HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
A typical path is to finish secondary school with courses in science, math, and computer or technical studies. Some students then take a college or other postsecondary program related to water, land, or environmental technology, such as a land and water resources program, while others enter entry-level plant work and learn on the job. Employers may prefer people with good reading, record-keeping, and equipment-monitoring skills, plus comfort working with pumps, gauges, and control systems. New workers usually gain experience by shadowing senior operators, helping with sampling and logs, and learning plant procedures. Requirements can vary by province, employer, and the type of plant.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Operate and monitor computerized control systems and related equipment in water filtration and treatment plants to regulate the treatment and distribution of water
- Read flow meters, gauges and other recording instruments to measure water output and consumption levels, bacterial content, chlorine and fluoride levels
- Monitor and inspect plant equipment and systems to detect equipment malfunctions and to ensure plant systems are operating normally
- Collect and test water samples for chemical and bacterial content
- Analyze test results and instrument readings and make adjustments to plant equipment and systems as required
- Perform security checks in plant and on grounds
- Respond to customer complaints on water quality problems
- Complete and maintain plant logs and reports
- 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.
SKILLS TO BUILD
Skills used in this Career
Attention to DetailsComputer LiteracyMachineryMonitoring