A wastewater operator in Massachusetts is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a wastewater treatment facility: 

• Operating equipment: Starts and stops pumps, engines, and generators, and adjusts valves and gates to control the flow of sewage 
• Monitoring: Observes operating conditions and monitors control panels 
• Maintaining records: Keeps records of operations, meter and gauge readings, and prepares reports 
• Adding chlorine: Kills bacteria in effluent by adding chlorine 
• Removing screenings: Removes screenings from preliminary treatment 
• Maintaining housekeeping: Keeps the treatment plant and surrounding area clean 
• Responding to emergencies: Responds to emergencies and works in inclement weather as needed 

Wastewater operators in Massachusetts must be certified by the Board of Registration of Operators of Wastewater Treatment Facilities. There are two types of certification: municipal and industrial. Municipal certification is for operators who work with biological processes, while industrial certification is for those who work with physical or chemical processes.

Benefits

• Job Security
• Rewarding Career

Learn about the steps needed to obtain wastewater operator certification in Massachusetts.