Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification Job Description
Position Summary
The Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator is responsible for operating, monitoring, maintaining, and troubleshooting water and wastewater treatment systems to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant plant operations. This position supports the protection of public health and the environment by maintaining treatment processes, performing routine testing, documenting operational data, and responding to equipment or process issues in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Operate and monitor water and wastewater treatment plant equipment, including pumps, motors, valves, filters, clarifiers, aerators, blowers, chemical feed systems, disinfection equipment, and related control systems.
- Monitor plant processes using gauges, meters, laboratory results, visual inspections, SCADA systems, and other operating data.
- Collect water and wastewater samples and perform routine laboratory tests, such as pH, chlorine residual, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, suspended solids, and other process-control measurements as required.
- Adjust chemical feed rates, flow rates, equipment settings, and treatment processes to maintain compliance with operating standards and permit requirements.
- Perform routine inspections, preventive maintenance, minor repairs, calibration, cleaning, and housekeeping of plant facilities and equipment.
- Maintain accurate daily logs, operating reports, laboratory records, maintenance records, and regulatory documentation.
- Identify equipment malfunctions, process abnormalities, safety concerns, and operational issues; report or correct problems in a timely manner.
- Follow standard operating procedures, safety practices, confined space procedures, chemical handling requirements, and emergency response protocols.
- Assist with sludge handling, solids processing, equipment start-up and shutdown, and other plant operational tasks as assigned.
- Respond to alarms, emergencies, after-hours calls, weekends, holidays, and rotating shift assignments as required.
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required; technical coursework in water treatment, wastewater treatment, environmental science, chemistry, biology, mechanical systems, or a related field is preferred.
- Valid driver’s license required; commercial driver’s license may be required depending on employer needs.
- Ability to obtain and maintain the required state water and/or wastewater treatment plant operator certification within the timeframe established by the employer or regulatory agency.
- Previous experience in water treatment, wastewater treatment, utilities, mechanical maintenance, laboratory testing, or industrial operations is preferred but not always required for entry-level positions.
- Ability to read and understand operating manuals, safety procedures, permits, technical instructions, gauges, meters, maps, and process-control data.
- Ability to pass required background checks, physical exams, and drug screening, if applicable.
Certification Requirements
The employee must obtain and maintain the appropriate Water Treatment Plant Operator and/or Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification required by the state regulatory authority for the facility’s classification, treatment process, and system size. Certification level, subclass, testing requirements, continuing education, and renewal requirements may vary by state and by facility. The employer may require certification at hire or may allow an entry-level operator to obtain certification within a specified period after employment.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of basic water and wastewater treatment processes, laboratory testing, chemical safety, and mechanical equipment operation.
- Skill in observing process conditions, interpreting data, troubleshooting routine problems, and making sound operational adjustments.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare routine reports clearly and on time.
- Ability to work independently, follow instructions, communicate effectively, and coordinate with supervisors, coworkers, contractors, and regulatory personnel.
- Mechanical aptitude and ability to use hand tools, power tools, meters, safety equipment, and basic computer systems.
- Commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, environmental protection, and reliable public service.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
Work is performed in treatment plant, laboratory, mechanical, and outdoor environments. The position may require standing, walking, climbing stairs or ladders, lifting, bending, reaching, working near moving mechanical parts, working in varying weather conditions, and exposure to chemicals, odors, noise, confined spaces, electrical hazards, and wet or slippery surfaces. Personal protective equipment and adherence to safety procedures are required.Preferred Qualifications
- Current state water or wastewater operator certification.
- Experience operating SCADA or computerized plant control systems.
- Experience with preventive maintenance, pumps, motors, valves, chemical feed systems, and process-control equipment.
- Knowledge of regulatory reporting, permit compliance, and sample collection procedures.
- Commercial driver’s license, equipment operation experience, or additional safety certifications, if required by the employer.
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