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Wastewater Systems Operator
Published
Time-Based Apprenticeship
Industries
O*Net Code
51-8031.00
Rapids Code
0507
Req. Hours
3160
State
DC
Created
Jul 16, 2021
Updated
Jul 16, 2021
Time-Based Skills
5 skill sets | 84 total skills
Orientation and Safety - 440 req. hrs
Delineate basic job duties
Participate in site specific orientation programs
List regulatory/permit specifications
Read/interpret drawings (plan/section views, process and instrumentation diagram (PID), hydraulic profile, etc.)
Demonstrate general plant safety and security operations
Wear PPE in accordance with safety guidelines
Follow lock-out and tag out procedures
Adhere to hazardous communication and right-to-know programs
Monitor air quality levels
Respond to emergencies using first aid/CPR
Apply security practices around the plant
Adhere to chemical safety programs
Earn and maintain CDL
Operations - 1320 req. hrs
Monitor plant operations as required
Review plant operations and maintenance manual
Analyze plant operating performance
Respond to plant alarm systems
Troubleshoot and solve operational problems effectively
Start and stop plant equipment
Apply knowledge of regulations to plant operations
Manage treatment processes
Handle and add chemicals to disinfect and deodorize liquids
Inspect meters and gauges to determine load requirements
Operate disinfection equipment and technologies
Clean and maintain tanks and filter beds
Manage wastewater treatment solids programs
Monitor sludge production
Perform sludge removal activities
Record treated sludge and solids information accurately
Dispose of treated sludge in accordance with permitting
Manage bio-solids program effectively
Oversee collection systems/lift stations operations
List pump station components and different types of pumping stations
List types and components of force main systems
List types and components of gravity mains
Demonstrate understanding of inflow and infiltration
Demonstrate collection system safety requirements
Demonstrate proficiency in responding, correcting, and reporting to alarms
Demonstrate SCADA capability
Understand screen navigation
Interpret readings
Read and interpret trend charts
Demonstrate proficiency in Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
List safety requirements
Detail environmental impacts
Review related documents
Demonstrate procedures
Demonstrate proficiency in Manufacturer’s Safety and Data Sheets (MSDS)
List safety requirements
Detail environmental impacts
Review related documents
Demonstrate procedures
Maintenance - 800 req. hrs
Perform mechanical maintenance on equipment
Exercise valves, pumps and other mechanical devices
Troubleshoot and repair malfunctioning and inoperable equipment
Perform preventative maintenance when scheduled
Maintain lift stations
Inspect and maintain collection system pipes and manholes
Prepare/submit a maintenance work order
Read and interpret process instrumentation
Understand normal range
Explain actions for out-of-range values
Demonstrate unit process hydraulics and demonstrate impacts on subsequent processes
Quality Control - 480 req. hrs
Collect samples according to established procedures
Perform laboratory sampling and testing
Verify results for accuracy
Calibrate equipment and instrumentation
Ensure consistent lab and sampling procedures
Interpret lab results
Ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations
Report results to supervisors and community members as appropriate
Perform process control
Define unit process performance variables
Collect samples
Perform process tests
Identify normal/out-of-range values
Analyze performance/trends
Logistics - 120 req. hrs
Order equipment and supplies as needed
Develop and execute routine maintenance schedule
Conduct operational rounds
Define normal operation
Recognize abnormal operation
Collect appropriate data
Visit other facilities to learn about new procedures
Technical Instruction
Mathematics - 24 req. hrs
Adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, calculator
Algebraic equations
Geometry
Principle of mathematics applications
Metric system
Area
Volume
Chemical usage
Loading rates
Conversions
Pump math
Science - 16 req. hrs
Physical, chemical, and biological concepts
Disease transmission
Common elements
Cell structure
Natural water cycle and impact
Basic hydraulics
Alkalinity
Nitrification/denitrification
Aquatic chemistry
Flora/fauna activated solids
Introduction To Wastewater Treatment Systems - 8 req. hrs
Large/small systems
Liquid stream processes – biological, physical, and chemical
Solids handling/management
Systems integration
Disinfection
Chemical treatment
Natural/non-mechanical systems
Mechanically assisted biological treatment
Collection systems
Drawings, Schematics, and Graphics Process diagrams/pictures - 8 req. hrs
Demonstration/examples
Trend charting
Reading and interpreting drawings and schematics
Environmental Laws and Regulations - 24 req. hrs
Regulatory basics
Permit requirements
Due diligence
Industrial pretreatment
Sewer use laws
Other regulations (503, air, source control, stormwater)
Safety Process/OSHA - 50 req. hrs
Personnel protective equipment
First responder
Decontamination
MSDS
Reporting requirements
Hazardous materials and controls
Hazardous communication
Confined space
Emergency response plan
Communication Skills - 24 req. hrs
Active listening
Verbal and nonverbal communication
Managing conflict
Critical thinking
Diversity and culture
Oral presentations
Report writing and written presentations
Budget
Team building
Public information
Customer service
Basic Electricity and Electrical Systems - 20 req. hrs
Basics of electricity
Symbols reading
Monitoring vs. Control
Calibrations
Common electrical components
Conduction and insulation
Electromagnetism
Arc flash
Lock out/tag out
Tests and Analysis/Process Control - 24 req. hrs
Equipment
Laboratory safety
Sampling procedures
Testing requirements
Process control testing
Discharge permit testing
Quality assurance and control
Record keeping
Microbe identification
Chain of custody (COC)
Professional Roles and Responsibilities - 12 req. hrs
Chain of command
Critical thinking skills Ethics
Organization
Personnel
Policies and procedures
Scheduling/management of preventive maintenance
Computer Skills - 48 req. hrs
Basic Suite
Microsoft applications (Excel, Word)
SCADA
Certification Test Review - 20 req. hrs
State statutes
Test preparations
Practice tests
Introduction to Train-the-Trainer Learning styles - 8 req. hrs
Presentation techniques
Learning styles
Introduction To Pumping Systems - 24 req. hrs
Pumping theory
Types of pumps
Basic hydraulics
Pump maintenance
Pump troubleshooting
Pump system components
Mechanical systems
Collection Systems - 40 req. hrs
Long and short term controls
System components and functions
Operation and maintenance of lift/pumping stations, force mains, and gravity mains
Inflow & infiltration (I & I)
Private property laterals
Odor control
Inspection of mains
Repair/Rehabilitation of manholes, pipes, laterals
Compliance (safety, hazards, regulatory, environmental impacts such as sanitary sewer overflows)
Natural Systems/Non-Mechanical - 8 req. hrs
Lagoons
Biological cycle
Detention time
Monitoring
Maintenance
Mechanically Assisted Biological Systems Unit processes and functions - 40 req. hrs
Modifications to activated sludge systems
Long term controls
Short term controls
Activated sludge quality
Systems components
Oxidation ponds/ditches
Trickling filters
Rotating biological contactors (RBCs)
Biofilm reactors
Clarifiers
Equipment maintenance
Return activated sludge (RAS) and waste activated sludge (WAS)
Chemical Treatment - 24 req. hrs
Chemical safety
Reactions
Troubleshooting
Dosage
Equipment
Monitoring
Advanced testing
Disinfection - 8 req. hrs
Systems- chemical/physical
Testing/monitoring
Emergency response
Detention/kill rates
Topics
Maintenance/cleaning
Equipment
Ozone (O3)
Chlorination (Cl2)
Ultra-Violet (UV)
Other disinfection methods
Solids Management - 30 req. hrs
Aerobic/anaerobic digestion
Drying/heat treatment/incineration
Beneficial reuse/landfill
Screenings
Physical equipment
Chemical applications
Odor control
Vector tracking and analysis
Thickening
Digestion
Dewatering
Disposal options/strategies
Regulations
Transportation
Cost analysis
Energy recovery
Public relations (customer service)
