Requirements for the Position of Wastewater Treatment Operator

Requirements for the Position of Wastewater Treatment Operator

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There is a huge difference between water and wastewater, as the second one usually contains some harmful elements. In order to protect the environment from these harmful elements, wastewater needs to be cleaned and this process is known as wastewater treatment. There are numerous companies and organizations that apply such treatment to wastewater, including National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association, Water Quality Association, American Chemical Society, Ekoton USA and many others. Workers of such companies and organizations are known as wastewater treatment operators. These workers have to maintain and, if needed, replace systems and equipment that is aimed to release wastewater from different sorts of pollutants.

Wastewater treatment operators are responsible for various things. First of all, they have to maintain plant equipment. Secondly, they have to be able to operate treatment plants. Also, they have to direct other operators (of the lower level) and do some related work. These are exactly those people who have to test samples, clean tanks and other equipment associated with the process of wastewater treatment. What is more, they have to check if the process of wastewater treatment follows government safety regulations. It is worth to mention that the position also requires following safety rules, be able to provide first aid, know how to handle chemicals, sample wastewater and perform control tests.

These professionals are required to have enough knowledge or working experience to maintain and clean primary and secondary wastewater treatment equipment and facilities. It means that if you want to become a wastewater treatment operator, specific knowledge in the water and wastewater industry is a must.

Generally, wastewater treatment operators carry a degree such fields as Science or Engineering. In the most cases, certification is also required. The good news is that training courses and study materials are often offered by state agencies, so every candidate for the position can successfully get ready to pass certification examinations. Wastewater treatment classes are also available at some colleges and universities.

Despite the fact that requirements for becoming a certified wastewater treatment operator differ from state to state, passing of wastewater operator certification examinations is a must. What is more, some positions require candidates to be employed in some company or organization that deals with wastewater. Only in this case a candidate can apply for the certification examination.

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