What do water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators do?
Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.
This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.
Job titles to recognize in your search
O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.
- Plant Operator
- Process Operator (Process Op)
- Relief Operator
- Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator (WWTP Operator)
- Wastewater Operator (WW Operator)
- Wastewater Technician (Wastewater Tech)
- Water Control Dispatcher
- Water Plant Operator
Core tasks to compare with a job posting
- 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.
Prepare an application for this occupation
- Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
- Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
- Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
- Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.
Ready to plan your search?
Start with water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators as your target. You can change your role in the quiz and tell us your location and work preferences.