Have you ever thought about working in the water industry? AWWA has tools available to help interested individuals to become certified water operators.
First off, why consider becoming a certified operator? According to AWWA's website, "The certified operator career is a very promising field. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics maintains that the average salary for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators in 2015 was $44,790 USD per year.
In general, jobs within the water industry remain relatively less affected by changes in the economy than other industries. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics also notes that the job outlook between 2014-2024 is expected to grow 6%, requiring 7,000 additional operators.
Becoming a certified operator also offers individuals the opportunity to make a difference in society on a daily basis. Clean and safe water is essential to everyday life. Operators have the ability to regularly impact that need."
Check out this Powerpoint for an outline of how to become an operator. AWWA recently revamped its Water System Operations (WSO) series to help students prepare for their certifications to become a water operator. AWWA also has an operator scholarship available through participating Sections.
This is just some of the resources available for ones interested in becoming a water operator. Visit AWWA's Becoming a Certified Operator webpage for more information.