Effective wastewater management is critical for human health and wellbeing. It is also critical to maintaining the integrity of both ecological and built infrastructure. In urban centres, particularly in sites of dense living, the need for effective wastewater management is even more important. A key service in wastewater management is the operation of wastewater plants, that involves the removal of pollutants from wastewater.
Wastewater plant operators work in the plant site and may be exposed to hazardous chemicals and unpleasant odours. They can engage with scientists and technicians in laboratories to process and analyse test samples.
Wastewater plant operators must have a thorough knowledge of plant mechanics and machinery and chemical principles. They also need an in-depth understanding of water quality standards and regulations, coupled with:
Collect and test water and sewage samples
Control equipment operation and treat wastewater with chemicals
Analyse test results and adjust plant equipment, chemical input and systems
Inspect equipment and monitor conditions to detect malfunction
Wastewater plant operators can benefit from a General Certificate in Water and Wastewater Reticulation Services at National Qualifications Framework Level 2 to 4 offered at CPUT and the Water Academy.
They can also benefit from a National Certificate in Water and Wastewater Treatment Practice at National Qualifications Framework Level 1 to 4 offered at Technical and Vocational Education and Training Colleges. Training could also take place on the job with mentoring by an experienced operator.
Wastewater treatment plants.
