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Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Do you want to become a Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

Water treatment plants collect wastewater and sewerage from houses and businesses, processing it before it is returned in a safe form to rivers and seas. The plants are also responsible for collecting and treating drinking water, which is piped directly to our homes once it has been processed.

Plant operators work at the plants, treating either the waste or the water to make it ready for redistribution. Their duties may include:

• operating and maintaining plant and apparatus used in the treatment process
• cleaning and maintaining septic tanks, filters and screens
• adding chemicals and micro-organisms to the water
• taking readings and keeping accurate records
• co-ordinating repair work with engineers.

Plant operators normally work 37 hours a week, which may include shifts. They can be working outside in all weathers, and conditions at the plant may be smelly and wet, involving direct contact with unpleasant substances. Protective clothing is provided.

Salaries range from around £9,500 to £17,000 a year.

Water/wastewater treatment plant operators need to:

• be physically fit and strong
• be prepared to work unsocial hours
• understand the importance of health and safety
• have an interest in the environment.

The UK's water industry employs over 27,000 people. Jobs can be found throughout the country at over 2,000 water treatment works and more than 8,000 sewerage works.

There are no formal academic qualifications required for entry, but some companies ask for a minimum of four or five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), including maths, English and a science subject. It may be possible to enter via an Apprenticeship. Adult entry is possible. Relevant work experience, such as site maintenance or machinery operation, may be useful.

Treatment plant operators are generally trained on the job. Training is likely to involve shadowing experienced members of staff while learning the set procedures. There may also be some formal in-house training, or training at a local college.

Some employers provide the opportunity to work towards a relevant NVQ/SVQ award at Level 2 or 3.

An experienced operator may be promoted to a supervisory role, leading a small team of operators. Occasionally, operators may progress to become inspectors or superintendents. Some undertake a degree in engineering, which can allow them to progress to technical positions.

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