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Biological Sciences Technician / Technologist, Environmental Technician / Technologist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Water treatment plant operators control the processes and equipment used to treat and disinfect surface or well water for human consumption.
Wastewater treatment plant operators control the processes and equipment used to treat and dispose of municipal and industrial wastewater.
Water distribution system operators install, operate, repair, and maintain water distribution lines, service connections, valves, and hydrants.
Wastewater collection system operators install, operate, repair, and maintain wastewater collection sewers, service connections, manholes, and pump or lift stations.
Duties and responsibilities vary depending on the size and complexity of the facility. In general, water and wastewater operators:
They may also:
Water and wastewater operators may also monitor truck dump sites. This may involve sampling and interpreting lab analyses for approval to discharge.
In larger plants, water and wastewater operators are usually assigned to a specific treatment or process area. In small plants, they may operate water distribution and wastewater collection systems as well as treatment systems.
In small towns or villages, they might also take care of water and sewer line repair and street maintenance. This may involve pick and shovel work or operating machines such as pneumatic jackhammers, graders, and backhoes.
Water and wastewater operators work indoors and outdoors. They may work in teams or on their own, depending on the size of the plant.
Since facilities generally operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, operators may work shifts that include weekends and holidays. They may have to work overtime during spring runoff or for emergencies such as flooding or equipment failure.
Operators in small towns may work part time or have added responsibilities.
The work setting can be dirty, cold, hot, or noisy. At times, chemicals and wastewater plants emit bad odours. Safety measures are required to reduce the risk of injury from working with:
Operators may have to lift bags of chemicals weighing up to 20 kilograms.
Those working in wastewater settings must keep up to date with their vaccinations (a regulated requirement).
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in controlling systems and equipment to regulate the treatment and distribution of water; in performing minor maintenance or assisting skilled tradespersons with installations and repairs of plant machinery; and in measuring, mixing and transporting chemicals to maintain feed stocks
Interest in analyzing test results and instrument readings; and in making adjustments to systems and equipment as required
Interest in collecting and testing water samples for chemical and bacterial content, and in maintaining plant logs and reports; and in performing security checks in plants and on grounds
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Interest in controlling systems and equipment to regulate flow of sewage through settling, aeration and digestion tanks, and to treat and dispose of sewage wastes; and in performing minor maintenance, or assisting skilled tradespersons with installations and repairs of plant machinery
Interest in analyzing test results and instrument readings; and in making adjustments to systems and equipment as required
Interest in collecting and testing waste and sewage samples, in maintaining plant logs and reports, and in performing security checks in plants and on grounds
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Water and wastewater operators need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 12 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 27, 2021 and Nov 15, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Attention to detail | 8 |
|---|---|
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 8 |
| Tasks: Collect and test water samples for chemical and bacterial content | 8 |
| Tasks: Complete and maintain plant logs and reports | 8 |
| Tasks: Operate and monitor computerized control systems and related equipment to regulate the treatment and distribution of water | 8 |
| Tasks: Patrol plant to check pumps, motors, filters, chlorinators and other plant equipment | 8 |
| Overtime required | 8 |
| Construction Specialization: Flexibility | 8 |
| Tasks: Maintain and repair installation equipment, help with the installation, the assembly, and repairs to equipment | 8 |
| Tasks: Make adjustments to plant equipment and systems | 8 |
Most employers either require or prefer to hire people who have all the following:
The Government of Alberta offers 5 levels of certification for water and wastewater system operators:
Each level has different education and work experience requirements. See Certification Requirements below for details.
Small Systems and Level I have mandatory entry-level training requirements. These programs fulfill this mandatory requirement:
Employers may require safety training in:
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Water and wastewater operators monitor and operate control systems and equipment in water and wastewater treatment plants, and water distribution and wastewater collection systems.
Under Alberta's Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, Potable Water Regulation and Wastewater and Storm Drainage (Ministerial) Regulation, water and wastewater systems must be supervised by operators who are certified by Alberta Environment and Parks. The approval or registration for each facility specifies operator requirements.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Water and Wastewater Operator.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most water and wastewater operators work for municipal governments. Others work for:
Some operators contract their services to several small communities.
Advancement to supervisory positions generally requires certification. The level of certification required depends on the size and complexity of the facility. Advancement to management positions in large facilities may require additional post-secondary education.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Water and waste treatment plant operators
2016 NOC: 9243
77.7% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Hourly wages for treatment plant operators vary depending on the size of the facility and the certification levels required.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $23.74 | $96.54 | $42.89 | $32.06 |
| Overall | $27.50 | $107.57 | $48.21 | $35.75 |
| Top | $29.81 | $111.11 | $51.08 | $37.27 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $77,610 |
|---|---|
| Utilities | $83,325 |
| Public Administration | $73,325 |
Alberta Environment and Parks website: www.alberta.ca/environment-and-parks
Alberta Water and Wastewater Operators Association website: www.awwoa.ca
ECO Canada (Environmental Careers Organization) website: eco.ca
Western Canada Water (WCW) website: www.wcwwa.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
