Various Jobs in the Industrial Water Treatment Industry

The Industrial Water Treatment Industry treats wastewater produced by various industries/organizations. After treatment, the treated wastewater (or effluent) may be reused or released to a sanitary sewer or surface water in the environment.

Various teams work in tandem to process wastewater and render it fit for reuse or disposal.

For a lucrative and fulfilling career in the water treatment industry, check out these 6 positions:

Entry-Level:  Lab Tech, Water Treatment Tech

Mid-Level (degree and experience required): Water Quality Analyst, Water Treatment Plant Operator, Bio Treatment Manager, and Lab Manager.

1. Laboratory Technician

A lab technician performs various entry-level tasks such as sampling and testing wastewater, analyzing and recording results, and maintaining quality control in the laboratory.

If you want to apply for a lab technician job, you must have:

• Knowledge of performing and interpreting tests on wastewater
• Understanding of and experience in performing quality control procedures and recording the results
• Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures
• Knowledge of the metric system to get accurate readings and convert from US measure to metric

You can apply for this job opportunity if you have a high school diploma or equivalent.

2. Water Treatment Technician

The Water Technician is responsible for performing plant functions related to receiving and processing oily wastewater for recycling.

Some of the responsibilities of a Water Treatment Technician are:

• Process and batch treat wastewaters
• Perform waste treatment checklist, including:

1. Checking tank levels
2. Checking discharge metals
3. Checking pH levels
4. Making sure there is no solid carry-over
5. Offloading trailers

• Checking and maintaining the chemical inventory on a regular basis
• Maintain a positive work environment for other employees
• Assist with lab functions
• Complete the training necessary for obtaining permits and procedures

You can apply for a Water Treatment Technician position if you have a high school diploma or equivalent. You must have hands-on experience in industrial and/or manufacturing operations.

3. Water Quality Analyst

A Water Quality Analyst directs, oversees, and supervises the overall operations of the water laboratory. He/she is also responsible for performing the most complex chemical, physical, and bacteriological analyses of water using various equipment and techniques to ensure that water quality standards are met.

Some of the responsibilities of a water quality analyst are:

• Maintaining a laboratory that meets all state and federal standards
• Overseeing and managing staff responsible for collecting samples and performing bacteriological, chemical, and physical tests
• Establishing methods and scheduling to provide lab analysis and quality assurance services
• Establishing and reviewing monitoring programs related to treatment plant processes and system compliance
• Washing, cleaning, sterilizing, calibrating, and maintaining the glassware and equipment apparatus that used to perform tests and analysis

If you want to be a water quality analyst, you must have knowledge of:

• The operations, activities, and services of a water treatment lab
• Safe and proper care of lab equipment and facilities
• Techniques, principles, and equipment required for taking samples and analyzing water
• Principles to treat, distribute, and store water
• Relevant state, federal, and local laws, codes, and regulations
• Accreditation program requirements for laboratory certification
• Principles to supervise, train, and evaluate the performance of other employees

You can apply for this job if you have a bachelor’s degree; however, some companies might require a master’s to apply for this position.

4. Water Treatment Plant Operator

The primary responsibility of a plant operator is to operate machines and systems to treat or transfer wastewater. A plant operator performs all these tasks under the managers ofthe water treatment plant.

Some of the responsibilities of a plant operator are:

• Assists in overseeing the implementation, collection, testing, and maintaining records as per Federal and State drinking water and Clean Water Act regulations
• Ensuring all chemicals are handled and stored in a safe and proper manner
• Maintaining the interior and exterior of the treatment plant in a clean and orderly manner to ensure a safe work environment for other employees
• Troubleshooting, calibrating, and maintaining electronic, electrical, and other quality control equipment as necessary

To start your career as a plant operator, you must have knowledge of:

• Principles of membranes and how membranes work
• Performing corrective and preventative maintenance on mechanical or electrical equipment
• Analyzing chemical data and making logical and appropriate process adjustments based on the results
• Handling and working with hazardous chemicals and high voltage electricity in a safe and proper manner

You can apply for a plant operator job if you have an associate’s degree in Technology, Biology, Microbiology, or any closely related field.

5. Biological Treatment Manager

The Biological Treatment Manager’s responsibility is to manage all activities that occur within the biological treatment facilities. This position aims to achieve continuous improvements in the areas of efficiency, safety, quality, leadership, and customer service to deliver financial profitability for the plants.

Some of the responsibilities of a Biological Treatment Manager are:

• Manage plant to ensure efficient and cost-effective operations compliant with regulatory and permit requirements
• Supervise staff and shift assignments
• Establish program goals, develop work plans, and evaluate performance measures
• Manage the operations budget by planning and monitoring expenses and associated chemical cost
• Work with plant managers, engineering manager, and sales manager to develop short and long-term activities and program plans
• Ensure proper start-ups and shutdowns of systems and equipment
• Foster and uphold a positive, collaborative workplace culture
• Be committed to creating a sustainable and positive workplace environment

You can apply for this position if you have a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Physical Science, Biological, Chemical Science Engineering, or a closely related area.

6. Lab Manager

A Lab Manager’s role is to organize and direct the laboratory’s daily activities with minimum supervision and a complete understanding of the systems involved.

Some of the responsibilities of a Lab Manager are:

• Coordinating both planned and emergency troubleshooting repairs
• Creating SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for a laboratory procedure
• Monitoring, measuring, and reporting production-related issues
• Managing spare part inventory
• Ensuring all test and measurement systems are operating within set parameters
• Overseeing the company’s wastewater program and all related permits

You can apply for this job if you have a Bachelors Degree and Masters Degree in chemistry or a related field and 3-5 years of experience in the same area.

If you are looking for career opportunities in the Wastewater Treatment Industry, get in touch with Clean Water Environmental to see our open jobs!