Water Plant Operator

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Work Tasks

WATER PLANT OPERATORS treat water to make it safe to drink. Water plant operators control the processes and equipment that remove solid materials, microorganisms, and chemical compounds from the water. They operate and maintain the treatment facility's pumps, pipes, valves, and other processing equipment that moves water through the treatment processes and disposes of waste materials removed from the water. They use a variety of instruments to sample and measure water quality.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $57,000 average per year ($27.50 per hour)
• A medium occupation (108,300 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow rapidly (2.0% per year)

Entry Requirements

A high school diploma is generally required for WATER PLANT OPERATOR jobs. Operators need mechanical aptitude and should be competent in basic mathematics, chemistry, and biology. They must have the ability to apply data to formulas prescribing treatment requirements, flow levels, and concentration levels. The completion of an associate degree or 1-year certificate program in water quality and wastewater treatment technology increases an applicant's chances for employment. Trainees usually learn their skills on the job under the direction of an experienced operator.