| License Description |
WATER AND LIQUID WASTE TREATMENT PLANT AND SYSTEM OPERATORS SOC Code 51-8031 Entry Salary $20.64/hr Average Salary $25.57/hr Job Description Well System Operators: Level 1 operators serving 85% of our public water systems. Duties include operating and maintaining drinking water wells, pumps, water distribution pipes and valves, booster stations, and water storage tanks. Operators usually perform simple lab tests such as pH, chlorine residuals and temperature, collect samples for detailed lab analyses, prepare and submit reports to the Environmental Protection Agency. They may also assist with reading meters and posting drinking water notices for the customers of the water system. Operators are considered first responders in case of emergency. Lagoon System Operators: Level 1 operators serving 80% of our communities. Duties include operating and maintaining domestic wastewater (sewage) collection lines, pumps and valves, lift stations, and sewage treatment lagoons or stabilization ponds. Operators are considered first responders in case of emergency. Water Distribution Operators: Level 1 or 2 operators serving in larger communities. Duties include operating and maintaining water distribution lines for finished potable drinking water, pumps, hydrants, valves, backflow protection devices, booster stations, and possibly water storage tanks. Operators usually perform simple lab tests such as pH, chlorine residuals, and temperature; collect samples for detailed lab analyses; and may prepare and submit reports to the Environmental Protection Agency. They may also assist with installing or reading meters and posting drinking water notices for the customers of the water system. Operators are considered first responders in case of emergency. Wastewater Collection Operators: Level 1 or 2 operators serving in larger communities. Duties include operating and maintaining domestic wastewater (sewage) collection lines, pumps, valves, and lift stations. Operators are considered first responders in case of emergency. Water or Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators: Levels 1 through 4. Duties include operating and maintaining the water or wastewater treatment plant, collecting samples, performing lab tests to check plant efficiency, maintaining records and submitting reports to the Environmental Protection Agency or WY Department of Environmental Quality. The level of certification required is determined by the complexity of the treatment plant. Operators are considered first responders in case of emergency. Requirements 1. Proof of High School Equivalency (HSE). 2. Formal training specific to the area of facility for which certification is desired. 3. Experience on the job at the type of facility for which certification is desired. 4. Passing score on the relevant exam. 5. Wyoming residency. Candidates must live in or work in the state to qualify for certification. Requirements By Level: Level 1: 1. 35 training hours. 2. 6 months of experience. Level 2: 1. 70 training hours. 2. 1 year of experience. Level 3: 1. 300 training hours. 2. 2 years of experience, 1 year must be at a Level 2 or higher plant. Level 4: 1. 400 training hours. 2. 3 years of experience, 2 years must be at a Level 3 or higher plant. Restrictions Each hiring agency or department has specific restrictions. Certificates Certificates are issued by the Department of Environmental Quality, Water Quality Division and expire at the end of the third calendar year unless continuing education requirements are met. Examination Exams are nationally-standardized, multiple-choice, online exams developed by the Association of Boards of Certification (ABC). Exams are given by appointment only at any PSI testing center nationwide. Exams may be scheduled Monday through Friday, at either 9:00 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Some testing centers may offer Saturday exams. Exam fees are charged by PSI and ABC. Fees None. Licensing Agency Kim Parker Water and Wastewater Treatment Operator Certification Program Department of Environmental Quality, Water Quality Division 200 West 17th St., Suite 400 Cheyenne, WY 82002 Phone: (307) 777-6128 Fax: (307) 777-6779 Email: kim.parker@wyo.gov, opcert@wyo.gov Website: http://deq.wyoming.gov/wqd/operator-certification/ Continuing Education Requirements 24 hours of training every 3 years per certificate, to include a minimum of10 hours of core area training and 2 hours of rule training. Training Located in Wyoming Training is self-directed in Wyoming. Annual operator conferences, on-site trainings and workshops, virtual conferences, webinars, correspondence courses and online training are all options to obtain training and continuing education in Wyoming. A list of approved training is available online. An online listing of Upcoming Trainings, both in person and virtual, http://deq.wyoming.gov/wqd/operator-certification/resources/training-opportunities/, and Upcoming Webinars, http://deq.wyoming.gov/wqd/operator-certification/resources/webinars/, are also available. Additional Sources of Information Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality Water Quality Division Wyoming Become an Operator web page: http://deq.wyoming.gov/wqd/operator-certification/resources/become-an-operator/ Occupational Outlook Handbook: Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators" http://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/water-and-wastewater-treatment-plant-and-system-operators.htm Last Updated June 2021" |