What does a wastewater treatment operator do?
A wastewater treatment operator is responsible for overseeing the daily operations in water treatment plans, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their duties include coordinating with different staff, operating controls and systems, gathering water samples, maintaining the cleanliness of all areas and equipment, and monitoring the progress of all operations. They must also keep accurate records of data, reporting progress to managers or supervisors. Furthermore, as a wastewater treatment operator, it is essential to perform regular maintenance checks to maintain a safe and efficient work environment.
Wastewater treatment operator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real wastewater treatment operator resumes:
- Manage and perform preventive maintenance, electrical repairs, millwright work, and MSHA safety functions.
- Monitor plant and lift station performance by regularly checking SCADA system on computer.
- Inspect facilities, equipment and plumbing for effects for corrosive, flammable and combustible gas.
- Optimize internal controls and process to comply with new parameters set by EPA and JCA.
- Review and remain current on OSHA standards and regulations for general industry and perform safety audits.
- Utilize computers for SCADA monitoring, data input, work order tracking and other uses of technology.
- Conduct QA/QC sampling and analytic techniques in lab and in the field as prescribed by EPA standards.
- Perform PMs on other equipment and processes (water softeners, chlorine injections, blowers, aerators).
- Perform plant checks of UV units, emergency generator, process pumps, blowers, chemical feed systems and associate equipment.
- Utilize a variety of piping plumbing equipment, maintain and operate electrical distribution systems and generator distribution stations.
- Start agitators to mix chemicals and allow impurities to settle to bottom of tank.
- Perform daily, weekly, and monthly RCRA inspections.
- Conduct daily, weekly, and monthly rounds and readings and RCRA inspections in storage areas to maintain compliance.
- Work may also be perform in a permit confined space where employees may be require to wear respirators.
- Utilize SPC techniques to examine the stability of testing results and troubleshoot out of control processes.
Wastewater treatment operator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 5% of Wastewater Treatment Operators are proficient in Plant Equipment, Process Control, and Blowers. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Detail oriented, and Math skills.
We break down the percentage of Wastewater Treatment Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Plant Equipment, 5%
Performed semi-skilled and skilled maintenance and repairs to plant equipment and machinery.
- Process Control, 5%
Trained and supervised personnel in process control testing and laboratory procedures.
- Blowers, 5%
Monitor and/or inspect pumps, charts, meters, chemicals, blowers, fans, etc.
- Preventative Maintenance, 5%
Prepare and implement a preventative maintenance program for full operation of infrastructure on property.
- Ladders, 4%
Climb to and work from elevated platforms ladders and walkways.
- Plant Operations, 4%
Scheduled and conducted part-time staff meetings, monitored plant operations and performed laboratory analysis.
Most wastewater treatment operators use their skills in "plant equipment," "process control," and "blowers" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential wastewater treatment operator responsibilities here:
Analytical skills. The most essential soft skill for a wastewater treatment operator to carry out their responsibilities is analytical skills. This skill is important for the role because "water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators must conduct tests and inspections on water or wastewater and evaluate the results." Additionally, a wastewater treatment operator resume shows how their duties depend on analytical skills: "conducted and evaluated water surveys, water reconnaissance, and water quality analysis. "
Detail oriented. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling wastewater treatment operator duties is detail oriented. The role rewards competence in this skill because "water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators must monitor machinery, gauges, dials, and controls to ensure everything is operating properly." According to a wastewater treatment operator resume, here's how wastewater treatment operators can utilize detail oriented in their job responsibilities: "created psm modules as per client requirements with detailed p&id; field review process. "
Math skills. wastewater treatment operators are also known for math skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to wastewater treatment operator responsibilities, because "water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators must have the ability to apply data to formulas that determine treatment requirements, flow levels, and concentration levels." A wastewater treatment operator resume example shows how math skills is used in the workplace: "solve basic math problems common to water technologies. "
Mechanical skills. For certain wastewater treatment operator responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "mechanical skills." The day-to-day duties of a wastewater treatment operator rely on this skill, as "water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators must know how to work with machines and use tools." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what wastewater treatment operators do: "collected water samples inspected and repaired all mechanical equipment grounds maintenance. "
The three companies that hire the most wastewater treatment operators are:
- Veolia Water Tech17 wastewater treatment operators jobs
- Award Staffing
6 wastewater treatment operators jobs
- Clean Harbors4 wastewater treatment operators jobs
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Compare different wastewater treatment operators
Wastewater treatment operator vs. Utility plant operative
A utility plant operator monitors, operates, repairs, and maintains utility equipment and systems. Utility plant operators work on the operation, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They operate and maintain a drainage and sewerage system as well as a neutralized acid waste system. The skills and knowledge they need include electronic control systems, underground cables, and the electrical generating system characteristics. Also, they are expected to know the basics of electrical practice.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a wastewater treatment operator are more likely to require skills like "process control," "blowers," "preventative maintenance," and "ladders." On the other hand, a job as a utility plant operative requires skills like "auxiliary equipment," "hvac," "control systems," and "air compressors." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Utility plant operatives really shine in the energy industry with an average salary of $51,326. Comparatively, wastewater treatment operators tend to make the most money in the professional industry with an average salary of $49,299.utility plant operatives tend to reach similar levels of education than wastewater treatment operators. In fact, utility plant operatives are 1.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.7% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Wastewater treatment operator vs. Operator
Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them. They are also responsible for the maintenance and repair of the machine, and they should be able to troubleshoot problems and provide remedies to them. They must be knowledgeable about the different parts of the machine and how to mitigate any challenges that may arise. Operators should be alert, detail-oriented, and familiar with safety and health guidelines.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, wastewater treatment operator responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "plant equipment," "process control," "blowers," and "ladders." Meanwhile, an operator has duties that require skills in areas such as "safety procedures," "emergency calls," "quality checks," and "dozer." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Operators earn a lower average salary than wastewater treatment operators. But operators earn the highest pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $41,321. Additionally, wastewater treatment operators earn the highest salaries in the professional with average pay of $49,299 annually.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Operators tend to reach similar levels of education than wastewater treatment operators. In fact, they're 0.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Wastewater treatment operator vs. Water technician
Typically working at water treatment facilities, a water technician specializes in installing and repairing equipment to ensure the good quality of water and consumers' safety. It is their duty to operate tools and equipment, gather and analyze samples to detect any contaminants, participate in adjusting chemical levels, and perform regular maintenance checks on machines to ensure efficiency. They must also keep records of all operations, producing progress reports as needed. Furthermore, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with co-workers for a smooth workflow.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from wastewater treatment operator resumes include skills like "plant equipment," "process control," "preventative maintenance," and "ladders," whereas a water technician is more likely to list skills in "customer service," "work ethic," "strong work ethic," and "cleanliness. "
Water technicians make a very good living in the government industry with an average annual salary of $39,983. On the other hand, wastewater treatment operators are paid the highest salary in the professional industry, with average annual pay of $49,299.When it comes to education, water technicians tend to earn similar degree levels compared to wastewater treatment operators. In fact, they're 1.2% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Wastewater treatment operator vs. Distribution system operator
Types of wastewater treatment operator
Updated January 8, 2025
