Water Systems Operation Specialist (Apprenticeship Guideline) | U.S. Department of Labor (US DOL) Registered Apprenticeship

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 51-8031.00

Skills

Operation and ControlOperations MonitoringMonitoringActive ListeningSpeakingTroubleshootingRepairingQuality Control Analysis

Knowledge

Public Safety and SecurityMechanicalEnglish LanguageChemistryAdministration and Management

Abilities

Oral ComprehensionOral ExpressionNear VisionWritten ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningProblem SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingSelective AttentionControl Precision

Tasks

Collect and test water and sewage samples, using test equipment and color analysis standards.
Operate and adjust controls on equipment to purify and clarify water, process or dispose of sewage,
Record operational data, personnel attendance, or meter and gauge readings on specified forms.
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.

Technology

Compliance softwareData base user interface and query softwareGeographic information systemIndustrial control softwareSpreadsheet software

Tools

Absorption equipmentAeration compressorsAeratorsAerobic digestersAgitatorsAir monitoring equipmentAir strippersAmmoniatorsAmmonium analyzersAnaerobic treatment equipmentAtomic absorption AA spectrophotometersAutosamplersBackwash filtersBiochemical oxygen demand analyzersBlowers

Work Values

SupportIndependenceAchievementWorking ConditionsRecognitionRelationships

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium51-8031.00	Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators	title_inference	—	—	—

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: developing (Level 2)(based on Apprenticeship)

Water and sewage sample test results — analyze independently using color analysis standards and compare against regulatory benchmarks on routine shifts.
Equipment control panels and process controls — adjust with reduced oversight to maintain flow rates and treatment levels within normal operating parameters.
Operational logs, gauge readings, and personnel attendance records — complete accurately and consistently across full shifts at a water or wastewater plant.
Chlorine, ammonia, and lime dosing equipment — operate and calibrate to meet disinfection targets under standard plant conditions.
Malfunctions and load requirement changes — detect by monitoring gauges, meters, and equipment indicators during routine operations and escalate appropriately.
Hand tools and power tools — use to perform scheduled maintenance, minor repairs, and lubrication tasks with minimal direct supervision.
Filter beds and sedimentation tanks — clean and inspect on a recurring maintenance schedule, documenting findings in plant records.
Industrial control software and spreadsheet software — enter, retrieve, and organize process data to support daily operational reporting.
Troubleshooting steps for common equipment failures — apply systematically to restore normal operations during low-complexity incidents.
Verbal shift handoffs with incoming operators — conduct clearly and completely to ensure continuity of plant operations.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.