Becoming an Operator
The Water and WasteWater Technology Career Studies Certificate prepares students to become water or wastewater plant operators in municipal and industrial treatment facilities and laboratories.
Water treatment plant operators treat water so that it is safe to drink. Wastewater treatment plant and system operators remove harmful pollutants from domestic and industrial liquid waste so that it is safe to return to the environment. Operators in both types of plants control equipment and processes that remove or destroy harmful materials, chemical compounds and microorganisms from the water. They also control pumps, valves and other equipment that moves the water or wastewater through the various treatment processes, after which they dispose of the removed waste.
One of the greatest rewards is the knowledge that you are protecting public health and the environment while providing a valuable service to your community.
Operator Licensure
Operators must pass an examination certifying that they are capable of overseeing water/wastewater plant operations. There are different levels of certification, depending on the operator's experience and training.
Both Water and Waste Water operators are licensed by experience and education by the Virginia Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators through the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).
Please visit the DPOR website at: http://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/WWWOOSSP/ for additional information.
Curriculum
| ENV 110 | Introduction to Water and Wastewater Treatment Technology |
| ENV 148 | Math for Water and Wastewater Operators |
| ENV 115 | Water Purification |
| ENV 149 | Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation |
| PSY 120 | Human Relations |
| SAF 127 | Industrial Safety |
Total: 17 Credits
Suggested Course Sequence: Fall - ENV 110, ENV 148, SAF 127; Spring - ENV 149, ENV 115, PSY 120
Opportunities
"Within the next decade, the job market for operators holds great promise (over 32 in our region alone). With qualified operators in short supply, those with motivation may see opportunities for advancement, a choice of locations and utility size, work schedule flexibility, employer-supported training, and negotiable wages and benefits."
- The American Water Works Association
Working in the water/wastewater industry can be extremely rewarding since you are providing an important service to your community. It just may be one of the most important positions in the world since no one can live without water. It takes knowledgeable, conscientious people to deliver clean, potable water and to ensure that wastewater is discharged in an environmentally safe manner.
For individual class information, please visit the class schedule. Gainful Employment Disclosure (PDF)
Call 540-857-6076 or contact workforce@virginiawestern.edu today to find out how to register!
