What Does a Wastewater Operator Do?
A wastewater operator is responsible for managing the systems and processes that treat and dispose of municipal or industrial wastewater. They oversee the operation of pumps, valves, filters, and control systems to ensure water is treated effectively before being released back into the environment. This role is vital for protecting both public health and natural water sources.
Operators also conduct tests to monitor water quality, adjust treatment procedures based on data readings, and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations. The position requires a strong understanding of mechanical systems, chemistry, and safety procedures, as well as the ability to respond quickly to equipment malfunctions or emergencies.
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Wastewater Operator Core Responsibilities
- Operate, monitor, and maintain wastewater treatment equipment and systems
- Perform routine water quality testing to monitor pH, turbidity, chlorine levels, and biological content
- Adjust chemical dosing and treatment processes to meet regulatory standards
- Record operational data and prepare reports for regulatory compliance
- Perform preventive maintenance on mechanical and electrical components
- Respond to equipment alarms, system irregularities, and emergency situations
- Calibrate instruments and troubleshoot malfunctions using SCADA or similar systems
- Handle and dispose of biosolids and other treatment byproducts safely
- Maintain accurate logs, inspection records, and inventory of supplies
- Stay up to date on relevant safety practices and environmental regulations
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Mechanical aptitude with pumps, valves, meters, and other plant equipment
- Familiarity with water treatment processes such as activated sludge, UV disinfection, and chlorination
- Understanding of SCADA and other control system interfaces
- Ability to read and interpret lab results and adjust treatment accordingly
- Competency in math, chemistry, and biology principles as applied to wastewater treatment
- Knowledge of EPA and local water quality regulations
Soft skills
- Strong attention to detail and observational skills
- Dependability and readiness to work rotating shifts or be on-call
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal
- Critical thinking and problem-solving under pressure
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or GED required
- Coursework in environmental science, water technology, or chemistry is preferred
Certifications
- State-issued Wastewater Operator Certification (typically Class C, B, or A, depending on system size and complexity)
- OSHA 10 or 30 certification preferred
- CPR and First Aid certification may be required
Wastewater Operator Preferred Qualifications
- Associate degree or higher in environmental science, water resources, or a related field
- Experience working with SCADA control systems
- Prior work experience in municipal or industrial wastewater facilities
- Bilingual communication skills, especially Spanish or other local languages
- Familiarity with GIS mapping or computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS)
National Average Salary
Wastewater operator salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Position is:
$123,456
Sample Wastewater Operator Job Descriptions
The first step when hiring a great wastewater operator is a well-crafted job description. Below are real-world examples to help give you the best chance of success on your recruiting journey.
Example 1: Industrial Wastewater Operator
Position Overview
An industrial wastewater operator manages the treatment of wastewater generated by manufacturing or commercial facilities. These professionals ensure water discharged from the facility meets environmental standards and does not harm local ecosystems or violate regulatory permits. They operate and maintain specialized treatment systems designed for industrial effluents, such as chemical neutralization tanks, dissolved air flotation (DAF) units, and high-strength organic waste systems.
Responsibilities
- Operate and maintain treatment equipment specific to industrial processes, including DAF systems, equalization tanks, and pH adjustment units
- Sample and analyze wastewater for pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS), and specific contaminants
- Monitor SCADA systems and adjust controls for optimal process performance
- Maintain compliance with NPDES permits and industrial pretreatment standards
- Coordinate with facility production teams to anticipate changes in influent characteristics
- Prepare and submit regulatory reports to local and state authorities
- Oversee chemical dosing and inventory of treatment reagents
- Conduct equipment inspections and perform corrective maintenance as needed
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency with industrial wastewater treatment equipment and systems
- Knowledge of pretreatment and discharge regulations (e.g., EPA, local industrial pretreatment program)
- Familiarity with chemical handling and hazard communication protocols
- Ability to perform lab analysis using Hach or equivalent test kits
- Experience with SCADA and process control interfaces
Soft skills
- High level of situational awareness and adherence to safety standards
- Ability to coordinate with engineers, maintenance, and operations teams
- Strong troubleshooting and mechanical diagnostic skills
- Written communication skills for regulatory documentation
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or GED required
- Technical coursework in water/wastewater treatment or environmental science preferred
Certifications
- State-issued Industrial Wastewater Treatment Operator License (if applicable by jurisdiction)
- HAZWOPER certification preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in food processing, chemical manufacturing, or heavy industry
- Associate degree or vocational training in wastewater treatment
- Familiarity with ISO 14001 environmental management systems
Example 2: Municipal Wastewater Operator
Position Overview
A municipal wastewater operator manages the day-to-day operations of public wastewater treatment plants that serve residential and commercial populations. These professionals play a key role in maintaining clean water systems for communities by monitoring treatment processes, performing lab testing, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. They often work under the oversight of local utilities or public works departments.
Responsibilities
- Operate and monitor treatment systems including primary, secondary, and tertiary processes
- Conduct daily testing for water quality indicators such as ammonia, nitrates, phosphorus, and fecal coliforms
- Adjust treatment processes to meet discharge permit limits
- Record operational data in compliance with state and federal regulations
- Maintain and repair pumps, valves, aerators, and other plant infrastructure
- Perform sludge processing and manage biosolids disposal
- Assist with capital improvement projects and plant upgrades
- Participate in safety drills and emergency response operations
Requirements
Hard skills
- Understanding of activated sludge systems, clarifiers, disinfection units, and SCADA monitoring
- Ability to perform water quality testing and interpret lab results
- Familiarity with municipal water treatment guidelines and reporting standards
- Preventative and corrective maintenance experience on plant machinery
- Proficiency in interpreting blueprints, process flow diagrams, and standard operating procedures
Soft skills
- Public service mindset and responsibility for community health
- Strong organizational and reporting capabilities
- Ability to work rotating shifts and handle emergency on-call duties
- Effective teamwork and communication with plant staff and regulatory bodies
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or GED required
- Vocational training in wastewater operations or environmental technology preferred
Certifications
- State-issued Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License (Class C or higher, depending on facility size)
- Confined space entry certification may be required
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate degree in environmental engineering or water resource management
- Familiarity with CMMS software and electronic recordkeeping systems
- Bilingual abilities, especially in Spanish, preferred in diverse communities
Example 3: Field Wastewater Operator
Position Overview
A field wastewater operator is responsible for operating and maintaining decentralized wastewater systems, such as remote pump stations, lift stations, and small-scale treatment units. These professionals travel to multiple sites within a jurisdiction or service area, performing maintenance, inspections, and minor repairs. This role requires independence, adaptability, and comfort with variable field conditions.
Responsibilities
- Perform daily inspections and maintenance on remote pump stations, lift stations, and small treatment units
- Troubleshoot electrical and mechanical failures in field equipment
- Monitor telemetry systems and SCADA to assess site performance
- Collect water samples for lab testing and log data remotely
- Respond to alarms and emergency callouts in a timely manner
- Perform confined space entry tasks safely and in compliance with protocols
- Clean wet wells, inspect control panels, and replace malfunctioning components
- Coordinate with centralized plant personnel regarding system flow adjustments
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of lift station operation, pump troubleshooting, and valve maintenance
- Experience with mobile diagnostic tools and telemetry monitoring systems
- Familiarity with confined space safety procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Ability to read wiring diagrams and perform minor electrical repairs
Soft skills
- Self-motivation and ability to work with minimal supervision
- Time management and route planning efficiency
- Clear communication with plant operators, dispatchers, and supervisors
- Adaptability to changing weather, schedules, and emergency conditions
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or GED required
- Technical or vocational training in wastewater or mechanical systems preferred
Certifications
- State-issued Wastewater Operator License (as required by location)
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required
- Confined space entry and lockout/tagout certifications preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in remote or rural infrastructure environments
- Familiarity with GPS-based inspection tools or CMMS mobile apps
- CDL license for operating utility vehicles or equipment