work in real time which helps you understand it. It is also very hands on.
Is water technology a good career?
Great Pay! Luckily for you, a career in Water Treatment or Distribution can offer you this type of financial freedom. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the 2010 median pay for a Water Treatment Plant Operator was $40,770 which works out to about $19.60 per hour.Mar 19, 2019
What are water related jobs?
Best jobs for water loversAquaculture worker. ... Aquarist. ... Commercial diver. ... Fisherman. ... Hydrologist. ... Lifeguard. ... Marine biologist. ... Naval architect.More items...
Water Treatment Plant Operator: Is it a good career?
A career as a water treatment plant operator is meaningful, engaging, and very rewarding. Water treatment plant operators play an important role in society. They are on the frontlines of protecting public health by ensuring that the water that is delivered to their customers is safe and wholesome.
What does a water treatment plant operator do?
As the job title says, they spend their time operating water treatment plants to produce drinking water! This means they may be physically operating different water treatment processes of the plant by turning valves to control the flow of water.
Where do water treatment operators work?
Water treatment operators often work for local public governments. This includes both big cities and small towns. Many other operators are employed by other public or private utilities that provide drinking water and wastewater services.
How much do water treatment operators get paid?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the median water operator salary in 2018 was $46,780. The average starting salary for a new operator with no experience was around $28,300, while the average for a very experienced operator was $76,200.
What is the difference between water operator treatment grades?
The different water operator treatment grades may be confusing when you are first learning about the career. Each state has slightly different ways that they breakdown the different operator grades. Most states have somewhere from four to five different grades.
What is required to become a certified water treatment operator?
As discussed above, there are anywhere from four to five different water treatment operator classifications, depending on your state. Water treatment operator I certification is the easiest to obtain and has the least amount of prerequisites.
How to find a job as a water treatment operator?
A google search with “water operator jobs” followed by your city or state should reveal a number of possibilities. There are services that aggregate verified water job postings, such as BC Water Jobs (which is nationwide) or California Water Jobs . Your state may have similar type of websites.
What is water treatment operator?
A water treatment operator manages a system of machines to transfer or treat water or wastewater. They monitor meters, operating conditions, and gauges through the use of control boards. They also document and track data from the gauge and meter readings. They work for local governments on a full-time basis.
What are the duties of a plant operator?
However, they typically have the job of adding chemicals to disinfect water or other liquids. They must regularly inspect equipment and monitor operating conditions, gauges, and meters. They collect and test sewage and water samples in addition to them keeping ...
What do water operators do?
Most operators work for local governments, while some work for utilities. Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators work in conditions that are at times noisy and odorous. Slippery walkways, dangerous gases, and the potential of equipment to malfunction present significant hazards. They must prepare for emergencies ...
What is wastewater treatment?
Wastewater treatment plant and system operators run systems that remove pollutants from domestic and industrial waste from sewer pipe to treatment plants until it is returned to streams and oceans or is used for irrigation. Most operators work for local governments, while some work for utilities.
How much does a water treatment operator make?
Water Treatment Operators in America make an average salary of $41,243 per year or $20 per hour. The top 10 percent makes over $57,000 per year, while the bottom 10 percent under $29,000 per year.
What is location quotient?
Location Quotient is a measure used by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to determine how concentrated a certain industry is in a single state compared to the nation as a whole. You can read more about how BLS calculates location quotients here
What are the requirements for operator certification?
Education and Training. Requirements for operator certification are specified by the state. Each state has the authority to develop their own requirements for operator certification. The guidelines required that states must require the following for an operator to become certified: Take and pass an exam that demonstrates ...
How to become a certified operator?
Requirements for operator certification are specified by the state. Each state has the authority to develop their own requirements for operator certification. The guidelines required that states must require the following for an operator to become certified: 1 Take and pass an exam that demonstrates that the operator has the necessary skills, knowledge, ability, and judgement as appropriate for the classification. 2 Have a high school diploma or a general equivalency diploma (GED). States may allow experience and/or relevant training to be substituted for a high school diploma or GED. 3 Have the defined minimum amount of on-the-job experience for each appropriate level of certification. The amount of experience required increases with each classification level. Post high school education may be substituted for experience. Credit may be given for experience in a related field (e.g., wastewater). 4 The state must establish training requirements for renewal based on the level of certification held by the operator. States must require all operators including grandparented operators to acquire necessary amounts and types of state approved training. States may determine other requirements as deemed necessary. States must have a fixed cycle of renewal not to exceed three years.
How much does a water treatment plant operator make?
Additionally, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics maintains that in 2018 the average salary for water and wastewater treatment plant operators was $46,780 USD per year.
What is the job of an operator?
Operators can work in various areas, such as water, wastewater, distribution and reuse. These operators maintain equipment and processes to monitor and affect water as it moves through the treatment and distribution cycles.
What is a certified operator?
Certified operators are a critical part of providing an adequate and safe supply of water. Operators are typically responsible for a variety of tasks centered around operating and maintaining a system or plant. They typically work in a selection of capacities: water treatment, distribution, water collection, or wastewater.
How many hours of training is on WSO?
The WSO Channel includes 60+ full length videos covering 20 hours of certification and training content for operators. Strengthen the practices and procedures of your operator employees.
What is HTO course?
Review information management technologies, both server-based and Web-hosted. Participants will discuss and compare management systems, as well as applications available for collecting and managing performance data and methods available for securing and storing online information. HTO courses can be taken in any order.
What are the skills required to be a good mathematician?
Strong mathematical, mechanical and science skills. Ability to read charts, graphs and maps. Ability to engage in logical processes for troubleshooting. Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills. Ability to create records and observations; engage in reporting of issues and lapse of best practices.
How much does a water plant operator make?
Water Plant Operators in America make an average salary of $42,975 per year or $21 per hour. The top 10 percent makes over $57,000 per year, while the bottom 10 percent under $32,000 per year.
What is location quotient?
Location Quotient is a measure used by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to determine how concentrated a certain industry is in a single state compared to the nation as a whole. You can read more about how BLS calculates location quotients here
How to be a wastewater treatment plant operator?
A typical day for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator will also include: 1 Direct and coordinate plant workers engaged in routine operations and maintenance activities. 2 Collect and test water and sewage samples, using test equipment and color analysis standards. 3 Operate and adjust controls on equipment to purify and clarify water, process or dispose of sewage, and generate power. 4 Add chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, or lime, to disinfect and deodorize water and other liquids. 5 Record operational data, personnel attendance, or meter and gauge readings on specified forms.
How much does a wastewater plant operator make?
Entry-level Water And Wastewater Treatment Plant And System Operators with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $29,730 to $37,830 per year or $14 to $18 per hour.
What do WWTP operators do?
Besides their typical day, WWTP Operators also clean and maintain tanks, filter beds, and other work areas, using hand tools and power tools. They may also maintain, repair, and lubricate equipment, using hand tools and power tools.
What is the job of WWTP?
To some WWTP Operators, it is also their responsibility to record operational data, personnel attendance, or meter and gauge readings on specified forms.
What chemicals are used to disinfect water?
Add chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, or lime, to disinfect and deodorize water and other liquids. Collect and test water and sewage samples, using test equipment and color analysis standards. Record operational data, personnel attendance, or meter and gauge readings on specified forms.