National Occupation Code (NOC): 92101

Water treatment plant operators monitor and operate computerized control systems and related equipment in water filtration and treatment plants to regulate the treatment and distribution of water. Liquid waste plant operators monitor and operate computerized control systems and related equipment in wastewater, sewage treatment and liquid waste plants to regulate the treatment and disposal of sewage and wastes. They are employed by municipal governments and industrial facilities. This unit group also includes waste treatment plant operators in composting plants and other waste management facilities.

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Employment Requirements for Water and waste treatment plant operators

• Completion of secondary school is required.
• College or industry training courses in chemistry, pollution control or related subjects are usually required.
• Certification in water treatment and distribution (level according to the classification of the plant) is required for water treatment plant operators.
• Drinking water certification is required in Quebec and Ontario for operators whose work involves water treatment and distribution.
• Certification in wastewater collection and wastewater treatment (level according to the classification of the plant) is required for wastewater treatment plant operators.
• Solid waste, landfill or compost facility operator certification may be required for operators in waste treatment plants.
• Certification in workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS), transportation of dangerous goods (TDG), and courses in safety practices may be required.
• On-the-job training is provided.
• Previous experience as a worker in the water treatment or wastewater field may be required.

Alternate Job Titles

• Environmental Systems Operator - Water Treatment
• Filter Plant Operator - Water Treatment
• Filtration Plant Controller - Water Treatment
• Industrial Waste Treatment Plant Operator
• Liquid Waste Process Operator
• Liquid Waste Processing Plant Operator
• Liquid Waste Treatment Plant Operator
• Pump Station Operator - Water Treatment
• Pumphouse Operator - Water Treatment
• Sewage Plant Operator
• Sewage-processing Equipment Tender
• Waste Treatment Plant Operator
• Wastewater Collection Operator
• Wastewater Collection Systems Operator
• Wastewater Treatment Operator
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Worker
• Water And Wastewater Technician
• Water Filtration Plant Operator
• Water Gate Operator
• Water Plant Pump Operator
• Water Purification Plant Operator
• Water Treatment Operator
• Water Treatment Plant Operator
• Water Treatment Plant Process Technician
• Water Treatment Systems Operator
• Water Utility Operator
• Water, Fuels And Environment Technician - Canadian Armed Forces
• Waterworks Pump House Operator
• Waterworks Pumping Station Operator
• Well-point Pump Operator
• Water & Wastewater Services Employee