9243 – Water and waste treatment plant operators
Water treatment 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. Liquid 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 and industrial facilities. This unit group also includes waste treatment plant operators in composting plants and other waste management facilities.
Profile
Index of titles
Example titles
Environmental systems operator – water treatment
Filter plant operator – water treatment
Filtration plant controller – water treatment
Industrial waste treatment plant operator
Liquid waste process operator
Liquid waste processing plant operator
Liquid waste treatment plant operator
Pump station operator – water treatment
Pumphouse operator – water treatment
Sewage plant operator
Sewage-processing equipment tender
Waste treatment plant operator
Wastewater collection operator
Wastewater collection systems operator
Wastewater treatment operator
Wastewater treatment plant operator
Wastewater treatment plant worker
Water and wastewater technician
Water filtration plant operator
Water gate operator
Water plant pump operator
Water purification plant operator
Water treatment operator
Water treatment plant operator
Water treatment plant process technician
Water treatment systems operator
Water utility operator
Waterworks pump house operator
Waterworks pumping station operator
Well-point pump operator
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Water treatment plant operators
Operate and monitor computerized control systems and related equipment in water filtration and treatment plants to regulate the treatment and distribution of water
Monitor and inspect plant equipment and systems to detect equipment malfunctions and to ensure plant systems are operating normally
Read flow meters, gauges and other recording instruments to measure water output and consumption levels, bacterial content, chlorine and fluoride levels
Collect and test water samples for chemical and bacterial content, analyze test results and instrument readings and make adjustments to plant equipment and systems to ensure quality control
Provide verbal or written instructions for process control changes to waterworks system to ensure water produced meets standardized quality requirements
Perform security checks in plant and on grounds
Respond to public enquiries regarding water quality issues and emergencies
Complete and maintain plant logs, reports and statistics
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.
Liquid waste plant operators
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
Test and adjust chemical feed rates to ensure that disinfection processes meet quality standards
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
Perform preventive maintenance on plant equipment to ensure that the facility operates in accordance with required standards
May assist skilled tradespersons with installation and repair of plant machinery.
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school is required.
College or industry training courses in chemistry, pollution control or related subjects are usually required.
Certification in water treatment and distribution (level according to the classification of the plant) is required for water treatment plant operators.
Drinking water certification is required in Quebec and Ontario for operators whose work involves water treatment and distribution.
Certification in wastewater collection and wastewater treatment (level according to the classification of the plant) is required for wastewater treatment plant operators.
Solid waste, landfill or compost facility operator certification may be required for operators in waste treatment plants.
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 worker in the water treatment or wastewater field may be required.
Additional information
There is limited mobility between water treatment plant and waste plant operators.
Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
Exclusions
Chemical engineers (2134)
Chemical technologists and technicians (2211)
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)