Usually water plant operator jobs are from private utilities or a local government. What water treatment plants do is bring water in from various sources, like reservoirs, wells, and the like. Then they treat the water chemically so that it can be drunk. It is then kept in towers and tanks so that it can be sent out to the population.
Wastewater treatment plants are the ones that take care of water that derives from sewers, and then they treat is chemically, so that it can be sent back into rivers, lakes, and used for water for the irrigation of plants.
A water plant job entails operating equipment that gets rid of pollutants and microorganisms, and pumps and various other machines that send water through the whole treatment process. Water plant operators have to be sure that all or the equipment that is used is in good repair, including valves and pipes, and different building equipment. They also have to perform lab tests to make sure the process is running as it should at all times. There may only be one water plant operator, and this will be dependent on how large the plant it.
Through the year 2016, the United States Bureau of Labor says that a water plant job is a terrific choice, since many of the workers will be retiring. Water plant jobs entails a lot of work that is physical, smelly, and dirty. There are also unsafe conditions to contend with, like floors that are slippery, harmful gases, and machinery that is exceedingly loud. Most of the time, water plant operators are standing on their feet, and have to lift heavy objects, and climb up and down ladders. Remember as well, the plant runs for 24 hours a day, every day of the week, and most of time employees are on a rotating shift, or work weird hours where they work for four days and are off for four days.
For the greatest chance of being hired at a water treatment plant, it helps if the person gets a one-year certificate program or associate's degree. You can find courses like these at technical colleges and trade associations.
The salaries for water plant operators are between $22,000 and $55,000. Positions with companies like this are full time and have 401K, paid holidays, vacations, and health insurance. There is usually the chance to rise through the ranks into management or a supervisor position, but these positions usually require a higher level of education.
If you are interested, now is a great time to go for a job as a water plant operator, since the forecast for future jobs is great.