How to become a water and waste treatment plant operator
Official title: Water and waste treatment plant operators
Also called: Water gate operator, Sewage plant operator, Water utility operator, Water treatment operator, Well-point pump operator, Water plant pump operator, Liquid waste process operator, Wastewater treatment operator, Waste treatment plant operator, Wastewater collection operator, Water treatment plant operator, Waterworks pump house operator
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.
Main tasks
- 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
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is required. College or industry training courses in chemistry, pollution control or related subjects are usually required. Certification in water treatment and distribution (level according to the classification of the plant) is required for water treatment plant operators. Drinking water certification is required in Quebec and Ontario for operators whose work involves water treatment and distribution. Certification in wastewater collection and wastewater treatment (level according to the classification of the plant) is required for wastewater treatment plant operators. Solid waste, landfill or compost facility operator certification may be required for operators in waste treatment plants. Certification in workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS), transportation of dangerous goods (TDG), and courses in safety practices may be required. On-the-job training is provided. Previous experience as a worker in the water treatment or wastewater field may be required.
Ways in
- College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 37% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Environmental control technologies/technicians; Natural resources conservation and research; Civil engineering.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $70,317 a year The middle half earn $56,550 to $80,360.
- About 11,800 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 13,800 are projected by 2033. (+16.9%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a water and waste treatment plant operator?
Completion of secondary school is required. College or industry training courses in chemistry, pollution control or related subjects are usually required. Certification in water treatment and distribution (level according to the classification of the plant) is required for water treatment plant operators. Drinking water certification is required in Quebec and Ontario for operators whose work involves water treatment and distribution. Certification in wastewater collection and wastewater treatment (level according to the classification of the plant) is required for wastewater treatment plant operators. Solid waste, landfill or compost facility operator certification may be required for operators in waste treatment plants. Certification in workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS), transportation of dangerous goods (TDG), and courses in safety practices may be required. On-the-job training is provided. Previous experience as a worker in the water treatment or wastewater field may be required.
How much does a water and waste treatment plant operator earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $70,317 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $56,550 to $80,360.
Is a water and waste treatment plant operator a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 17% by 2033, from about 11,800 to about 13,800 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a water and waste treatment plant operator?
Usually not. Only 17% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03