OCCUPATIONAL
PROFILE
Water and Wastewater Treatment
Plant System Operator (47-4071.00)
At-a-Glance Statistics
Plant Operator, Process Operator (Process Op), Relief Operator, SCADA Operator
Sample (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Operator), Waste Water Treatment Plant
. .	Operator (WWTP Operator), Wastewater Operator (WW Operator), Water Control
JOD I ItieS Dispatcher, Water Plant Operator, Water Treatment Operator, Water Treatment
Plant Operator
Key Tasks • Add chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, or lime, to disinfect and
deodorize water and other liquids.
•	Collect and test water and sewage samples, using test equipment and color
analysis standards.
•	Record operational data, personnel attendance, or meter and gauge
readings on specified forms.
•	Operate and adjust controls on equipment to purify and clarify water,
process or dispose of sewage, and generate power.
•	Inspect equipment or monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges to
determine load requirements and detect malfunctions.
•	Maintain, repair, and lubricate equipment, using hand tools and power tools.
•	Clean and maintain tanks, filter beds, and other work areas, using hand tools
and power tools.
•	Direct and coordinate plant workers engaged in routine operations and
maintenance activities.
All data sourced from O'NET OnLine (2018) httpsi/Avww .onetonline.org/.

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Education and Training Top Industries
High school
diploma or
equivalent
42%
Post-secondary
certificate
25%
Some college,
no degree
21%
Median Wages
Hourly
$22.49
EH
Annually
$46,780

Government
Utilities
Number Employed

127,000 positions
10,600 job openings
Occupational Growth by State
CO WA GA UT TX AK FL ND VT AR

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