Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators

What the job really is

Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.

At a glance

• Sector: Production
• O*NET-SOC code: 51-8031
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 8
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Collect and test water and sewage samples, using test equipment and color analysis standards.
• Operate and adjust controls on equipment to purify and clarify water, process or dispose of sewage, and generate power.
• Record operational data, personnel attendance, or meter and gauge readings on specified forms.
• Add chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, or lime, to disinfect and deodorize water and other liquids.
• Inspect equipment or monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges to determine load requirements and detect malfunctions.
• Direct and coordinate plant workers engaged in routine operations and maintenance activities.
• Clean and maintain tanks, filter beds, and other work areas, using hand tools and power tools.
• Maintain, repair, and lubricate equipment, using hand tools and power tools.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Absorption equipment, Aeration compressors, Aerators, Aerobic digesters, Agitators, Air monitoring equipment, Air strippers

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Chemical Plant and System Operators
• Biomass Plant Technicians
• Power Plant Operators
• Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
• Gas Plant Operators
• Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
• Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.