What does it take to be a water treatment plant operator?
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- Опубликовано: 9 ноя 2011
- Operators at drinking water and wastewater treatment plants provide one of the most valuable services to Americans. Operators work in vital jobs that we can't do without. They keep us supplied with a necessity of life 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Water keeps us alive and is delivered or treated in order to protect our health. This video includes interviews with two operators who talk about how they got into the field and what skills they use in their jobs. This video can be shown to encourage people to enter the field, including high school and college students, including those at community colleges. A shortage of certified operators is expected in the coming years because of the upcoming retirements of many current operators. Rural areas especially need young and willing operators.
I’m turning 30 this year, and I did the operator trainee test a few months back. They just called to give me an interview. Wish me luck, I’m going to need it 🤙🏽
you totally have the job!!
@@havierherrera3732 haha thanks for believing in me 🤙🏽
Hello, Could I have some help on how to get started with this job? I heard that I need a AWWA certification, but the government website does not tell me what happens AFTER I pass the exam. Could you please elaborate the next steps I should take? I have no previous experience in this field.
@@hanoapuaaupdate? I got an interview coming up too
How’d it go
Been a water/wastewater operator since I was 18. 18 years now. Level 3 in Oregon. Went to school for it. Love it! Get paid good money and not much manual labor. Not many young people think about this kind of career path because it's not glamorous. Maybe someday that will change.
Joe I got a degree in civil engineering but after working in the field I've found out the field is where I belong. I'm looking for an OIT position!
just applied for a position as a wastewater process operator is it the same thing as this? really want the job due to pay and job security im 27
imahustla50 sounds like it. You have any experience in the wastewater field?
Joe not necessarily the job description says it is desired to have 1 year of experience if hired have 18 months to get certification.
my school offers a certificate for 1 year of experience for water treatment and hands on training at the plant. Its in really high demand where I live
I started with the city as a level 1.
It is a GREAT job. The math is easy and the science isn't that hard to learn IF you have a good trainer.
My trainer was amazing and taught me so much!
I'm going to school for water environmental technology next year . it's an associates degree program. I'll be 32 when I finish I hope I'll be able to get a job when I graduate . I've literally spent the last 12 years working jerk off part time jobs on and off and taking part time college courses
I'm an OIT right now. I love it. Super cool job.
It is also a critical job that you cannot get laid off from due to city or state budge cuts..water like power is critical.
...or pandemics
Well you forget. City could easily contract out your water treatment career... to a fleet of other water treatment operators lmfai
I'm an employee for Miami-Dade County and I did the interview and took the pre exam for the Water Treatment Plant Operator 1 Trainee. Scored a 90 on it first try with no prior knowledge of this position. Just received an email after year of waiting, asking if I was still interested. Of course I said yes and will soon be starting my new journey. It looks fascinating and it's something I'm really strong at when using my brain more. I can't wait! 😁😁💯
A year ????
Hey, how’s it working for you so far ? Do they pay well in the south ?
@@markroman9007 Its challenging but me and my fellow trainees are getting the hang of it. They pay ok but it could better 🤷
@@javarusmcdonald7774do you like it?
I've been in water treatment for 16 years. Two and a half in maintenance, the rest as an operator. Great job, very stable job. I received my "A" certification in '09, highest certification in South Carolina. This is really an unknown field, a small field and because of that not many young people in water. I'm 44, from '05-'16 I was the youngest operator b/w 2 plants (12 operators) by ten years and until '18, I was the youngest "A" operator. Within the next year, two operators will be retiring at my plant and in 2-3 years 3 operators at our sister plant will be retiring. Several years ago, the average age of an operator in South Carolina was 57. This field needs more young people. It's a great job, you won't get rich, but you'll have unbelievable job stability.
I'm interested in entering the field. As someone with no prior experience, what do you think is the best way to get my foot in the door? Should I be looking to get a degree. Or should I look for a lower position in a plant, and try to work my way up?
@@adrianruvalcaba2896 Entry level would probably be your best bet. Maintenance or grounds, meter reader even. A degree would help, but not always necessary. Some plants are looking for trainees.
Hanvin Gavnah whats the working schedule like?
@@kellyrivvas3728 I rotate nights/days every 2 weeks. 12 hour shifts, 7-7. Most plants are 12 hr shifts. I know of some that rotate every 6 weeks. Smaller plants might have 8 hr shifts and shut down at night.
@Havin Gavnah
Thank you in advance for taking the time to read & reply to these comments. I live in Colorado & would love a career in water treatment. I currently hold an associates degree (science), and originally wanted to go on and complete a B.S. in Chemistry or biochemistry and still might if necessary but I much would rather get a jump start on my career than have to rack up any more student load debt.. Anyways, I have completed courses in Chemistry and Calculus which I hope would be a plus in finding a job. I also have some mechanical work experience in the HVAC industry. However I have no experience working in a water treatment plant nor do I currently hold any certifications. Could you offer any advice as to what might be my best plan of action? I've applied to a couple Plant Operator job's in my area but imagine I'm probably just too under qualified to be considered. I would love the opportunity to get my foot in the door somewhere and then continue whatever education / certifications were required. I'm a hard worker and would be fine proving my worth at any sort of entry- level position.
I just finished applying for an operator-in-training position. I really hope I get the job
Did you get it?!
Can I ask what it took to get to that point? I’m really looking into bettering my life in a different field
Can I ask what it took to get to that point? I’m really looking into bettering my life in a different field
@@deadpoolMAX951 let me ask you, when do you see yourself the most happiest? If you were a kid and had the time and money to never have to go back to work, what would you be doing?
@@deadpoolMAX951 pay attention to job listings for the city, every few years they need more operators in training because operators move up
Good video, thanks for uploading.
I have been a C operator for 4 years. I just started working at an A plant. nervous but excited. great career choice.
Im doing the alberta program to get my level one. Although i have to work hard to get through the harder parts of school, it is enjoyable. I hope when im done school i make it into this industry.
We are the gate keepers of the water
I just started 3 days ago with no experience and catching on so quick.. It’s not hard just pay attention.
How were you able to get pass the application with no experience ? I want to apply also but same with the experience
@@lloydsmithjr.8202 Because no one applied and they were willing to train 👌
@@jboy7339 that’s good bro 👏🏾…. I’m applying now did you add anything on the application that would be helpful but I’m in Los Angeles so I may have a harder time to get in
@@lloydsmithjr.8202 No I did not add anything special.. Just got lucky I suppose 👍
I did a month course and got hired. I'm in training tomorrow
I work for my city and I am looking to grow within, i am leaning towards water plant operator or line man.... but I think the water plant will be better as I age through the course of time...
Best of luck
I'm 28 years old. Been trucking since I was 23. My buddy told me about this job. Pays well, and its secured. He knows more about it than me. I just started doing research on it. And I like it and seems like something I would like to do. I'm from Southern California. Any tips???
did you end up following this path?
@beerdo his comment is 4 years old. I wanna know too lol
It's a great career. Everyone I mentored became a water treatment operator, and they love their job.
Water and Wastewater Courses can you work at a plant without having a license
Do you offer online training
Yes
Plz send me ur email id
Can you mentor me please I am interested
I just passed my California T5!
Have worked on a 80MGD plant for 36 years now. Worked every area of the plant . Now running cryogenic liquid oxygen plant for the reactors . Have a 5SA license . This plant use to have over 200 operators . It's a 66 acre plant . Now less than 80 since everything went to computers . In the next 5 years over half the plant will retire . Hard to get new people . It's a good job . Make over 60K a year with 24 vacation days , 12 sick days , and 4 personal leave days a year . That builds with time not at start .. Only draw back is someone always has to be here. Your relief calls off and you can't get someone to come in = you are stuck working another 8 hours . But you get time and half over 8 , and double time an half on holidays . A 16 hour shift on a holiday is 5 days pay .. Retire at 30 years with 45% of your pay pension . And another 1.8% every year after . You would think they would be lined up . Believe young people just don't know about these jobs or are scared they might get dirty ..
Wow! Where is your Plant? I have 10 years water and waste water experience...
Baltimore , Md ..
Im looking foward taking some courses i dont mind getting dirty im just tired of warehouses jobs with no advancement i like hands on work better than office any tips or help you can suggest please im about to be 25 plus im a girl want the best for my family.
Hi Phillip do you still work in the Plant ? I am recently layed off thinking of trying this apprenticeship for water here at age 40 lol. I worked in technology for over 20 years. I would like a shift.
This video really sums up how I feel as well as what I want. I’m in Virginia, and I’ve applied for an operator apprenticeship. I want job that matters and hoping to leave retail behind. Wish me 🍀
Really good choice of career! I've been an operator for 2 years and have a class 2 certification making mid $30s an hour and I'm only 22. It's really easy to make good money quickly. I'm from Canada so I'm not sure if it's as easy to level up in the states or not. Goodluck man
I'm gonna do this cause I really need a bloody job
Thinking about a career change, my sense of smell is mostly gone, wondering if that disqualifies me from becoming a waste water operator.
Most people don't think about water quality. Many buy bottled simply because it's convenient. But in my opinion, having high quality assured water is one of the things that sets America apart from many other places around the world. The only other countries that can compare to our standards are most of the European ones, the UK/Canada, and maybe Iceland. I think in South America, only Argentina and maybe Uruguay might come close to US water quality. We do add chlorine and sometimes fluorine in some cities. The fluorine debate continues. Meanwhile, have a cartridge filter installed for the kitchen.
Gotta love patriotism!
USA ranks 26th overall. But yeah, keep telling yourself you're the best. 'Murica!
@@All7777FeverThey never said that America had the best water quality. Calm down.
If you have OIT licence for both water and wastewater operator, can you do the training both in the same time or is it hard to do both.
I miss this job...this was my favorite job
Go on.
+Gregory Hayward Why don't you have it now? What did you do wrong?
I cant wait to start my job as a wastewater OIT in two weeks. I'm super excited!
How's the job?
@@abrahammanansala4372 i really like. Theres a lot to learn. Since my OIT certificate hasnt come in yet im restricted to certain duties like hosing down the clarifiers and chlorine contact tanks and general clean up of the head works but I'm enjoying it so far
I'm about to go through an apprenticeship program. Anyone wanting to do this look in your state online for apprenticeship.
Do you have website?
is there a book or online material to prep for this?
my brother works in the lab for water treatment and told me that i should look into plant operator as a possible career. seems like a male dominated profession, but i've read that women are slowly starting to take on the operator position...what should i be expecting? is it really that physically demanding? thanks guys
Grade 4 operator in Tenn. for 36 years. Membranes are the way to go.
Cool i am thinking of doing the apprenticeships, what are membranes ?
@@nikitachirich7985 Membranes do away with sand filters and suck water through a membrane with microscopic holes that filter the dirt out.
I'm about to interview for a position as an assistant operator (basically an intern). Any advice for how I should prepare? I'm a Civil Eng. undergrad, by the way.
Hey was just wondering, what other qualifications did u have to become an OIT or was it just the OIT certificate?
I’m looking into getting a associate degree in water technology, I just feel intimidated a little cause I don’t really know anything about this field of area
I just applied for this job hopefully i'll get it.
Phil From Florida any tips been applying but can’t even get a interview. I have over 5 years of chemical batch making and mixer compounder kinda job but no experience in water treatment.
Good luck to both of you.
How did it went?
Got the job??
@@MAG713 It's better to know someone that works there so you know when to apply and have a good word in your favor.
Is there a career for this? like, should a chemical engineer fit in this field or something like that?
Got an interview to be an Operator in a couple of days. Does anyone have any pointers for the interview? It'd be much appreciated 👍
i am a level 4 treatment plant operator. with ot i pull down a buck fiddy a year. i like flying under the radar but am willing to offer insight. i didn't have this job 12 years ago. you have to start somewhere. ask the normal joe on the street what they prefer. going to the movies or abundant, safe, drinking water and they will choose the movies and bitch about the price of their water and sewer. i was a boiler operator in a chemical plant before this and made ultra pure water but it didn't count as water to dec. so i started from scratch at 18 an hour. 6 years later i had 2 level 4 certs and was making 45 an hour.
I can't wait to get where youre at. I'm about to become an OIT in wastewater but I'm looking to become dually certified with drinking water as well
Hey, just getting into it. Am scheduled to take my first 2 classes for waste water treatment. What do you recommend so I can get my foot in the door asap ? Do I apply to take the oit test ?
@@fkupaymehaa even though youre starting out i would start looking for jobs. You could become an OIT with just a high school diploma if you wanted to but it helps to have some education. Some plants aren't as strict as others and will hire with little to no experience. To take the certification exams at least in california you need some educational units which you'll get when you pass those courses
@@ronnieperez8519 hmm, I see. would you recommend volunteering to get in my foot in the door much faster ? I want to obtain my aa in wastewater while I pursue my engineering degree. Also, for the certs they take in April and October...do I need a minimum requirement in order to take it ? Or can I just apply and take it ?
Damn, how much OT do you work to make almost an extra 60k plus?
I have an interview tomorrow. Do you see many women in this field because I'm excited about it. I think it's the perfect working environment.
are u doing this,do u like it
I was wondering the same thing...if she got it.
Tracy hi I'm watching your comment from 3 years ago , I just want to know how you like it , any advise I'm barely going back to school and I'm 44 I would really appreciate any feedback , hope you doing well thanks Jackie Martinez
I know this is an old comment but yeah there are women in the field. When our class went for a tour of a local treatment plant the tour guide was a female Grade 3 wastewater operator
Jacqueline Martinez I was hired and worked there for a little over two years and left. It would of been fine if it wasn’t for the abusive county workers. I’m actually reading my comment and laughing a little. I was full of hope. 😂. I didn’t mind the work I did at all and I was proud of my accomplishments but I’m too old to take that much shite from people pun intended. I am currently working in micro snd chemistry labs at a community college and happy.
Does anybody know how many licenced operators are required to be on duty at an existing pre-treatment plant in pennsylvania? I have reason to believe that our local plant currently employs 2 licenced operators - and both are out due to job-related injuries and health issues.... Is this a safety issue? Thanks for your input!
+Anon I know this is late, but your Local DEQ will have the answer for you.
but the pay outs are really good
how do you know what cities are hiring?
Sf bay area pays really well with these jobs, you can make 6 figures in 5 years if you take it seriously.
5 years ? Fuck you can’t live off that in the Bay Area lol
I just applied for this job. It seems like a good paying and stable job. Hope I get a call back for an interview.
What state are you in?
@@samfaust8116 Missouri.
Did you get the job ?
Hope you got the job brother.
what career paths can this job take you? can it lead to a plant manger position?
Yes absolutely. As far up as you want to go.
Our business is built around these pros! We salute you! MyWaterPlantJobs (dot) com - the only job board dedicated to those who work in water & wastewater treatment facilities!
What certificate do i need to get into this field in uk?
I do not know much about this job/career but I have question.Why does the guy think the job is not going anywhere.As far as, being outsourced I can see why that would be difficult and how it would be best to do it locally.However, the job seems ripe for automation, at least in the future.We may not be there yet, but what makes people think that one day technology will not be good enough to have robots or machines doing all this work.Like, what would stop a piece of code from telling machines how to test the chemical makeup of the water, how to take measurements or program all the regulations into the code.Maybe, someone in the field can educate me about what part of the job can only be done by a human, not just now but in the future as well.
12012channel you make great points and Im surprised no one has tried to answer your questions. Automation is definitely the future. More treatment plants have become automated in the last 20 years. At my plant our scada control center can change flow rates, speed of pumps, rotate pumps and or wells, change chemical dosage,and fill tanks right from their computers. The need for an operator is to check the equipment used is running properly daily. If there is a leak or an abnormal condition, or a mechanical failure youll need human interaction to troubleshoot and/or detect problems tas well as make necessary repairs. Yes a lot of our treatment process are automated but youll always need operators to make sure they are functioning like its supposed to. Hope that gives some perspective.
Thank you, David.
Hi everyone,
I have my water treatment T2 and Distribution D2 license from state and have been looking for a job here in Northern California. It's kinda hard to get one whithout experience and its almost been more than 5 months now and still haven't got a job. Any advices in how to get your foot into water industry??
Tenzin Tsega I know this is probably a year or two too late, burning can help you get a water job if you still need one
Hi Tenzin, I hope things worked out. I’ll be searching in CA soon myself w/T2&D2/no experience, any suggestions?
I’m going to get my t3/d3 no experience have you found a job ? I currently work for the city so I’ll be in interior candidate
Hi everyone i was looking into this career. However it does require 12 hour shifts and to be on call. The only thing i would like to know is if this career balances with life as well.
I do 12hr shifts. I like it. Basically I work 14 days a month, 6 months out the year. I'm not on call. That's more for maintenance & management, at my plant. I'm married w/ kids, shift work is ideal for me. I can get a lot done on my days off around the house & my kids could stay home more. I fear working 5 days a week. The most I work is 3 12hr days then I'm off. I work 2 on 2 off 3 on 2 off 2 on 3 off. Then I rotate either to days or nights for 2 wks. I like it, it's hard on the body, messes with your sleep, but I still prefer it over straight days.
Did you end up getting it Nate?
I've got a question if somebody can please help me. Basically I live in Southern California and I saw that they had a water technology course at a college near where I live. Well I recently got out of prison and really want to go into this field but I just wanted to know, will my felony prohibit me from this even getting hired in this field? Like is this considered a government/state position or where that would be a problem for me? :/ Thanks.
Here in Florida its a government job. Don't think they would hire you but worth applying anyway, you never know.
Well, you won't be able to work at a waste water treatment in any refinery if you can't pass the background check for the TWIC card
Where is this that takes people in who have no experience? Not in Connecticut.
Most.John Q Public could care less, where their water comes from as long the tap.works
Can anyone help me... Is this the same as reclamation... I guess different place call the same job by different names... I would really like some guidance. I have never done anything like this and I'm going to apply again. I didn't think I qualified for it. Thx
Reclamation is waste water treatment aka sewage. Just "water treatment" is making drinking water from lakes, rivers, wells etc...
Where can I find a program for certification in this field?
My dream job
Hi there folks i would like to work as a water treatment operator in your country,
I am currently working here now on KSA a a water treatment operator 8 years of experiences..Can somebody tell me what to do?ohhh by the way i am a Filipino :)
How did you get a job as water treatment operator in KSA being a Filipino?? What qualifications did you need to get hired?
Im 30 i want to get into this field
I'm majoring into wastewater treatment, can someone give me advice about this field?
+Jason Wilson Get good at test-taking because getting an interview is very competitive. These guys make it seem a-lot easier than it is, getting certified is easy but usually I see about 50+ people being called in to the pre-interview exams which can get very discouraging.
+Jason Wilson i'm going for distribution. i'm going to be ensuring the poop gets through the pipes safely for you :)
Chemistry, biology/microbiology. Also some ecology, natural wildlife ecosystems type classes. Go to Amazon books and buy a used copy of "Standard Methods of Wastewater Analysis".. I suggest buying a 1970's or late 1960's edition, for the reason of old-school chem. methods. -Should be able to find one for just a few dollars. Most labs nowdays are equipped with instant results type stuff. If the automatic test equipment breaks down, what do you do? Break out the hot plate, beakers, pull the old Standards Methods off the shelf, and go for it with old school basic chemistry. I think all plants should be able to do this. I used to work in the San Francisco bay area where earthquakes happen. Facilities can lose power for running their computerized lab stuff. Labs need to be able to do their work, regardless.
If you're interested in becoming a water treatment operator, check out the following book that include 4 practice exams for the state certification test: amzn.to/2apiAOQ .
Just got my level 1
Lucky guy, how many time did you did the exam?
Why do people say this is a dangerous job?
I'd like to be one but I'm not very math savvy.
If you learn the formulas it’s just punching buttons in a calculator.
How do we get a job doin this type of job ????
Join to Delta water management course
Is this job dangerous at all?
Ricky909 Yes. But there are a lot of safety precautions in place. It does have a higher than average accident rate. At one point it was second in the country to the logging industry. Still worth it though.
is Wastewater Operator and water treatment plant operator the same thing?
+ericktwelve11 Well, wastewater operator converts wastewater into normal water, but other than that I think they're pretty similar.
***** but, is it hard to get those jobs?
They look for certain skill sets for people when they apply, so it's nice to have a background in science/math and some hands on job experience that requires manual labor helps. Whether it's difficult to get or not; I haven't been able to get an interview and I've applied several different times.
+jthiggs 96 I applied a few times myself. Since I have a ton of experience in the sewage industry and plumbing I thought I would be high up on the list to at least be interview, no such luck.
Going to get my treatment license and give it another go.
Water treatment protects the users waste water treatment protects the environment they usually split the two because they are separate disciplines although some equipment are shared by the two
If anyone wants advice on getting a water job, hit me up here. I'll help you out.
Is there a career for this? like, could a chemical engineer fit in this field or something like that? I would like to work with water managment or chemical waste managment
Phil From Florida any tips been applying but can’t even get a interview. I have over 5 years of chemical batch making and mixer compounder kinda job but no experience in water treatment.
@@MAG713 hi. Try completing a water treatment operator course
Hey man! Can you still help a brotha out?
@@ivancastillo4079 I should have had notifications on. My bad. If you still want help, reply soon
Any climbing/heights involved?
Yes, but not much. You might have to climb steps to where the water is fed since most of the process is water flowing down.
I have an written test soon is it hard
+Zaviera Ash Hey, how'd it go?
I moved I wouldn't kno
Zaviera Ash oh, ok! Well I applied as a trainee so here's hoping. All the best!
Ok cool great luck
Hey, jut reading this thread of comments...did you take the written test? I take one in two days for a trainee position
why do you put fouride into water?
It helps with bone development in children. Fluoride is in water naturally , we only add a little.
I work in water treatment. Fluoride has no real benefits. Look at the studies on your own. The stats are skewed. No evidence it helps, plenty of evidence it is poisonous. My water company does not add flouride. It is optional.
@@JamesOsyris My professor said the same thing. He also has a PHD so i trust his judgement
Hells yea 60$ per hour
Just camp blue card room with a db 🙄🙄
I'm wondering how Career Day at their kid's elementary school will go over. Bad juju. Plus the stink, not to mention the germs.
Some of those guys look very dressed-down. Is that typical of a water treatment facility?
They’re hill Billy’s
Shit plant work, and not a single pair of gloves to be seen!! These are true Operators lol
damn... I bet working there makes you wanna pee all the time! One thing to consider I guess...
yeah having to be is not worth the 150 g i make every year.
knotkool1 what
Op.8764068483
Easy make 8 to 10k a month.... entry level!!!
Uh, no.
Do you think that being a Civil Eng. undergrad makes you smarter? By the way, it DOESN'T.
WORKING AT A SHIT PLANT
No life.
I’m 29 years old as of today and I’m looking to get into this career I’m so nervous wish me luck 🫣