Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
Description:
A wastewater treatment plant operator operates and controls equipment that processes sewage or wastewater at any sewage/wastewater treatment plant.
Licensing Requirements:
An applicant must file an application for certification with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in order to become a certified wastewater treatment plant operator. The following skills and abilities are required: inspecting/adjusting equipment and using tools; reading dials and gauges; understanding operational procedures; and conducting routine laboratory and field tests. Certification must be renewed every 5 years.
Age Requirement:
There is no minimum age requirement.
Education and Training:
A minimum of a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma is required. Also, the applicant is required to complete precertification training courses, depending on grade of certification. Further information can be found at:
http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/23831.html
Experience:
The work experience requirement is 6 months to 8 years, depending on grade of certification, and formal education.
Fees:
$85 -- Examination
Examination Requirements:
Must pass a 100-question multiple-choice exam which is administered by the Association of Boards of Certification.
Licenses Issued and Active:
From September 1, 2007 to September 1, 2008, 149 certificates were issued for this occupation.
As of September 8, 2008, there were 3,168 active certificates outstanding for this occupation.
Licensing Authority:
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Division of Water
Bureau of Water Compliance Programs
625 Broadway, 4th Floor
Albany, New York 12233-3506
Phone: (518) 402-8177
Fax: (518) 402-9029
E-mail: ptsmith@gw.dec.state.ny.us
Standard Occupational Classification:
51-8031 - Water and Liquid Waste Treatment Plant and System Operators
To learn more about this occupation go to the Occupational Information Network (O*Net).