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Water treatment worker

Alternative titles for this job include Water quality technician, water treatment operator

Water quality technicians treat and process clean water and waste water.

Average salary (a year)

£17,000 Starter

to

£32,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

42 to 44 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become a water treatment worker

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

College

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include the Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Water Engineering with a choice of 4 pathways.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships relevant to this role include:

  • Level 2 Water process operative
  • Level 3 Water treatment technician

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

You could apply directly to work as a water treatment worker. Some employers may ask for GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English, maths and a science.

Experience of working in industrial plant maintenance may give you an advantage.

More Information

Further information

You'll find more advice about careers and training in the water industry through Talent Source Network.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to analyse quality or performance
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • observation and recording skills
  • the ability to operate and control equipment
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work on your own
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • analytical thinking skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • pass a medical check

You'll have to register with a water industry safety scheme.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day tasks you may:

  • operate equipment to treat sewage
  • clean and maintain tanks and filters
  • add chemicals and microbes to treat water
  • take readings and keep accurate records
  • check drinking water samples for quality
  • ensure site security and safety

Working environment

You could work in a control room.

Your working environment may be dirty, physically demanding, cramped, at height and outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a team leader. With further training, you could become an engineering technician or a water engineer.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Level 2 Water Process Operative Apprentice

  • Wage: £156.00 Weekly
  • Location: Salisbury
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Engineering - Level 3 (Extended Diploma) - Anglian Water Alliances

  • Provider: THE COLLEGE OF WEST ANGLIA
  • Start date: 06 September 2021
  • Location: Wisbech
Find courses near you

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