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9424 Water and Waste Plant Operators

Water plant operators monitor and operate computerized control systems and related equipment in water filtration and treatment plants to regulate the treatment and distribution of water. Waste plant operators monitor and operate computerized control systems and related equipment in wastewater, sewage treatment and liquid waste plants to regulate the treatment and disposal of sewage and wastes. They are employed by municipal governments, industries and institutions.

Example Titles

• environmental systems operator – water treatment
• operator, water purification plant
• process operator, liquid waste
• sewage plant operator
• wastewater treatment plant operator
• water filtration plant operator
• water treatment plant operator

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Main duties

Water plant operators perform some or all of the following duties:

• Operate and monitor computerized control systems and related equipment in water filtration and treatment plants to regulate the treatment and distribution of water
• Read flow meters, gauges and other recording instruments to measure water output and consumption levels, bacterial content, chlorine and fluoride levels
• Monitor and inspect plant equipment and systems to detect equipment malfunctions and to ensure plant systems are operating normally
• Collect and test water samples for chemical and bacterial content
• Analyze test results and instrument readings and make adjustments to plant equipment and systems as required
• Perform security checks in plant and on grounds
• Respond to customer complaints on water quality problems
• Complete and maintain plant logs and reports
• May perform minor maintenance or assist skilled tradespersons with installation and repair of plant machinery
• May measure, mix and transport chemicals to maintain feed stocks.

Waste plant operators perform some or all of the following duties:

• Operate and monitor computerized control systems and related equipment in wastewater treatment, sewage treatment and liquid waste plants to regulate the flow of sewage through settling, aeration and digestion tanks, and to treat and dispose of sewage and wastes
• Patrol plant to check pumps, motors, filters, chlorinators and other plant equipment; monitor and read gauges, meters and other recording instruments to detect equipment malfunctions and ensure plant systems and equipment are operating within prescribed limits
• Collect waste and sewage samples, test and analyze results and make adjustments to plant equipment and systems as required
• Perform security checks in plant and on grounds
• Complete and maintain plant logs and reports
• May perform minor maintenance or assist skilled tradespersons with installation and repair of plant machinery.

Employment requirements

• Completion of secondary school is usually required.

• College, high school or industry training courses in water treatment pollution control are required.

• Certification in water distribution or treatment (Levels I, II or III) is required.

• Certification in workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS), transportation of dangerous goods (TDG), and courses in safety practices may be required.

• On-the-job training is provided.

• Previous experience as a labourer or utilities maintenance worker with the same employer may be required.

Additional information

• There is limited mobility between water plant and waste plant operators.
• Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.

Classified elsewhere

• Supervisors, Petroleum, Gas and Chemical Processing and Utilities (9212)
• Water and waste plant labourers (in 9613 Labourers in Chemical Products Processing and Utilities )
• Waterworks and Gas Maintenance Workers (7442)