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Water and Sewage Treatment Plant Operators

Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources

Service Branches

  • Army logo
  • Marines logo
  • navy logo
  • Air Force logo

Work Environment

Water and sewage treatment plant operators work indoors and outdoors. They may be exposed to strong odors.

  • Military Status

    Enlisted

  • Average Military Salary

    $56,609

Overview

Military bases operate their own water treatment plants, which provide drinking water and safely dispose of sewage when public facilities cannot be used. Water and sewage treatment plant operators control processes and equipment that remove pollutants from the water so that it is safe to drink and can be returned safely to natural areas or be reused. Water and sewage treatment plant operators run the equipment, control the processes, and monitor the plants that treat the water.

Military Training

All enlisted service members complete basic military training which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field and covers tactical and survival skills physical training military life and customs and weapons training. Water and sewage treatment plant operators in the Military will gain skills through classroom study and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training content may include:

  • Operation of water and sewage treatment systems
  • Water testing and analysis
  • Maintenance and repair of pumps compressors and other equipment
  • Identification of health hazards
  • Inspection of food products food service operations wastewater and waste disposal facilities

Helpful Attributes

  • Interest in chemistry and pollution control
  • Interest in working with mechanical equipment

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