Although you probably don’t think of wastewater, sewer systems or pollution control whenever you fill a fresh glass under the kitchen tap, they’re all closely linked. Wastewater management plants play a huge role in environmental responsibility and clean water. If you’ve ever wondered who works in a wastewater management plant or what exactly goes on behind the scenes, keep reading.
At O&M Solutions, we bring the best of water treatment, wastewater management and operation to both public and private sectors. Reach out to us if your facility needs support regarding water or wastewater.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant System Operators
When wastewater makes its way through sewers and drains, there’s a thorough, complex process that converts it into water that’s safe enough to reuse. Wastewater system operators or wastewater technicians are the professionals that oversee the various machines and systems that effectively treat water.
What do wastewater treatment operators do? Here are some of their daily duties:
Operating wastewater control boards and computers
Thoroughly monitoring water conditions throughout the plant
Inspecting, cleaning and maintaining equipment
Removing objects from wastewater
Collecting lab test samples of water, sewage and debris
Mixing chemicals during sample testing protocols
Ensuring all facility safety standards are being met
Sending accurate documentation and reports to regulatory agencies
Making sure treatment systems properly filter and dispose of sewage
Depending on state regulations and the size of the wastewater plant, there must be one or several wastewater system operators on duty for each shift. Larger wastewater plants often employ multiple operators who specialize in a particular system or task.
There are no federal classifications for wastewater plants or operator job titles— these vary between states. But most states categorize different levels of operators. The higher the level, the more advanced and complicated the operator’s capabilities are.
Certified Wastewater Treatment Operators
All certified wastewater technicians must know how to oversee wastewater treatment. They work for public or private wastewater facilities. The public sector involves local government. The private sector involves business centers, restaurants, medical facilities, college campuses and more.
High-Tech Wastewater Operators
Wastewater technicians with experienced, high-tech skills work with the digital software and control modules that other operators use on a daily basis. Their role involves developing, troubleshooting and maintaining computer systems. They also manage web-hosting, performance data, cybersecurity and information storage for the plant.
Municipal Wastewater Operators
System operators at municipal treatment plants help treat sewage from local residences and buildings. Municipal operations can be public or private and are often highly localized, operating under state regulations.
Industrial Wastewater System Operator
System operators at industrial wastewater plants deal with cutting-edge treatment processes, often helping large businesses operate within legal limits. Many commercial manufacturers have vigorous wastewater processes in place. Industrial wastewater operators help companies prevent environmental damage and overproduction of waste.
How to Become a Water Treatment Plant System Operator
All wastewater system operators must be certified and licensed through their state wastewater regulatory agencies. Since water and wastewater treatment involve critical processes that require careful attention, there are strict requirements to become a wastewater treatment operator.
Education Requirements
Water treatment system operators must have the equivalent of a high school diploma. Many wastewater managers prefer continued education from a trade school or university. For higher-ranking operators, a college degree in a related field such as chemistry, engineering or environmental science is preferred.
Training Requirements
Some wastewater companies will hire operators-in-training to work on the job under close supervision. That way, a person can get hands-on experience in a wastewater facility while they’re in the process of attaining their certification. Larger treatment plants with heavier regulations may require formal certification before allowing on-the-job training.
Certification and State Licensing
Water and wastewater system operator certifications vary by state. If you’re interested in becoming a certified operator or water technician, look into your state’s regulations and requirements. Many courses are available online from qualified organizations.
The American Water Works Association also offers professional development resources for people interested in becoming a certified operator.
Top Qualities of a Wastewater Operator
Wastewater management is an important, highly technical and sometimes dirty job. Qualities that make someone an ideal candidate for wastewater system operation include:
Interest in water and clean water systems
Familiarity with mechanics and equipment operation
Decent mathematical skills
Careful attention to detail
Ability to think analytically
Knowledge of chemistry or biological science
Good adherence to instructions and guidelines
Physically capable of repetitive, hands-on tasks
Care for environmental community impact
Working in wastewater isn’t the most glamorous career but it’s extremely rewarding. You’re likely a great fit for the role if you relate to many of these qualities and aren’t easily disgusted.
Working at a Water Treatment Plant
Working at a water and wastewater treatment plant is fulfilling, interesting and fairly active. Depending on your operator role, you’ll likely spend time surveying the facility day-to-day. You’ll also get familiar with the logistical complexities of wastewater, from biochemical precautions to technically advanced data processes.
As a systems operator, some common problems may occur on the clock. Sludge control involves the physical removal of sewage clogs and close inspection of certain treatment systems. Daily tasks include taking samples, monitoring pumps, gathering meter readings, maintaining large equipment and operating various pumps and levers.
At a wastewater treatment plant, operators move around and fulfill many different tasks every day. Facilities often consist of indoor, outdoor and underground locations featuring control rooms, water treatment systems and sewage tunnels.
Large water treatment plants often run under the supervision of a highly trained expert operator. Their leadership oversees a group of wastewater treatment operators who work throughout the plant. No matter how small or large a plant may be, wastewater operators in the United States are always in demand.
Hire a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation Specialist
At O&M Solutions, we specialize in all aspects of wastewater treatment. As a leading operations and maintenance company in the field of wastewater for over 20 years, we know our stuff. Water and wastewater facilities outsource to us when they need repairs, expert technicians, implementation and consulting services.
If you need to hire a wastewater treatment plant operator in New Jersey, New York or Pennsylvania, reach out to O&M Solutions today.