GEF

Unit 1  |  Why Water Matters 35 CAREER FOCUS: WATER AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT AND SYSTEM OPERATORS Education: Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators typically need a high school diploma and a license to work. They also usually undergo on-the- job training. Employers may prefer applicants who have completed a certificate or an associate’s degree program in a related field such as environmental science or wastewater treatment technology. Median Salary (2016): $51,100. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators manage a system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater. The specific duties of plant operators depend on the type and size of the plant. In a small plant, one operator may be responsible for maintaining all of the systems. In large plants, multiple operators work the same shifts and are more specialized in their duties, often relying on computerized systems to help them monitor plant processes. Typical job duties include: ■■ Add chemicals, such as ammonia or chlorine, to disinfect water or other liquids ■■ Inspect equipment on a regular basis ■■ Monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges ■■ Collect and test water and sewage samples ■■ Record meter and gauge readings and operational data ■■ Operate equipment to purify and clarify water or to process or dispose of sewage ■■ Clean and maintain equipment, tanks, filter beds, and other work areas ■■ Follow U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations ■■ Ensure safety standards are met Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition , Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/water-and- wastewater-treatment-plant-and-system-operators.htm