Enrolling now for upcoming classes!
St. Louis Community College’s training for drinking water operators is an Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7 grant-funded program. The accelerated job training is being driven by the potential for job openings, due to the fact that many water operators are reaching retirement age within the next 5 years. According to the 2010 Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for 2010-2020, there will be a 12 percent increase, or approximately 12,900 jobs, for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators across the nation. ... click link to find out more ... http://www.stlcc.edu/Workforce-Solutions/Accelerated-Job-Training/Drinking-Water-Operator.html
Quick Facts:
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
2012 Median Pay -- $42,760 per year ($20.56 per hour)
Entry-Level Education -- High school diploma or equivalent
Work Experience in a Related Occupation -- None
On-the-job Training -- Long-term on-the-job training
Number of Jobs, 2012 -- 111,000
Job Outlook, 2012-22 -- 8% (As fast as average)
Employment Change, 2012-22 -- 8,600
What Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Do
Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators manage a system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.
Work Environment
Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators have a higher-than-average occupational injury rate. Most operators work full time.
How to Become a Water or Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator
Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators typically need a high school diploma and a license to work. They also typically undergo on-the-job training.
Pay
The median annual wage for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators was $42,760 in May 2012.
Job Outlook
Employment of water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators is projected to grow 8 percent from 2012 to 2022, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Job prospects are expected to be excellent.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Why is operator certification important?
Drinking water operator certification is critical for the protection of public health and the maintenance of safe, optimal, and reliable operations of water treatment and distribution facilities. ... http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/drinkingwater/pws/dwoperatorcert/index.cfm