Education · 1 of 5

The path

Get hired first, get certified second. This is one of the few licensed jobs where the training happens on the payroll.

1. 1

   High school diploma or equivalent

   Grade 12

   Chemistry and math are the useful ones. Mechanical aptitude matters as much as grades.

2. 2

   Get hired as an operator in training

   Weeks to months

   City public works departments, utility districts and private water companies hire entry operators and train them. Apply directly to the utility.

3. 3

   Learn the plant

   6 to 24 months

   Sampling and testing water, reading gauges, adjusting chemical feed, logging everything, and fixing pumps and valves.

4. 4

   Pass your first state certification

   Year 1 to year 2

   The entry grade exam covers treatment processes, math, safety and the regulations. Your state sets the required hours before you can sit it.

5. 5

   Climb the grades

   5 to 15 years

   Each higher grade needs more logged experience and another exam, and qualifies you to run a larger plant. Chief operator is the top of the ladder.