Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
SOC Code: 51-8031
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss collect and test water and sewage samples, using test equipment and color analysis standards. This career typically requires moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year). With an AI-proof score of 73.4/100, this role has high resilience to automation. Key skills include Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring.
AI-Proof Score: 73.4 — High
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Median Salary
$58,260
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Job Growth
-6.5%
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Training Time
Moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year)
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Job Zone
Zone 2 / 5
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Training Cost
~$5,000
Key Skills
- •Operations Monitoring
- •Operation and Control
- •Monitoring
- •Troubleshooting
- •Equipment Maintenance
- •Quality Control Analysis
Common Tasks
- ✓Collect and test water and sewage samples, using test equipment and color analysis standards.
- ✓Operate and adjust controls on equipment to purify and clarify water, process or dispose of sewage, and generate power.
- ✓Record operational data, personnel attendance, or meter and gauge readings on specified forms.
- ✓Add chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, or lime, to disinfect and deodorize water and other liquids.
- ✓Inspect equipment or monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges to determine load requirements and detect malfunctions.
Training & Resources
Why AI-Proof?
- ✅Requires hands-on physical presence and dexterity
- ✅Demands human empathy, judgment, and trust
- ✅Operates in unpredictable, variable environments
- ✅Social and regulatory barriers to full automation