Wastewater Treatment Operator Distance Learning Programs

Wastewater Treatment Operator Distance Learning Programs Wastewater Plant System Operators Job Duties Water treatment plant operators monitor the facilities that treat and remove pollutants from the water that goes into our sewers and drains. Their job is to run the equipment and manage the processes that make the water safe for us to drink and use in everyday life. They also test the water before putting it back out for the public to use. Systems operators also maintain the machines and pumps that filter the water. They may have to do repair work on electric motors and other equipment in the plant. Related Articles Colleges With Online Journalism Courses Colleges With Online Journalism Courses College Distance Learning: Interview with Jim Vidmar College Distance Learning: Interview with Jim Vidmar Where to Find Free Distance Learning Theology Degrees Where to Find Free Distance Learning Theology Degrees Testing the water is another important job at the facility. This involves monitoring gauges and meters that determine levels of necessary water treatment chemicals such as chlorine and fluorine. Tests are run by taking samples of the water to check the readings. The work combines both indoor and outdoor activity at all hours of the day and in all kinds of weather. The facility may be located in a very large city or in a small town. In larger cities, a wastewater treatment operator's job may be more specialized because there are more workers at the plant. A worker in a small town may have to run the entire plant. Training There is a lot of training to be done at the plant once an employee is hired. This is why employers prefer to hire those with associate's degrees, as it reduces the amount of training required. There are technical schools that can help students get their associate's in water treatment. Some community colleges also offer the programs. Employers often participate in on-the-job training while a student is getting his or her associate's degree. To become a wastewater treatment operator, you must have a state-sanctioned certification. There are multiple levels of licensing and certification. The more experience you have, the higher the certification you can get.