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Water/Wastewater Treatment Operator

Kaiwhakamahi Whakapai Wai (Paru)

Water/wastewater treatment operators run water and wastewater treatment plants. They treat water so that it is acceptable to drink. They also control the disposal of sewage and industrial wastewater.

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Secondary education

No specific secondary education is required for this job. However, biology, chemistry, construction and mechanical technologies, and maths are useful.

Study fields

Study levels

  • Certificate

Useful experience

Useful experience for water/wastewater treatment operators includes laboratory work and work in a trade such as:

  • plumbing
  • engineering
  • electrical
  • maintenance diagnostics
  • electronics.

What you will do

Water/wastewater treatment operators may do some or all of the following:

  • monitor the water treatment process and make adjustments
  • collect, analyse and interpret water or wastewater samples
  • maintain, operate, repair and replace water or wastewater treatment equipment as necessary
  • maintain treatment plant grounds and buildings
  • check treatment chemical supplies and order new supplies as required
  • write reports and logs.

Skills and knowledge

Water/waste water treatment operators need to have:

  • knowledge of water or wastewater treatment processes
  • understanding of how water or wastewater treatment equipment operates, including how pumps work
  • understanding of how to take equipment apart and put it back together
  • knowledge of the basic chemistry of water, and of chemicals used to treat water
  • knowledge of drinking water standards and regulations.

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Pay

Water/wastewater treatment operators with up to two years' experience usually earn

$48K-$70K

per year

Water/wastewater treatment operators with two or more years' experience usually earn

$50K-$130K

per year

Job opportunities
Good
Chances of getting a job as a water/wastewater treatment operator are good due to a shortage of workers.
Length of training
2
years of training required.

Industry

Infrastructure

Water/wastewater treatment operators run water and wastewater treatment plants. They treat water so that it is acceptable to drink. They also control the disposal of sewage and industrial wastewater.

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

To become a water/wastewater treatment operator you need to complete an apprenticeship and gain a New Zealand Certificate in Water Treatment (Level 4).

Connexis oversees apprenticeships and on-the-job training.

Additional requirements preferred by some employers

Besides the New Zealand Certificate in Water Treatment, some employers prefer you to have one of the following:

  • A degree in science or engineering.
  • A trade qualification in fitting and turning or electrical work.

Chances of getting a job

Water/wastewater treatment operators in demand

Although the number of water/wastewater treatment operators has been rising, employers report there are still not enough workers to meet demand. This is due to:

  • many water/wastewater treatment operators reaching retirement age
  • not enough trainees coming through to replace those leaving the role
  • changes to environmental and safety legislation for water and wastewater standards, creating more vacancies for workers
  • investment in upgrading water/wastewater treatment plants, creating a need for skilled workers.

According to the Census, 897 water/wastewater treatment workers worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Types of employers varied

Water/wastewater treatment operators work for:

  • councils
  • contractors
  • district health boards
  • engineering consultants
  • dairy and meat processing factories.

Find out more about training

Connexis NZ
0800 486 626 - askus@connexis.org.nz - www.connexis.org.nz
Water New Zealand
04 472 8925 - enquiries@waternz.org.nz - www.waternz.org.nz

Progression and specialisations

Water/wastewater treatment operators may move into supervisory or managerial roles with further training.

Water/wastewater treatment operators specialise as either:

Water treatment plant operators
Water treatment plant operators treat water to be used for household consumption.
Wastewater treatment plant operators
Wastewater treatment plant operators treat and oversee the disposal of waste water.

Working conditions

Water/wastewater treatment operators:

  • usually work regular business hours, but may also work weekends and be on call
  • work inside and outside at water or wastewater treatment plants
  • work in most weather conditions and in conditions that may be noisy and smelly
  • may travel locally between treatment plants to monitor and maintain them.

Physical Requirements

Water/wastewater treatment operators need to be reasonably fit as they have to walk around large treatment plants.

Useful personal qualities

Water/wastewater treatment operators need to be:

  • mature, responsible and safety-conscious
  • reliable, punctual and motivated
  • practical and adaptable
  • problem solvers
  • good at basic maths.

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Industry

Infrastructure

Water/wastewater treatment operators run water and wastewater treatment plants. They treat water so that it is acceptable to drink. They also control the disposal of sewage and industrial wastewater.

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