# Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators

> Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 51-8031.00
- **Summary:** Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.

## Aliases

- Wastewater Operator (WW Operator)
- Water Plant Operator
- Water Treatment Operator
- Water Treatment Plant Operator
- Plant Operator
- Process Operator (Process Op)
- Relief Operator
- Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator (WWTP Operator)
- Wastewater Technician (Wastewater Tech)
- Water Control Dispatcher
- Basin Tender
- Biosolids Management Technician (Biosolids Management Tech)

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Collect and test water and sewage samples, using test equipment and color analysis standards. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.c |
| Operate and adjust controls on equipment to purify and clarify water, process or dispose of sewage, and generate power. | Core | 4.A.3.a.3.f |
| Record operational data, personnel attendance, or meter and gauge readings on specified forms. | Core | 4.A.3.b.6.h |
| Add chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, or lime, to disinfect and deodorize water and other liquids. | Core | 4.A.3.a.3.f |
| Inspect equipment or monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges to determine load requirements and detect malfunctions. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.g |
| Direct and coordinate plant workers engaged in routine operations and maintenance activities. | Core | 4.A.4.b.4.j |
| Clean and maintain tanks, filter beds, and other work areas, using hand tools and power tools. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.c |
| Maintain, repair, and lubricate equipment, using hand tools and power tools. | Core | 4.A.3.b.4.c |

## Emerging Tasks

| Text |
| --- |
| Complete wastewater discharge monitoring reports and maintenance logs. |
| Maintain and repair portable safety equipment and permanent safety infrastructure to ensure operational readiness and compliance with safety protocols. |

## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Clean work areas. | 4.A.3.a.1.c |
| Clean production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.1.c |
| Maintain production or processing equipment. | 4.A.3.b.5.a |
| Operate chemical processing or water treatment systems or equipment. | 4.A.3.a.3.f |
| Inspect production equipment. | 4.A.1.b.2.g |
| Test chemical or physical characteristics of materials or products. | 4.A.1.b.2.c |
| Collect samples of materials or products for testing. | 4.A.3.a.2.b |
| Record operational or production data. | 4.A.3.b.6.h |
| Repair production equipment or tools. | 4.A.3.b.4.c |
| Lubricate production equipment. | 4.A.3.b.5.a |
| Direct operational or production activities. | 4.A.4.b.4.j |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Public Safety and Security | knowledge | 4.17 |
| Operation and Control | transferable_skill | 4 |
| Operations Monitoring | transferable_skill | 3.88 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 3.75 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 3.75 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3.62 |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.62 |
| Mechanical | knowledge | 3.58 |
| English Language | knowledge | 3.5 |
| Written Comprehension | ability | 3.5 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 3.5 |
| Chemistry | knowledge | 3.43 |
| Administration and Management | knowledge | 3.42 |
| Mathematics | knowledge | 3.42 |
| Education and Training | knowledge | 3.42 |
| Customer and Personal Service | knowledge | 3.33 |
| Computers and Electronics | knowledge | 3.21 |
| Law and Government | knowledge | 3.21 |
| Engineering and Technology | knowledge | 3.17 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Equipment Maintenance | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Troubleshooting | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Repairing | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Quality Control Analysis | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 3.12 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 3.12 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 3.12 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 3.12 |
| Control Precision | ability | 3.12 |
| Biology | knowledge | 3.08 |
| Administrative | knowledge | 3.04 |
| Reading Comprehension | essential_skill | 3 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3 |
| Coordination | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Complex Problem Solving | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Time Management | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Production and Processing | knowledge | 3 |
| Written Expression | ability | 3 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| Microsoft Outlook | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Excel | Common Skill |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Word | Common Skill |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Common Skill |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Database Software | Specialized Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |
| Presentation Software | Specialized Skill |
| Industrial Control Software | Specialized Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | yes | yes |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software | yes | yes |
| Microsoft Outlook | Electronic mail software | yes | yes |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Presentation software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software | yes | no |
| Data logging software | Data base user interface and query software | no | no |
| Database software | Data base user interface and query software | no | no |
| Geographic information system GIS systems | Geographic information system | no | no |
| Human machine interface HMI software | Industrial control software | no | no |
| Material safety data sheet MSDS software | Compliance software | no | no |
| Operational Data Store ODS software | Data base user interface and query software | no | no |
| Records management software | Document management software | no | no |
| Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software | Industrial control software | no | no |
| Timekeeping software | Time accounting software | no | no |
| Wastewater expert control systems | Industrial control software | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| E-Mail | 4.83 |
| Telephone Conversations | 4.82 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.81 |
| Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions | 4.65 |
| In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment | 4.58 |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 4.54 |
| Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | 4.5 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 4.29 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 4.21 |
| Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | 4.17 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | 4.17 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 4.12 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 4.09 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 4.08 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 4.04 |
| Contact With Others | 4 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 4 |
| Time Pressure | 4 |
| Outdoors, Under Cover | 3.92 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 3.88 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 3.83 |
| Consequence of Error | 3.71 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 3.71 |
| Physical Proximity | 3.7 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 3.62 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 3.61 |
| Written Letters and Memos | 3.57 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 3.48 |
| Deal With External Customers or the Public in General | 3.46 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 3.46 |
| Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | 3.39 |
| Spend Time Standing | 3.38 |
| Exposed to Disease or Infections | 3.29 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 3.26 |
| In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment | 3.26 |
| Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions | 3.08 |
| Degree of Automation | 3.04 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 2.83 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 2.79 |
| Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | 2.79 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 2
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- **Experience:** Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- **Svp Range:** (Below 6.0)

### Education Distribution

| Label | Percentage |
| --- | --- |
| High School Diploma | 50 |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 37.5 |
| Some College Courses | 8.33 |
| Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 4.17 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 6.75 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 4.89 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 4.6 |
| Engineering | specific_interest_area | 4.28 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 3.61 |
| Dependability | work_style | 3 |
| Physical Science | specific_interest_area | 2.7 |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | specific_interest_area | 2.66 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 2.63 |
| Cautiousness | work_style | 2.62 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 2.55 |
| Management/Administration | specific_interest_area | 2.32 |
| Mathematics/Statistics | specific_interest_area | 2.12 |
| Integrity | work_style | 1.92 |
| Information Technology | specific_interest_area | 1.8 |
| Nature/Outdoors | specific_interest_area | 1.65 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 51-8091.00 | role-51-8091-00 | Chemical Plant and System Operators | Primary-Short |
| 51-8013.03 | role-51-8013-03 | Biomass Plant Technicians | Primary-Short |
| 51-8013.00 | role-51-8013-00 | Power Plant Operators | Primary-Short |
| 51-8013.04 | role-51-8013-04 | Hydroelectric Plant Technicians | Primary-Short |
| 51-8092.00 | role-51-8092-00 | Gas Plant Operators | Primary-Short |
| 51-9012.00 | role-51-9012-00 | Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | Primary-Long |
| 51-9011.00 | role-51-9011-00 | Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders | Primary-Long |
| 51-8093.00 | role-51-8093-00 | Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | Primary-Long |
| 51-8021.00 | role-51-8021-00 | Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators | Primary-Long |
| 53-7071.00 | role-53-7071-00 | Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators | Primary-Long |
| 17-2051.02 | role-17-2051-02 | Water/Wastewater Engineers | Supplemental |
| 47-4071.00 | role-47-4071-00 | Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Energy & Natural Resources | energy-natural-resources |

## Education Level

- **Category:** High school diploma or equivalent

## Study Programs

| Title | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians | engineering-engineering-related-technologies-technicians |

## Market

- **Median Wage:** 58260
- **Mean Wage:** 60620
- **Pct10Wage:** 37870
- **Pct25Wage:** 47020
- **Pct75Wage:** 71280
- **Pct90Wage:** 86160
- **Employment:** 126750
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 22 | 22 | Utilities | Sector | 16180 | 57820 | 33.97 |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 5180 | 56900 | 0.49 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 3740 | 55320 | 0.5 |
| 54 | 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Sector | 1560 | 52820 | 0.18 |
| 23 | 23 | Construction | Sector | 1310 | 61580 | 0.2 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 810 | 47830 | 0.37 |
| 541330 | 541330 | Engineering Services | National industry | 710 | 57930 | 0.75 |
| 55 | 55 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | Sector | 670 | 72580 | 0.29 |
| 238220 | 238220 | Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors | National industry | 570 | 62920 | 0.55 |
| 21 | 21 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | Sector | 550 | 58050 | 1.17 |
| 81 | 81 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | Sector | 500 | 55200 | 0.14 |
| 61 | 61 | Educational Services | Sector | 410 | 58780 | 0.04 |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 22 | 22 | Utilities | Sector | 16180 | 33.97 |
| 221112 | 221112 | Fossil Fuel Electric Power Generation | National industry | 330 | 5.63 |
| 21 | 21 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | Sector | 550 | 1.17 |
| 541330 | 541330 | Engineering Services | National industry | 710 | 0.75 |
| 238220 | 238220 | Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors | National industry | 570 | 0.55 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 3740 | 0.5 |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 5180 | 0.49 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 810 | 0.37 |
- **Count:** 21

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| frey_osborne | Computerization probability | 0.61 | 0-1 probability | 2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | -0.44501 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | -0.1983719 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | -0.5590585 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 18
- **Percentile:** 15
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 37 | felten_aioe |
| 17 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 0 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | -0.44501 | 37 | Moderate | How much this job's abilities overlap with what AI systems can do, across many AI capabilities. A relative research score, not a forecast of job loss. |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0.125 | 17 | Low | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0 | 0 | Low | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |

### Frey Historical

- **Source:** frey
- **Label:** Computerization probability (Frey & Osborne, 2013)
- **Value:** 0.61
- **Percentile:** 52
- **Band:** Moderate
- **Note:** A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
- **Teleworkable:** no

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0.125
- **Beta:** 0.125
- **Gamma:** 0.125

### Usage Tasks


### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** -6.5
- **Growth Percentile:** 9
- **Direction:** Declining
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 10.7
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 65
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 132.4
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 123.8

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| dingel_neiman | dingel-neiman-workathome |
| felten_aioe | felten-raj-seamans-aioe |
| frey_osborne | frey-osborne-automation |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 8
- **Skills:** 38
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 15
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** c6c43ff33186caa2