What happens to water before it arrives in our faucets? Where does it go
after we pull the plug in the tub? It either comes from a water treatment
plant or goes to a wastewater treatment plant. Both kinds have operators.
A water treatment plant operator ensures the water is safe to drink. Operators
who work in wastewater treatment plants ensure that the water that returns
to the plant from homes and industry is clean enough to release back into
streams, lakes and oceans.
Water and wastewater treatment plant operators are the people who make
sure equipment and processes are functioning properly. They read meters and
gauges, operate chemical feeding devices and adjust controls as necessary.
They also make minor repairs to valves, pumps and other equipment.
Operators collect samples for chemical and bacterial analysis. They analyze
the test results and make the required adjustments to the system. Duties vary,
depending on the size and location of the plant and the level of certification
of the worker.
"Operators must be chemists, electricians, accountants, and mechanics in
order to operate and maintain billions of dollars worth of environmental protection
equipment," says Brian Forner, editor of Operations Forum, a trade magazine
published by the Water Environment Federation.
This job requires a combination of scientific and mechanical aptitudes.
Most operators work for the municipal governments that own water treatment
plants. There is a trend towards privatization, which means more corporations
are specializing in the operation and management of water and wastewater treatment
facilities.
Water treatment plants operate 24 hours a day, so weekend and shift work
is common. Often, operators work a 12-hour rotating shift. In emergencies,
overtime is required.
You'll need to be physically fit for this job. You may be expected to do
heavy lifting, stooping and climbing. Some facilities are very large, and
it may take some time to make your rounds. Everyone in the plant is exposed
to unpleasant odors. And it can be a dirty job: when problems arise, operators
may find themselves knee-deep in sludge and grime.