Biological Sciences Technician/Technologist, Environmental Technician/Technologist
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
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 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.
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
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 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.
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 but, in general, water and wastewater operators:
They also may:
In larger plants, water and wastewater operators usually are assigned to a particular treatment area 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 also may be responsible for water and sewer line repair and street maintenance which may involve pick and shovel work or operating machines such as pneumatic jack hammers, graders and backhoes.
Water and wastewater operators work indoors and outdoors. The working environment can be dirty, cold, hot or noisy. At times, chemicals and wastewater plants may emit unpleasant odours. Safety precautions are required to reduce the risk of injury from working with dangerous gases, open tanks, electrical equipment, chemicals, confined spaces and slippery walkways. Operators may be required to lift bags of chemicals weighing up to 20 kilograms.
Since facilities generally operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, operators may work shifts that include weekends and holidays. Overtime may be required during spring run off or for emergencies such as flooding or equipment failure.
Water and wastewater operators need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy using tools and instruments to control systems and equipment, analyzing test results and instrument readings, and taking a methodical approach to collecting and analyzing samples.
Most employers prefer to hire applicants who have all of the following:
There are five levels of certification for water and wastewater system operators in Alberta: small systems, level one, level two, level three and level four. Each level has different education, work experience and examination requirements. For example, level one certification requires: (1) a high school diploma, (2) one year of related experience, and (3) successful completion of a training course and exam. Post-secondary education or equivalent is required for level three and four certification. For more information, see Alberta Environment and Park's Facility operator certification webpage.
The following program has been approved by Alberta Environment and Parks:
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Water and wastewater operators monitor and operate control systems and equipment in water and wastewater treatment plants, and water distribution and wastewater collection systems. For more information, see the Water and Wastewater Operator occupational profile in OCCinfo.
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.
There are five certification levels for water and wastewater system operators: small systems, level one, level two, level three and level four. Each level has different education, work experience and examination requirements. For example, level one certification requires: (1) a high school diploma, (2) one year of related experience, and (3) successful completion of a training course and exam. Post-secondary education or equivalent is required for level three and four certification. For detailed, official information, see Alberta Environment and Park's Facility operator certification webpage or contact Alberta Environment and Parks.
Water and wastewater facility operators who are certified by and in good standing with a regulatory organization elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for certification in Alberta if certified operators in the two jurisdictions have similar responsibilities and competencies. For more information, see "What if I am already certified in another province or territory?" and the Alberta regulatory authority (below).
Alberta Environment and Parks
10th Floor, Oxbridge Place
9820 - 106 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2J6
Phone number: 780-427-7713
Toll-free phone number (within Alberta): 310-0000
Fax number: 780-427-5204
Website: aep.alberta.ca
Most water and wastewater operators are employed by municipal governments. Others are employed by:
Some operators contract their services to several small communities.
Operators in small towns may be employed part time or have additional responsibilities. They may require certification by Alberta Environment for water treatment, wastewater treatment, water distribution and wastewater collection.
Advancement to supervisory positions generally requires certification. The level of certification required depends on the size and complexity of the facility. For example, supervisors at village treatment plants may need a level one certificate; senior supervisors at large city facilities may need a level four certificate. Advancement to management positions in large facilities may require additional post-secondary education.
Water and wastewater operators are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 9243: Water and Waste Treatment Plant Operators. In Alberta, 84% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
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.
Water and wastewater operators are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 9243: Water and waste treatment plant operators.
According to the 2015 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Water and waste treatment plant operators occupational group earned on average from $27.20 to $35.25 an hour. The overall average wage was $31.29 an hour. For more information, see the Water and waste treatment plant operators wage profile.
Alberta Environment and Parks website: www.aep.alberta.ca
Alberta Water and Wastewater Operators Association website: www.awwoa.ab.ca
Environmental Careers Organization (ECO) Canada website: www.eco.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.
Updated May 01, 2009. 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.