WHO WORKS AT WATER TREATMENT AND WATER RECLAMATION FACILITIES?

Treatment Plant and Distribution Operators Are Our Boots on the Ground

Water utilities have a wide variety of employees, from engineers and mechanics to administrators and financial experts. But the employees who work directly at the treatment facilities and in the field are the treatment plant and distribution system operators.

Operators  working at water treatment or water reclamation facilities must understand the physical operation of the plant, as well as the chemical and biological workings of these critical facilities. 

They collect process samples and perform laboratory tests; inspect and maintain equipment; monitor plant performance; use mathematical formulas to determine and make process adjustments; complete reports to regulatory agencies; and more. 

Water distribution operators monitor, maintain and repair the distribution system pipelines that carry drinking water from the treatment plant through the city to homes and businesses. Similarly, they may conduct tests; operate and replace valves, and pumps; repair or replace and disinfect water mains, services, and fire hydrants;   monitor flows; and more.

Here's a brief intro from a water treatment plant operator at the City of Clearwater:

Licensed Operators are Required by Law

Florida law requires all treatment plant and distribution system operators to be licensed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). 

A new employee at a treatment plant or distribution system must work as an apprentice or trainee under the direction of a licensed operator until they obtain their state license.

FDEP issues licenses through their Operator Certification Department. It's somewhat complicated, but here's a summary:

• There are four license levels or classes each for drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment or water distribution operators. (The lowest class licenses are mostly for very small systems at trailer parks or rest stops).
• Operator apprentices must start by obtaining their lowest class license.
• Operators must meet minimum education requirement for each license, including specific coursework, and time on the job.
• For each level license, the operator must pass a state exam for that level license.
• Operators may then work their way up, from one class to the next until they reach the highest class license.
• Employees may obtain multiple licenses - for instance an operator may have licenses for both water treatment and wastewater treatment, and must have the education and work experience for each license.
• Licenses must be renewed every two years, and require continuing education credits to renew.

License Requirements are Facility-Specific

FDEP requires each water treatment or reclamation facility to have a minimum number and class of treatment plant operators. One operator must be designated as a Lead Operator with a higher class license.

The number and class of operators required for a facility or distribution system is determined by the size, type and complexity of the treatment plant or system.

Operators must be licensed for the type of facility (water treatment, wastewater treatment, water distribution) they are working at. Many operators hold multiple licenses. That represents many years of experience, education, and successfully passing state license exams.

Every state has their own licensing requirements, which are usually similar to Florida's. 

What Type of Training Do Operators Need?

In addition to on-the-job training, operators must complete state-approved coursework before they can take the state exam. The training includes a lot of mathematics, chemistry, biology, water/wastewater process control and troubleshooting. In addition, operators must be knowledgeable of the numerous FDEP regulations.

Each higher-class license requires more advanced training, additional time on the job, and passing a more difficult state exam.

To keep their licenses current, operators must take continuing education courses as well.

When Do Operators Work?

Water utilities operate 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Operators must be willing to work different shifts, and to be on-call for emergencies. When hurricanes approach, our water/wastewater operators are considered essential employees/first responders and are usually required to be on-the-job until a threat is over. 

For smaller facilities, FDEP may allow for operators to be on-site less than 24-hours per day if the system has electronic monitoring with an automated call-out program. The number, class, and hours of operator staffing for each facility is detailed in the facility's operating permit.

Operators Needed

Many people have no idea these positions exist. There is an impending operator shortage, as many operators are reaching retirement age. Being a water or wastewater operator is a rewarding job. The pay is good, and typically there are decent benefits. The work is interesting and an important way to do something valuable for the community. Also, there's upward mobility as most utilities are happy to encourage operators to obtain advanced licenses.

Geek Out

Water/Wastewater Operator Courses

Courses for operators can be live courses, online, or correspondence - but must be on the FDEP approved list. This is covered in FDEP's Operator Certification Handbook.

One of the most used courses is from University of California, Sacramento's Office of Water Programs.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook - includes average pay, what they do, job outlook and more.