Water Treatment Technician
Water treatment technicians are responsible for maintaining operational compliance of wastewater treatment systems and the storage of hazardous waste. Water treatment technicians perform daily monitoring of plant functions, which includes assessing daily demands and making appropriate adjustments to meet those demands. In an agricultural area, they work closely with adjacent farming operations to ensure land application of treated wastewater is compliant.
What Responsibilities Will I Have?
- Be accountable for the day-to-day operations of wastewater treatment
- Monitor operational compliance of wastewater treatment systems and the storage of hazardous waste
- Execute process sampling to accurately gauge and monitor levels
- Monitor all wastewater operations
- Analyze instantaneous and historical data to decide on needed operational adjustments
- Assist operating managers with installing and maintaining environmental compliance measures
- Assist management in interpreting and applying technical regulatory requirements
- Maintain operating records for industrial wastewater and hazardous waste programs, including daily, weekly and monthly reports, per site and regulatory requirements
- Troubleshoot process, instrumentation, data and mechanical problems
- Perform basic troubleshooting, installation, maintenance and repair of mechanical, electrical and pumping equipment
- Perform nonemergency and emergency activities in response to biological, chemical and etiological materials (Etiological means causing or contributing to the development of a disease or condition.)
- Monitor cost control measures for environmental compliance
- Keep a current knowledge of new developments in regulatory changes
- Communicate effectively with plant management regarding all waste treatment
- Ensure the health of all employees and visitors of the facility
- Comply with all safe work practices, policies and processes
Recommended High School Courses:
- agricultural education
- biology
- physics
- chemistry
- environmental science
- natural resources
- English
- mathematics
Education/Training Required:
A high school diploma or equivalent is necessary to become a water treatment technician. For management positions, an associate degree in agriculture, environmental science or natural resources is required. Technicians must also be certified with a Wastewater Operator Certification. These licenses are given at the state level, so requirements vary by state.
