| License Description |
WATER AND LIQUID WASTE TREATMENT PLANT AND SYSTEM OPERATORS SOC Code 51-8031 Entry Salary $24.01/hr Average Salary $24.65/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. Potable 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. Continuing Education Certificate holder must complete 24 hours of continuing education, including eight hours of core training and 2 hours of rules training to be eligible for certificate renewal. Restrictions Obtaining certification by knowingly making false statements, submitting false information, refusing to provide complete information including continuing education documents; Falsification of operating records; Falsification of operating records by a contract operator; Cheating on an exam; Fraud Willful negligence in operation; Falsification of sample results, or; While acting in the official capacity as a certified operator, being convicted of any act that endangers public health or the environment. Schools located in Wyoming There are no schools located in Wyoming that provide training for well systems operators. However, certification opportunities are available from the Wyoming Department of Water Quality. See https://deq.wyoming.gov/water-quality/water-wastewater/operator-certification/training-opportunities/ Certificates Certificates are issued by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Water Quality Division. Certificates are valid for three years. Examination Exams are given on demand by https://www.psiexams.com/. Exams are available at any testing center nationwide. 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/ Additional Sources of Information PSI Exams 18000 W 105th St Olathe, KS 66061 Phone: (800) 367-1565 https://www.psiexams.com/ 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 2023" |