Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Tasks Include:
- Add chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, or lime, to disinfect and deodorize water and other liquids.
- Operate and adjust controls on equipment to purify and clarify water, process or dispose of sewage, and generate power.
- Inspect equipment or monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges to determine load requirements and detect malfunctions.
- 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.
- Maintain, repair, and lubricate equipment, using hand tools and power tools.
- 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.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Projections Quick View:
Virginia: -1.9%
National: -6.9%
Education
High School Diploma
Job Zone:
Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Income Range:
Highest ($50,000 and up)
Median Earnings:
National
$51,600.00
State
$47,860.00
Regional
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Description
Career Cluster: | Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources |
Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Education
Required Level of Education
- High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED) = 41.77%
- Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production) = 24.50%
- Some College Courses = 20.70%
- Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) = 12.52%
- Bachelor's Degree = 0.52%
Related Work Experience
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 32.38%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 26.42%
- Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years = 20.70%
- None = 11.47%
- Over 10 years = 5.06%
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 2.07%
- Up to and including 1 month = 1.30%
- Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years = 0.60%
On-Site or In-Plant Training
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 23.55%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 22.66%
- Up to and including 1 month = 22.06%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 12.13%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 10.13%
- Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years = 6.83%
- None = 2.63%
On-the-Job Training
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 27.52%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 22.91%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 20.64%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 13.30%
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 10.13%
- Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years = 5.49%
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Tasks
Core Tasks Include:
- Add chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, or lime, to disinfect and deodorize water and other liquids.
- Operate and adjust controls on equipment to purify and clarify water, process or dispose of sewage, and generate power.
- Inspect equipment or monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges to determine load requirements and detect malfunctions.
- 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.
- Maintain, repair, and lubricate equipment, using hand tools and power tools.
- 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.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Tools and Technology
Tools Include:
- Carbon filtration equipment (Absorption equipment)
- Oxygen generators (Aeration compressors)
- Mixers or agitators (Aerators)
- Sludge or sewage digesters (Aerobic digesters)
- Mixers or agitators (Agitators)
- Air samplers or collectors (Air monitoring equipment)
- Bacterial removal equipment (Air strippers)
- Water conditioners (Ammoniators)
- Nitrogen or nitrate or nitrite analyzer (Ammonium analyzers)
- Packaged water treatment systems (Anaerobic treatment equipment)
- Spectrophotometers (Atomic absorption AA spectrophotometers)
- Autosamplers
- Ultrafiltration equipment (Backwash filters)
- Dissolved oxygen meters (Biochemical oxygen demand analyzers)
- Blowers
- Organic carbon analyzers (Carbon analyzers)
- Centrifugal pumps
- Chemical pumps (Chemical feed pumps)
- Chemical pumps (Chemical feeding equipment)
- Oxygen gas analyzers (Chemical oxygen demand testing equipment)
- Single gas monitors (Chlorine analyzers)
- Sludge collectors (Clarifiers)
- Colorimeters
- Sludge shredders (Comminutors)
- Water samplers (Composite samplers)
- Conductivity meters
- Conveyor screw (Conveyor control equipment)
- Chlorine handling equipment (Dechlorination equipment)
- Ammonia removal equipment (Denitrification equipment)
- Desktop computers
- Oxygen generators (Diffusors)
- Chlorine handling equipment (Disinfection chlorinators)
- Air samplers or collectors (Emissions monitoring systems)
- Sludge pelletizers (Filter belt presses)
- Bacterial removal equipment (Fixed-film reactors)
- Mixers or agitators (Flocculators)
- Water purification equipment (Flotation equipment)
- Furnaces
- Grit chambers (Grit separators)
- Heat exchangers
- Hydraulic pumps
- Hydrocarbons analyzers or detectors (Hydrocarbon analyzers)
- Incinerators
- Sludge collectors (Incline plate clarifiers)
- Screw Pumps (Incline screw pumps)
- Microcontrollers (Ion exchangers)
- Lift stations
- Ultrafiltration equipment (Microstrainers)
- Nitrogen or nitrate or nitrite analyzer (Nitrate analyzers)
- Notebook computers
- Odor control equipment
- Oil content monitors analyzers (Oil-in-water monitors)
- pH meters (pH analyzers)
- Drain or pipe cleaning equipment (Pipe cleaning equipment)
- Digital camcorders or video cameras (Pipe inspection video equipment)
- Sludge pelletizers (Plate and frame presses)
- Positive displacement pumps
- Ultrafiltration equipment (Rapid sand filters)
- Microcontrollers (Remote terminal unit pump control equipment)
- Water purification equipment (Rotating biological contactors)
- Wet scrubbers (Scrubbers)
- Sludge or sewage removal equipment (Scum ejectors)
- Packaged water treatment systems (Sequential batch reactors)
- Sedimentological analyzing unit (Settleometers)
- Ultrafiltration equipment (Slow sand filters)
- Sludge or sewage digesters (Sludge digesters)
- Sludge disposal equipment (Sludge injectors)
- Chlorine handling equipment (Sulphonators)
- Turbidimeters (Suspended solid measurement equipment)
- Oil content monitors analyzers (Total oil and grease analyzers)
- Organic carbon analyzers (Total organic carbon TOC analyzers)
- Hydrocarbons analyzers or detectors (Total petroleum hydrocarbon TPH analyzers)
- Toxicology analyzers (Toxic gas analyzers)
- Ultrafiltration equipment (Trickling filter beds)
- Turbidimeters
- Flow sensors (Ultrasonic flowmeters)
- Ultraviolet disinfection equipment (Ultraviolet UV disinfection systems)
- Ultrafiltration equipment (Vacuum filters)
- Valve actuators
- Water samplers (Wastewater samplers)
- Water treatment dryers (Water treatment evaporators)
Technologies Include:
- Compliance software
- Compliance software
- Material safety data sheet MSDS software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Data logging software
- Database software
- Document management software
- Records management software
- Industrial control software
- Human machine interface HMI software
- Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
- Wastewater expert control systems
- Office suite software
- Microsoft Office software
- Time accounting software
- Timekeeping software
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Special Requirements
Required Fees:
For More Information, Contact:
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
Phone: (80.4) .0362
TTY: (80.4) .8595
Fax: (86.6) .5354
http://
[email protected]
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet28)
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Additional Resources
For information on certification, contact:
Association of Boards of Certification
208 Fifth St.
Ames, IA 50010-6259
http://www.abccert.org
For educational information related to a career as a water or liquid waste treatment plant and system operator, contact:
American Water Works Association
6666 West Quincy Ave.
Denver, CO 80235
Water Environment Federation
601 Wythe St.
Alexandria, VA 22314-1994
http://www.wef.org
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet28)
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Knowledge
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
74.50 | Chemistry | Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods. |
72.50 | Biology | Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment. |
72.25 | Mechanical | Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. |
65.50 | Mathematics | Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. |
62.00 | Public Safety and Security | Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions. |
61.50 | Production and Processing | Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods. |
60.50 | Engineering and Technology | Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services. |
58.25 | Administration and Management | Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. |
55.75 | Computers and Electronics | Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. |
53.25 | Education and Training | Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. |
52.50 | Administrative | Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology. |
51.25 | English Language | Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. |
50.00 | Customer and Personal Service | Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Skills
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
72.00 | Operations Monitoring | Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly. |
68.75 | Operation and Control | Controlling operations of equipment or systems. |
65.50 | Monitoring | Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. |
59.50 | Active Listening | Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. |
59.50 | Quality Control Analysis | Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance. |
56.25 | Speaking | Talking to others to convey information effectively. |
56.25 | Critical Thinking | Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. |
56.25 | Equipment Maintenance | Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed. |
56.25 | Troubleshooting | Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it. |
56.25 | Repairing | Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools. |
53.00 | Reading Comprehension | Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. |
53.00 | Judgment and Decision Making | Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. |
50.00 | Mathematics | Using mathematics to solve problems. |
50.00 | Complex Problem Solving | Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. |
50.00 | Systems Evaluation | Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system. |
50.00 | Time Management | Managing one's own time and the time of others. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Abilities
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
68.75 | Oral Comprehension | The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. |
68.75 | Oral Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. |
65.50 | Written Comprehension | The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. |
65.50 | Near Vision | The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). |
62.50 | Deductive Reasoning | The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. |
59.50 | Perceptual Speed | The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object. |
59.50 | Problem Sensitivity | The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem. |
56.25 | Inductive Reasoning | The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). |
53.00 | Written Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. |
53.00 | Information Ordering | The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations). |
53.00 | Selective Attention | The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted. |
53.00 | Speech Clarity | The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you. |
53.00 | Speech Recognition | The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person. |
50.00 | Far Vision | The ability to see details at a distance. |
50.00 | Control Precision | The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions. |
50.00 | Manual Dexterity | The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Work Activities
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
87.00 | Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards | Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
84.50 | Controlling Machines and Processes | Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles). |
82.25 | Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings | Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
81.50 | Processing Information | Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
81.50 | Making Decisions and Solving Problems | Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
78.75 | Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events | Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
78.50 | Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials | Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. |
78.25 | Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates | Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
78.00 | Documenting/Recording Information | Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
75.75 | Getting Information | Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
74.75 | Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others | Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
74.50 | Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge | Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
73.00 | Analyzing Data or Information | Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. |
71.75 | Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment | Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles. |
70.00 | Working with Computers | Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
65.25 | Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information | Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. |
64.75 | Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships | Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
61.75 | Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment | Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles. |
61.00 | Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People | Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. |
60.00 | Training and Teaching Others | Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others. |
58.00 | Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work | Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
57.75 | Developing Objectives and Strategies | Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them. |
56.75 | Performing for or Working Directly with the Public | Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests. |
55.00 | Monitoring and Controlling Resources | Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money. |
54.75 | Communicating with People Outside the Organization | Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. |
54.50 | Handling and Moving Objects | Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things. |
54.50 | Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others | Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks. |
54.00 | Performing General Physical Activities | Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials. |
53.00 | Thinking Creatively | Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
53.00 | Coaching and Developing Others | Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills. |
52.75 | Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates | Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance. |
52.25 | Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment | Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft. |
52.25 | Assisting and Caring for Others | Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients. |
51.75 | Scheduling Work and Activities | Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others. |
50.25 | Performing Administrative Activities | Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork. |
50.00 | Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others | Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Work Styles
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
78.75 | Integrity | Job requires being honest and ethical. |
77.75 | Dependability | Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. |
75.00 | Attention to Detail | Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. |
74.00 | Independence | Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done. |
69.00 | Initiative | Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. |
68.75 | Concern for Others | Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job. |
67.25 | Leadership | Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction. |
67.00 | Cooperation | Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. |
66.00 | Adaptability/Flexibility | Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. |
62.25 | Self-Control | Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. |
62.00 | Analytical Thinking | Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. |
57.50 | Stress Tolerance | Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations. |
56.50 | Achievement/Effort | Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks. |
53.50 | Persistence | Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles. |
52.75 | Innovation | Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems. |
50.75 | Social Orientation | Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Work Values
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
77.83 | Support | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical. |
61.17 | Independence | Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Work Context
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
94.40 | Face-to-Face Discussions | How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job? |
92.40 | Structured versus Unstructured Work | To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals? |
91.00 | Telephone | How often do you have telephone conversations in this job? |
90.80 | Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets? |
90.00 | Exposed to Contaminants | How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)? |
89.20 | Freedom to Make Decisions | How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer? |
88.80 | Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions? |
86.40 | Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions? |
86.20 | Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job? |
85.80 | Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable | How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable? |
83.60 | Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)? |
83.20 | Consequence of Error | How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable? |
82.60 | Frequency of Decision Making | How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization? |
82.00 | Contact With Others | How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it? |
80.20 | Responsible for Others' Health and Safety | How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job? |
80.00 | Work With Work Group or Team | How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job? |
80.00 | Outdoors, Exposed to Weather | How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions? |
79.40 | Electronic Mail | How often do you use electronic mail in this job? |
78.40 | Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer? |
78.20 | Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job? |
76.00 | Time Pressure | How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines? |
71.00 | Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment? |
67.60 | In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment | How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)? |
67.20 | Coordinate or Lead Others | How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job? |
67.20 | Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures? |
67.00 | Spend Time Standing | How much does this job require standing? |
64.60 | Outdoors, Under Cover | How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (e.g., structure with roof but no walls)? |
63.00 | Responsibility for Outcomes and Results | How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers? |
61.00 | Deal With External Customers | How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job? |
60.00 | Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.) |
59.80 | Degree of Automation | How automated is the job? |
59.60 | Physical Proximity | To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people? |
59.20 | Level of Competition | To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures? |
59.00 | Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls? |
58.40 | Spend Time Walking and Running | How much does this job require walking and running? |
57.80 | Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting | How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions? |
56.20 | Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions? |
54.80 | Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection | How much does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection? |
54.20 | In an Open Vehicle or Equipment | How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or equipment (e.g., tractor)? |
52.80 | Letters and Memos | How often does the job require written letters and memos? |
52.20 | Exposed to High Places | How often does this job require exposure to high places? |
50.00 | Frequency of Conflict Situations | How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job? |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Overall Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Job Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
- Examples
- These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Earnings Benefits*
Region | Entry Level | Median | Experienced |
---|---|---|---|
United States | $34,100.00 | $51,600.00 | $64,720.00 |
Virginia | $31,640.00 | $47,860.00 | $58,600.00 |
Region | Entry Level | Median | Experienced |
Alexandria/Arlington | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Bay Consortium | $36,613.00 | $46,506.94 | $55,297.28 |
Capital Region Workforce Partnership | $33,735.69 | $44,308.06 | $53,767.43 |
Central VA/Region2000 | $35,349.95 | $46,808.12 | $56,149.73 |
Crater Area | $37,668.68 | $50,478.49 | $60,373.47 |
Greater Peninsula | $35,527.11 | $47,211.42 | $54,310.38 |
Hampton Roads | $35,726.15 | $49,643.74 | $57,118.91 |
New River/Mt. Rogers | $32,374.68 | $42,997.07 | $51,568.55 |
Northern Virginia | $47,588.67 | $62,017.94 | $73,113.46 |
Piedmont Workforce | $39,063.04 | $52,549.19 | $65,541.37 |
Shenandoah Valley | No Data | No Data | No Data |
South Central | $30,813.57 | $41,596.45 | $48,369.22 |
Southwestern Virginia | $30,321.69 | $39,634.13 | $45,858.74 |
West Piedmont | $30,881.31 | $40,174.99 | $51,375.76 |
Western Virginia | $34,769.48 | $49,047.65 | $55,729.76 |
* Earnings Calculations:
Regional Earnings:
Entry = Annual mean of the lower 1/3 wage distribution;
Experienced = Annual mean of the upper 2/3 wage distribution.
National and State Earnings:
Entry = Annual 10th percentile wage;
Experienced = Annual 75th percentile wage.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Employment Projections
Current | Projected | % Change | |
---|---|---|---|
United States | 125,200 | 116,600 | -6.9% |
Virginia | 2,924 | 2,868 | -1.9% |
Region | Current* | Projected | % Change |
Alexandria/Arlington | 153 | 159 | +3.9% |
Bay Consortium | 184 | 187 | +1.6% |
Capital Region Workforce Partnership | 268 | 276 | +3.0% |
Central VA/Region2000 | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Crater Area | 122 | 124 | +1.6% |
Greater Peninsula | 144 | 145 | +0.7% |
Hampton Roads | 308 | 310 | +0.6% |
New River/Mt. Rogers | 139 | 133 | -4.3% |
Northern Virginia | 345 | 367 | +6.4% |
Piedmont Workforce | 147 | 152 | +3.4% |
Shenandoah Valley | 491 | 500 | +1.8% |
South Central | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Southwestern Virginia | 150 | 127 | -15.3% |
West Piedmont | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Western Virginia | 199 | 195 | -2.0% |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
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Careers in Environmental Service Systems Pathway:
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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
View Videos
CareerOneStop Video
View Video & Transcript on CareerOneStop
CareerOneStop Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Videos
Overview
Occupations
The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee; CareerOneStop. (Using onet28)
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Military Training
The following military job classifications are available for this occupation:
- Not Occupationally Qualified, General
- Utilities, General
- Engineman
- MM-Machinist's Mate
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Defense Manpower Data Center. (Using onet28)
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Proficiency Ratings
These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Titles
- Basin Tender
- Biosolids Management Technician
- Clarifying Plant Operator
- Dispatcher
- Disposal Operator
- Disposal Plant Operator
- Drinking Water Technician
- Filter Tender
- Filterer
- Filtration Operator
- Filtration Plant Operator
- Industrial Waste Treatment Technician
- Lead Sewage Plant Operator
- Liquid Waste Treatment Plant Operator
- On-Site Wastewater Systems Technician
- Operations Specialist
- Operator
- Plant Operator
- Potable Water Treatment Operator
- Process Operator
- Purification Operator
- Radioactive Waste Disposal Dispatcher
- SCADA Operator (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Operator)
- Sewage Plant Operator
- Sewage Treatment Plant Operator
- Utility Maintenance Worker
- Waste Disposal Plant Operator
- Waste Treatment Operator
- Waste Water Operator
- Waste Water Plant Operator
- Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator (WWTP Operator)
- Wastewater Operator
- Wastewater Plant Operator
- Wastewater Reclamation Facility Operator
- Wastewater Treatment Operator
- Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
- Water Filterer
- Water Operator
- Water Plant Operator
- Water Pump Operator
- Water Pumper
- Water Purifier Operator
- Water Quality Technician
- Water Reclamation Systems Operator
- Water Supply Technician
- Water System Operator
- Water Treatment Operator
- Water Treatment Plant Operator
- Water Treatment Specialist
- Water Treatment Technician
- Watershed Tender
- Waterworks Employee
- Waterworks Operator
- Waterworks Pump Station Operator
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
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- Clackamas Community College
- Clovis Community College
- Coastal Pines Technical College
- College of Southern Idaho
- College of Southern Nevada
- College of the Canyons
- College of the Redwoods
- College of the Sequoias
- Colorado Mesa University
- Columbia College
- Columbus State Community College
- Cuyamaca College
- Delgado Community College
- Delta College
- Des Moines Area Community College
- Emily Griffith Technical College
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- GateWay Community College
- Gavilan College
- Green River College
- Hocking College
- Imperial Valley College
- Iowa Lakes Community College
- Ivy Tech Community College
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- Lewis and Clark Community College
- Linn-Benton Community College
- Los Angeles Trade Technical College
- Lower Columbia College
- Milwaukee Area Technical College
- Montana State University-Northern
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- Mt San Antonio College
- Mt San Jacinto Community College District
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- North Central State College
- Northern Maine Community College
- Northwest Vista College
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- Palomar College
- Pellissippi State Community College
- Pikes Peak Community College
- Pima Community College
- Pinellas Technical College-St. Petersburg
- Polytech Adult Education
- Red Rocks Community College
- Sacramento City College
- San Bernardino Valley College
- Santa Barbara City College
- Santa Fe Community College
- Santa Rosa Junior College
- Santiago Canyon College
- Shasta College
- Sinclair Community College
- Skagit Valley College
- Solano Community College
- Southern Crescent Technical College
- St Cloud Technical and Community College
- Stone Child College
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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)