Waste Water Technician Jobs

by Jeffrey Joyner

The process of getting sanitary drinking water into municipal taps and in treating waste water so it is safe to release into the environment is a complex one that requires trained workers. Much of water and waste water management is overseen by waste water technicians, but the job title has many variations and includes a variety of duties. A waste water technician may work a small, limited aspect of a water treatment facility or oversee a large plant with many subordinate employees.


Waste water operators, waste water treatment operators, process operators and waste water treatment plant operators are just some of the other job titles that may encompass this occupation. Job duties vary according to location, but a waste water technician typically works in a treatment plant and is involved with the process of treating waste water, disposing of it, collecting data and maintaining the equipment that does the work. The machinery of a waste water treatment plant is what allows the process to work, so much of a waste water technician's job is the inspection, operation and upkeep of these machines.


The size of a plant typically determines the size and scope of a water technician's duties. In a small plant, a single technician might be responsible for the operation of all the plant's equipment and processes. In larger plants, several technicians will work together to manage different systems, and each one will often be more specialized. Bigger plants are more reliant on computerized systems and human management to monitor all equipment and waste water processing. Smaller plants often employee humans only during the day, with computer monitoring sufficient to control the plant at night.

Training and Education

Most waste water technicians receive on-the-job training. A high school diploma is typically sufficient for entry-level positions in a waste water treatment plant. Entry-level technicians usually have duties that include recording data from meters and gauges, collecting samples and performing minor repairs or routine maintenance on machines. In larger plants, some classroom training might be required before the trainee can work unsupervised. Although not universally required, employers tend to prefer trainees who have associate's degrees in a subject such as waste water treatment technology. A license is usually required to work in a waste water treatment facility, but requirements and procedures vary widely by state.

Salaries and Prospects

Job prospects for water waste technicians is expected to be good in the future as city populations grow and plants become increasingly complex. Due to the physical labor required and the sometimes unpleasant nature of the work, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a relatively low number of people apply for waste water technician positions, decreasing competition. Salary is competitive compared to the average of all occupations; in May 2011, the average salary for a waste water technician was $43,530, according to the BLS.

About the Author


Photo Credits

  • Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images
Suggest an Article Correction