Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators

Job Zone

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Collect and test water and sewage samples, using test equipment and color analysis standards.97
Operate and adjust controls on equipment to purify and clarify water, process or dispose of sewage, and generate power.94
Record operational data, personnel attendance, or meter and gauge readings on specified forms.94
Add chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, or lime, to disinfect and deodorize water and other liquids.93
Inspect equipment or monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges to determine load requirements and detect malfunctions.83
Direct and coordinate plant workers engaged in routine operations and maintenance activities.77
Clean and maintain tanks, filter beds, and other work areas, using hand tools and power tools.74
Maintain, repair, and lubricate equipment, using hand tools and power tools.70
Complete wastewater discharge monitoring reports and maintenance logs.—
Maintain and repair portable safety equipment and permanent safety infrastructure to ensure operational readiness and compliance with safety protocols.—

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Operation and Control75
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operations Monitoring72
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Monitoring66
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Active Listening53
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Equipment Maintenance53
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Quality Control Analysis53
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Repairing53
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Speaking53
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Troubleshooting53
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Complex Problem Solving50
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Coordination50
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Critical Thinking50
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

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Judgment and Decision Making50
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Reading Comprehension50
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Mathematics47
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Systems Analysis47
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation47
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Active Learning44
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Instructing44
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies44
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Social Perceptiveness44
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Writing44
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Equipment Selection41
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Science41
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Service Orientation38
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Management of Material Resources25
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Management of Personnel Resources25
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Negotiation25
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Persuasion25
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Management of Financial Resources16
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Operations Analysis16
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Programming16
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Technology Design13
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Installation3
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Public Safety and Security79
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Mechanical65
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
English Language63
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Administration and Management61
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Chemistry61
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Education and Training61
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Mathematics61
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Customer and Personal Service58
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Computers and Electronics55
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Law and Government55
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Engineering and Technology54
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Biology52
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

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Administrative51
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Production and Processing50
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Physics45
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Telecommunications42
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Personnel and Human Resources41
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Design40
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Building and Construction38
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Communications and Media38
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Economics and Accounting37
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Transportation32
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Geography26
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Sales and Marketing18
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Food Production15
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Psychology15
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Medicine and Dentistry12
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Foreign Language11
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Sociology and Anthropology11
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
History and Archeology10
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Therapy and Counseling10
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Philosophy and Theology6
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Fine Arts0
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Oral Comprehension69
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression69
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Near Vision66
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Deductive Reasoning63
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Written Comprehension63
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Control Precision53
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Inductive Reasoning53
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Information Ordering53
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Problem Sensitivity53
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Selective Attention53
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Arm-Hand Steadiness50
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Far Vision50
The ability to see details at a distance.

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Flexibility of Closure50
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Manual Dexterity50
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Perceptual Speed50
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Speech Clarity50
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition50
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Trunk Strength50
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Written Expression50
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Auditory Attention47
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Category Flexibility47
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Finger Dexterity47
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Reaction Time47
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Visual Color Discrimination47
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Visualization47
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Extent Flexibility44
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Multilimb Coordination44
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Number Facility44
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Response Orientation44
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Time Sharing44
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Fluency of Ideas41
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Mathematical Reasoning41
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Rate Control41
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Depth Perception38
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Hearing Sensitivity31
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Gross Body Coordination28
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Spatial Orientation28
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Speed of Closure28
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Dynamic Strength25
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Glare Sensitivity25
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Gross Body Equilibrium25
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Memorization25
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Originality25
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Peripheral Vision25
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Sound Localization25
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Stamina25
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength25
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Wrist-Finger Speed25
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Night Vision19
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Explosive Strength16
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Speed of Limb Movement16
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards87
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings85
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Documenting/Recording Information83
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials80
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Processing Information79
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events78
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems78
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Analyzing Data or Information77
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment77
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates75
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Getting Information75
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment73
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

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Controlling Machines and Processes71
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Training and Teaching Others71
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work67
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge67
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources64
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment64
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Working with Computers64
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Scheduling Work and Activities62
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Coaching and Developing Others60
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People60
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public59
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Performing General Physical Activities58
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Developing Objectives and Strategies57
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others57
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization56
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others56
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships56
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information56
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates56
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others56
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Handling and Moving Objects54
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Developing and Building Teams53
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Performing Administrative Activities53
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Thinking Creatively48
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others46
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Staffing Organizational Units46
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment42
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Assisting and Caring for Others39
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Selling or Influencing Others27
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail88
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Cautiousness87
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Dependability87
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Integrity64
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Stress Tolerance54
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Cooperation47
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Perseverance46
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Self-Control46
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Achievement Orientation41
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Adaptability35
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Self-Confidence34
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Leadership Orientation32
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.

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Intellectual Curiosity29
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Initiative24
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Sincerity19
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Humility11
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Optimism7
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Tolerance for Ambiguity7
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Innovation1
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Social Orientation0
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Realistic96
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Conventional60
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Investigative26
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Enterprising10
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Social10
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Artistic0
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

E-Mail
- Every day83%
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day82%
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day81%
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Every day70%
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Every day67%
- Once a week or more but not every day29%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day67%
- Once a week or more but not every day29%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day58%
- Once a week or more but not every day38%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day50%
- Once a week or more but not every day38%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day42%
- Once a week or more but not every day42%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day48%
- Once a week or more but not every day30%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day52%
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom29%
- Some freedom54%
- Limited freedom17%

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Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility46%
- High responsibility29%
- Moderate responsibility13%
- Limited responsibility13%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important22%
- Very important65%
- Important13%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important29%
- Very important54%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others33%
- Contact with others most of the time46%
- Occasional contact with others13%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom13%
- Some freedom75%
- Limited freedom13%
Time Pressure
- Every day33%
- Once a week or more but not every day38%
- Once a month or more but not every week25%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Every day33%
- Once a week or more but not every day42%
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Every day25%
- Once a week or more but not every day50%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day46%
- Once a month or more but not every week29%
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious33%
- Very serious33%
- Serious13%
- Fairly serious13%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important21%
- Very important42%
- Important25%
- Fairly important13%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)57%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)30%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours33%
- 40 hours67%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results29%
- Important results25%
- Moderate results29%
- Minor results13%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Every day13%
- Once a week or more but not every day48%
- Once a month or more but not every week26%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day13%
- Once a week or more but not every day35%
- Once a month or more but not every week48%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Very important42%
- Important38%
- Fairly important13%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually21%
- More than half the time33%
- About half the time21%
- Less than half the time21%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- High responsibility52%
- Moderate responsibility17%
- Limited responsibility22%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Every day13%
- Once a week or more but not every day35%
- Once a month or more but not every week35%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
Spend Time Standing
- More than half the time42%
- About half the time54%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Very important39%
- Important35%
- Fairly important22%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Every day42%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never25%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Once a week or more but not every day48%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never13%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a week or more but not every day33%
- Once a month or more but not every week29%
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
- Never13%
Degree of Automation
- Highly automated21%
- Moderately automated67%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- More than half the time22%
- About half the time39%
- Less than half the time39%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Every day13%
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week29%
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never21%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Extremely important13%
- Very important29%
- Important17%
- Not important at all33%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week33%
- Once a year or more but not every month33%
- Never13%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week30%
- Once a year or more but not every month48%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Once a month or more but not every week33%
- Once a year or more but not every month50%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
- Once a year or more but not every month63%
Spend Time Sitting
- About half the time38%
- Less than half the time54%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive13%
- Moderately competitive42%
- Slightly competitive29%
- Not at all competitive17%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- More than half the time17%
- About half the time13%
- Less than half the time58%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- More than half the time17%
- Less than half the time67%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week30%
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
- Never22%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- About half the time13%
- Less than half the time67%
- Never13%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- About half the time17%
- Less than half the time75%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- About half the time13%
- Less than half the time79%
Public Speaking
- Once a month or more but not every week33%
- Once a year or more but not every month42%
- Never25%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)43%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)57%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month42%
- Never50%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never92%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

High school diploma or equivalent
Post-secondary certificate
Some college, no degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Data base user interface and query software
Data logging software, Database software, Operational Data Store ODS software
Industrial control software
Human machine interface HMI software, Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software, Wastewater expert control systems
Geographic information system
Geographic information system GIS systems
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Document management software
Records management software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Time accounting software
Timekeeping software
Compliance software
Material safety data sheet MSDS software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Collect samples of materials or products for testing.
Test chemical or physical characteristics of materials or products.
Operate chemical processing or water treatment systems or equipment.
Record operational or production data.
Inspect production equipment.
Direct operational or production activities.
Maintain production or processing equipment.
Clean production equipment.
Clean work areas.
Lubricate production equipment.
Repair production equipment or tools.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Clarifying-Plant Operator (Text)
Waste Treatment Operator
Wastewater Systems Operator
Wastewater-Treatmt - Plant Operator (Alternate Title: Water Treatment Specialist )
Water Systems Operation Specialist
Water Treatment Plant Operator

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology