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Water/Waste Water Treatment Operator

Water/waste water treatment operators operate water treatment equipment and control the process that purifies rain, ground and river water for human and industrial use. They also control the treatment and disposal of sewage and industrial waste water.

Tasks & duties

Water treatment operators add measured chemicals to water. Waste water treatment operators control processes that break down impurities in waste water.
Water/waste water treatment operators may do some or all of the following:

monitor the level and pressure of the water flow
monitor the treatment process and make adjustments
control the pumping and filtering equipment
take water samples for analysis
test the samples
maintain, repair and clean equipment, tanks and surroundings
check treatment chemical supplies and order new supplies as required
write reports and logs

Skills & knowledge

Water/waste water treatment operators need to have:

knowledge of water or waste water treatment processes
an understanding of how water or waste water treatment equipment is operated including how pumps work
knowledge of laboratory techniques and procedures
the ability to analyse water or waste water samples
knowledge of the basic chemistry of water
knowledge of the correct dose of chemicals to put into water or waste water
knowledge of drinking water standards and regulations
basic maths skills for making calculations
computer skills for monitoring and entering data
problem-solving skills
excellent oral and written communication skills

Entry requirements

To become a water/waste water treatment operator you need to complete an apprenticeship and gain a National Certificate in Water Treatment or a National Certificate in Waste/Water Treatment. For further information about apprenticeships contact the Water Industry Training (Water ITO).

Water/waste water treatment operator apprenticeships are part of the Modern Apprenticeship scheme, which are for people aged 16 to 21. For further information visit the Modern Apprenticeships website.

Secondary education

School Certificate or NCEA Level 1 maths and science is useful.

Tertiary education

Some companies prefer you to have a tertiary qualification in science or engineering, or a trade qualification in addition to the National Certificate in Waste/Water Treatment.

Training on the job

Water/waste water treatment operators complete a workbook as part of their apprenticeship training, and are supervised by a qualified water/waste water treatment operator.