Job description Water Utility Operator in British Columbia

Find out what work is like for a water utility operator in Canada. This work description is applicable to all Water and waste treatment plant operators (NOC 92101).

Water and waste treatment plant operators

Description

Water treatment plant operators monitor and operate computerized control systems and related equipment in water filtration and treatment plants to regulate the treatment and distribution of water. Liquid waste plant operators monitor and operate computerized control systems and related equipment in wastewater, sewage treatment and liquid waste plants to regulate the treatment and disposal of sewage and wastes. They are employed by municipal governments and industrial facilities. This unit group also includes waste treatment plant operators in composting plants and other waste management facilities.

Job duties

Here are some of the main activities and tasks that Water and waste treatment plant operators have to perform, and some of the physical demands they involve:

  • Water treatment plant operators
  • Operate and monitor computerized control systems and related equipment in water filtration and treatment plants to regulate the treatment and distribution of water
  • Monitor and inspect plant equipment and systems to detect equipment malfunctions and to ensure plant systems are operating normally
  • Read flow meters, gauges and other recording instruments to measure water output and consumption levels, bacterial content, chlorine and fluoride levels
  • Collect and test water samples for chemical and bacterial content, analyze test results and instrument readings and make adjustments to plant equipment and systems to ensure quality control
  • Provide verbal or written instructions for process control changes to waterworks system to ensure water produced meets standardized quality requirements
  • Perform security checks in plant and on grounds
  • Respond to public enquiries regarding water quality issues and emergencies
  • Complete and maintain plant logs, reports and statistics
  • May perform minor maintenance or assist skilled tradespersons with installation and repair of plant machinery
  • May measure, mix and transport chemicals to maintain feed stocks.
  • Liquid waste plant operators
  • Operate and monitor computerized control systems and related equipment in wastewater treatment, sewage treatment and liquid waste plants to regulate the flow of sewage through settling, aeration and digestion tanks, and to treat and dispose of sewage and wastes
  • Patrol plant to check pumps, motors, filters, chlorinators and other plant equipment; monitor and read gauges, meters and other recording instruments to detect equipment malfunctions and ensure plant systems and equipment are operating within prescribed limits
  • Test and adjust chemical feed rates to ensure that disinfection processes meet quality standards
  • Collect waste and sewage samples, test and analyze results and make adjustments to plant equipment and systems as required
  • Perform security checks in plant and on grounds
  • Complete and maintain plant logs and reports
  • Perform preventive maintenance on plant equipment to ensure that the facility operates in accordance with required standards
  • May assist skilled tradespersons with installation and repair of plant machinery.

Physical demands

Physical demands are the physical activities that the job requires the worker to do. Physical demands are selected according to the likeliness that workers will have to perform them for at least half of the time they spend at work.

Work environment

The work environment refers to the physical setting in which people work. The characteristics and conditions of the work environment are selected according to the likeliness that workers will be exposed to them at least once a week.

Physical proximity from others

Physical proximity from others refers to the physical distance between individuals in the workplace. The likeliness that the job requires to perform tasks while being physically close to other people is rated on a scale with 3 levels: "Somewhat close", "Close" and "Very close".

Related job titles

Here are some other related job titles that are found in the same occupational category (NOC 92101), and a list of similar occupations:

  • environmental systems operator - water treatment
  • liquid waste process operator
  • sewage plant operator
  • waste treatment plant operator
  • wastewater treatment plant operator
  • water filtration plant operator
  • water purification plant operator
  • water treatment plant operator

Similar occupations Help - Similar occupations

Similar occupations

This section lists other occupations that are part of the same broad occupational category as Water and waste treatment plant operators in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). These occupations involve similar core qualifications but involve different responsibilities. To see more similar occupations, use the Job Transition Tool.

Sources Occupational and Skills Information System & National Occupational Classification

Labour Market Information Survey
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