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A Wastewater Plant Operator treats wastewater at a water facility. You might prepare water for human consumption or for other purposes. Wastewater Plant Operators often use chemicals to treat wastewater but you might also remove impurities through filtration systems during your treatment programs. Your role might involve testing purified water to ensure it meets regulations.
Wastewater Plant Operators need to be able to follow directions and work as part of a team. It’s important that you can follow correct procedures and have a keen eye for detail. Wastewater Plant Operators may have to perform physical duties and you might have to work irregular hours. Administrative tasks may also be part of your day.
There are 6 courses available for people who want to become a Wastewater Plant Operator. These are the top 5 most popular courses.
Possible job outcomes:
Seeking an operational role in the Australian water industry? Try the the NWP30222 Certificate III in Water Industry Operations. This nationally recognised qualification is for water industry operators who need hands-on technical skills and operational competencies. The course covers: WHS and risk control processes, environmental compliance, chemical safety, teamwork and communication, using SCADA systems, applying the principles of chemistry to water systems and processes, grounds and vegetation maintenance, disinfection and chemical treatments. Enquire now for the list of study units, career outcomes, and active enrolment dates..
Average duration: 24 months.
The NWP50118 Diploma of Water Industry Operations is designed for individuals involved in various aspects of water industry operations. It offers specialisations in asset management, control centre operations, hydrographic survey, hydrometric monitoring, irrigation, networks, water sources, trade waste, and water treatment. The diploma provides comprehensive training in these areas, equipping experienced professionals to apply advanced practices and take on leadership responsibilities within the industry. Enquire now for the full list of elective choices, entry requirements, and available enrolment dates. .
Get the skills you need for a hands-on supervisor’s role in the Australia water industry with the NWP40120 Certificate IV in Water Industry Operations. This nationally recognised qualification will teach you how to be a productive leader, supervising small work teams, while ensuring workplace safety and environmental compliance. You’ll also gain technical skills in any of the six water industry sectors: catchment and dams, hydrometric monitoring, irrigation water supply, networks, trade waste, and treatment. Enquire now for the full list of specialisation units (and their availability) as well as upcoming enrolment dates..
The NWP40120 Certificate IV in Water Industry Operations (Treatment) is for water treatment supervisors who need both leadership and technical skills. This nationally recognised qualification will teach you how to lead and supervise work teams while improving water treatment systems and processes. Technical skills include: applying chemistry principles to water systems, overseeing the use of SCADA systems, implementing health and safety plans, assessing and improving a wide range of water treatment processes (desalination, membrane filters, granular media filters, anaerobic digestion, sedimentation, sludge removal). Enquire now for the full list of study units, water treatment career competencies, and upcoming course dates..
Get a job at a water treatment plant with the NWP30222 Certificate III in Water Industry Operations (Water Treatment). This nationally recognised qualification will teach you how to operate and maintain drinking water treatment systems. The course covers: work health and safety, environmental compliance, sampling and testing drinking water, carrying out laboratory testing, implementing water industry legislation and standards, responding to blue-green algae outbreaks. You’ll also gain experience with a wide range of water treatments including iron and manganese removal, coagulation and flocculation, sedimentation and clarification, dissolved air flotation, and much more. Enquire now for entry requirements, water treatment competencies and upcoming enrolment dates..
In Australia, a full time Wastewater Plant Operator generally earns $1,250 per week ($65,000 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
This industry has seen a small increase in employment numbers in recent years. There are currently 4,200 people employed as a Wastewater Plant Operator in Australia compared to 3,900 five years ago. Wastewater Plant Operators may be employed across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
A Certificate IV in Water Industry Treatment is an ideal qualification if you’re planning a career as a Wastewater Plant Operator. This course includes specialisations such as desalination, sedimentation, chemical dosing and pathogen removal. A Certificate IV in Water Industry Operations would also be a suitable qualification.
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Here are some potential career pathways within manufacturing plant and water management. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Manufacturing Plant
Brake Press Operator
$960 weekly pay
Factory Worker
Plant Technician
Process Worker
Production Worker
Wastewater Plant Operator Assistant
Water Plant Operator Assistant
Mobile Plant Mechanic
$1,150 weekly pay
Operations Officer
Plant Mechanic
$1,350 weekly pay
Plant Operator
$1,550 weekly pay
Polymer Technician
$1,340 weekly pay
Process Technician
$1,630 weekly pay
Technical Officer
$1,400 weekly pay
Wastewater Plant Operator
$1,250 weekly pay
Water Plant Operator
Plant Engineer
$2,350 weekly pay
Plant Manager
$1,920 weekly pay
Plant Supervisor
$1,540 weekly pay
Water Management
Construction Worker (Water Infrastructure)
Surface Water Operator
$1,050 weekly pay
Water Treatment Technician
Catchment Officer
Hydrographer
Irrigation Field Officer
Trade Waste Officer
Water Networks Operator
Dam Operations Manager
Irrigation Water Supervisor
Water Networks Supervisor
Water Treatment Supervisor
Learn more about Wastewater Plant Operator courses in your area.