Wastewater treatment operators are in charge of removing pollutants from the water used for domestic and commercial purposes. They sanitize water sourced from sewers and drains before releasing it or allowing it to be used for irrigation. Operators split their time indoors and outdoors, working with chemicals, computers and machinery. Wastewater treatment is vital to public health, especially for safely using it for irrigation on outdoor landscapes and other beneficial uses.
Career Requirements:
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- Water Resource recovery and treatment is complex, and operators must acquire long-term on-the-job training.
Preferred Qualifications:
- A certificate or degree program in a related field (environmental science or wastewater treatment technology) is recommended.
Certification/Licensing:
- Grade T1 Water Treatment certificate from the State Water Resources Control Board. There are five levels of certification depending on the operator’s experience level and training. Testing varies from state to state.
- Hazmat training and endorsement
