California’s complex water and wastewater infrastructure relies upon the knowledge, skills and abilities of a relatively small, highly trained and competent workforce for round-the-clock operation. The large number of employees retiring from water treatment and distribution and wastewater treatment facilities in the next decade will create a significant shortage of skilled workers in the field. The benefits of a career in this field include rewarding work, job stability, good benefits and pay, and promotional opportunities.

 

WHAT DO INDUSTRY WORKERS HAVE TO SAY?

For more information about the different career options, with interviews and video about different careers, check out http://baywork.org/careers/ and http://cawaterjobs.org/.

 

Salary and Benefits

After completing the SRJC program, entry level workers can expect good wages, stable jobs, and benefits. Opportunities to advance and specialize are available.

For the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook, see https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/water-and-wastewater-treatment-plant-and-system-operators.htm.

To browse California wage information, look for Water and Wastewater Technology under Engineering and Industrial Technology at http://salarysurfer.cccco.edu/Salaries.aspx.

For more detailed salary information from the Bay Area, browse the different career pathway pages at http://baywork.org/careers/.

 

Industry Certification

Providing safe, reliable water infrastructure is vital to our communities and a great responsibility. The workers who perform water- and wastewater-related duties must be tested and certified by state agencies before they are employed.

 

Drinking Water Treatment and Distribution System Operators

The law requires that individuals working as drinking water treatment and/or distribution system operators must be certified by the State Water Resources Control Board. There are five levels (T1 - T5) of certification for treatment operators and 5 levels (D1 - D5) for distribution operators. Coursework, work experience, and examination are required depending on the certification level.

More detailed information on these requirements can be found on the State Water Resources Control Board website.

 

Wastewater Treatment Operators

In order to work in a Wastewater Treatment Plant, individuals must be certified by the State Water Resources Control Board. There are five levels of wastewater operator certification (Grades I - V). Certification requires both work experience and education as well as passing a written exam. While gaining work experience for certification, an operator works as an Operator in Training (OIT). There are five levels of OIT certification (Grades I - V).

More detailed information on these requirements can be found on the State Water Resources Control Board website.