Wastewater Technician

Job Overview

Job Category

Operators

Sectors

Education

Environment

Outdoors only

Average Salary

$46,000 to $59,000

About This Career

Removing impurities from the water used in oil and gas operations is a key part of the industry’s efforts to recycle and reuse as much water as possible. You use your knowledge of chemistry and the workings of a highly sophisticated treatment plant to make that happen. You enjoy combining technology and a focus on problem solving to return water back to its purer state.

Wastewater Technicians monitor and operate computerized control systems and their related equipment in wastewater, sewage treatment and liquid waste plants. They use a variety of technologies including filters and centrifuges, to remove dissolved and suspended solids, chemicals, salts and other impurities from the water used in oil and gas operations. This is done to recycle and reuse as much water as possible.

In this occupation activities may include:

Analyzing test results from wastewater samples and instrument readings
Operating and controlling process levels, temperatures, pressures and flows for applicable utilities, processes and systems in a safe and efficient manner
Operating and adjusting controls on equipment to purify and clarify water, process or dispose sewage and generate power
Adjusting plant equipment and systems to ensure quality control
Adjusting chemical feed rates to ensure that disinfection processes meet quality standards

Education

A high school diploma (or equivalent) is typically required, in addition to any relevant water and wastewater operator certification. There are five certification levels for water and wastewater system operators and the size of the treatment plant typically dictates the level of operator required. Some employers and levels of certification require additional post-secondary training in water and wastewater technician, water engineering technology, water treatment technology or power engineering technology.

Certifications