Wastewater Operator: Job Duties, Skills and Salary 2025

What does a Wastewater Operator do?

A Wastewater Operator manages the systems that treat wastewater in municipal and industrial settings. Their primary responsibilities include operating and maintaining the equipment in wastewater treatment plants to ensure that water is treated properly before it is released into the environment or reused. Operators monitor plant processes, adjust controls, and conduct laboratory tests to verify water quality. They are also responsible for routine maintenance of pumps, motors, and other machinery, and must ensure compliance with environmental regulations and standards. This role is crucial for public health and environmental protection, requiring a detailed understanding of both mechanical and biological processes.

Wastewater Operators play a key role in managing water resources sustainably and protecting water quality for communities and ecosystems.

Wastewater Operator: Main duties

Wastewater Operators in the Environmental Services field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

• Operate and maintain the pumps, engines, and generators that move water or wastewater through filtration systems.
• Monitor control panels and adjust valves and gates manually or by remote control to regulate the flow of sewage.
• Observe variations in operating conditions and interpret meter and gauge readings to determine load requirements and detect malfunctions.
• Take samples and perform tests to determine the quality of water and sewage content.
• Clean and maintain equipment, tanks, filter beds, and other work areas using hand tools and power tools.
• Record data, such as chemical feed rates, volumes, and concentrations of feeds, or malfunctions.
• Follow procedures for emergency response and spill containment.
• Train and supervise junior operators and support staff.

Wastewater Operator: Key Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; additional technical training or certifications in water treatment or a related field is preferred.
• State certification for wastewater treatment plant operation which typically involves completing specified courses and passing an exam.
• Knowledge of public safety and security regulations and procedures.
• Physical stamina and strength for manual labor tasks.
• Ability to understand technical manuals and schematics for operation and maintenance of equipment.

Basic Skills and Requirements for Wastewater Operators

• Strong attention to detail to ensure proper treatment processes and compliance with environmental regulations.
• Good problem-solving skills to diagnose and fix equipment issues and process disruptions.
• Ability to work independently and make decisions in high-pressure situations.
• Excellent communication skills for reporting and coordinating with supervisors, peers, and subordinates.
• Technical skills to operate complex machinery and perform routine maintenance.

Salary Expectations for Wastewater Operators

The average salary for a Wastewater Operator in the U.S. is approximately $48,000 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Wastewater Operators may receive a wide range of benefits.

To explore more detailed salary information, including specific salary estimates in your country, visit the Wastewater Operator Salary Country Overview.