About The Program

Our program is designed with you in mind. Whether you’re a student, an adult new to the field, or looking to re-enter the workforce, we believe water can work for you. Local job openings are abundant, and through our program, you’ll be connected directly to employers ready to hire. 

Students will be admitted to a cohort that will attend classes together, giving the opportunity to form a bond with future professional colleagues.  Students will also connect with mentors currently employed in the profession to provide support along the way. 

Owens Community College has an extensive student support system to provide extra tutoring and additional assistance navigating the college experience. 

Upon successful completion, students will earn the Water Treatment Professions Certificate from Owens Community College. This 17-credit certificate is approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education and may be applied to further study towards an Associates or Bachelors degree.

Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Average starting pay is $23/hr with competitive benefits

Tap into high-demand job openings

Flex your STEM skills with a range of career opportunities

Help keep your community flowing

Why choose to be a water operator?

Class I wastewater and drinking water operators perform a wide range of tasks under general supervision that vary based on facility size and type. Smaller facilities often have operators working multiple roles, while larger facilities tend to have operators specialize in certain tasks. Some of the smaller facilities have operators running both drinking water and wastewater systems, so getting licensed as both a drinking water and wastewater operator can open even  more employment opportunities.

Class I wastewater operator job duties include: 

  • Maintaining and operating equipment for process such as sewage flow and pumps, lift stations, dewatering equipment, air flow regulation, and solids management 
  • Performing laboratory chemical and biological tests to determine treatment and plant effluent (discharge) quality 
  • Maintaining operations records and reports
  • Monitoring the treatment process through manual inspection and computer equipment.

Class I drinking water operator job duties include:

  • Maintaining and operating equipment for process such as filtration, chlorination, purification, water softening, fluoridation, and carbonation equipment 
  • Laboratory analysis for chemical, biological and bacterial testing 
  • Flow and operations monitoring 
  • Adjusting chemical feeder rate changes 
  • Maintaining operations records and reports 
  • Monitoring the treatment process through manual inspection and computer equipment 

Commit to Your Future

Become a certified water treatment professional

Whether you're just starting your career or looking for something more fulfilling, our program will provide you with the knowledge and hands-on experience you need.

Application Information

Fast and Efficient Program Timeline

In just 16 weeks, you will receive a comprehensive and practical working knowledge of the operations of the water workforce. We provide access to hands-on training and real-world experience to ensure that you are fully prepared for the demands of the job. Upon completion, you will earn the Water Treatment Professions Certificate from Owens Community College. This program is ideal for anyone looking to get started in the drinking water or wastewater industry, without having to spend years in a traditional educational program.

no cost program

Grant-Funded

Receive training, academic and professional support, as well as assistance with your state certification exam at no cost. (Tuition and books are covered by program-specific grant funding. However, you may also qualify for federal financial aid to cover other costs of attendance. To apply for federal aid, please fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa)

overflowing possibilities

Who Hires Certified Water Treatment Professionals?

Once you pass the Ohio EPA Certification Exam, there are many opportunities within the public water and wastewater utilities or private industries in Northwest Ohio.

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Mentorship Program

Supportive Partnerships

Each student is partnered with a seasoned professional with years of experience in the industry. With their guidance, you are able to learn the skills you need to succeed in your career. Even after you have completed our program and entered the workforce, mentors continue to offer support.

Immersive Learning Curriculum

In addition to classroom and laboratory learning, you will participate in hands-on learning on-site at a water or wastewater plant where you will apply your new knowledge and skill, and gain valuable practical experience in the field.

Program Objectives

Get the Real World Training You Need to Become Certified

Understand the principles and fundamental concepts of drinking water and wastewater treatment

Develop technical skills in drinking water and wastewater operations through hands-on experience

Obtain the knowledge and skills needed to pass the Ohio EPA Certification Exam

Program Objectives

Course Descriptions

Course Title

Credit Hours

An overview of environmental concepts with a focus on the impact of human activities on the environment. The importance of water quality to human health, the environment and the economy will be stressed. Students will study current environmental issues as they relate to our culture, the economy, and politics. Several field trips to see environmental protection in action will supplement the course material.

An introduction to the requirements and opportunities for employment and career advancement in the Water Treatment Profession, including the differences between drinking water treatment and wastewater treatment. Field trips and guest speakers will provide a first-hand look at the many pathways available, from an entry-level operator to plant administration or work in the private sector. The course also refreshes the student’s basic math skills in preparation for studying the treatment processes in more detail.

Provides students with the background and skills needed to plan, collect, document and assess environmental media samples. Sampling methods in water and wastewater treatment facilities, surface water and storm water will be stressed. Students will learn the importance of following proper techniques, making detailed observations, and keeping good records. Field analysis of samples will be performed. The basics of laboratory analysis and interpretation of data will also be covered. Outdoor field work at sites on and off campus, and field trips are an important part of the learning experience. Includes lab.

Instruction follows the approved Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) curriculum for the 30-hour Voluntary Protection Program course on general industry standards, with a focus on the hazards at water and wastewater treatment facilities. Subjects covered will include hazard communication, lockout/tagout, machine guarding, electrical standards, hazardous materials, confined spaces, fire protection, inspections, citations, penalties and voluntary protection program compliance. Upon successful completion, students will be issued an OSHA 30-hour General Industry card.

The major focus of this course is on wastewater regulations, treatment theory, operation and maintenance, and administration of wastewater facilities. Includes an in-depth study of each part of the treatment process, extensive practice of math concepts, and basic lab analysis. The curriculum follows the ‘need to know’ requirements for the Ohio EPA operator certification exam. Concepts will be reinforced with hands on lab activities and in-person experience at a wastewater treatment plant. Includes lab.

The major focus of this course is on drinking water treatment regulations, treatment theory, operation and maintenance, and administration of water treatment facilities. Includes an in-depth study of each part of the treatment process, extensive practice of math concepts, and basic lab analysis. The curriculum follows the ‘need to know’ requirements for the Ohio EPA operator certification exam. Concepts will be reinforced with hands on lab activities and in-person experience at a drinking water treatment plant. Includes lab.

Choose Your Pathway

Two Different Directions

Drinking Water

Drinking water treatment is the removal of particles, harmful substances, and microorganisms before water is supplied to the public in their homes or businesses. Water treatment operators are vital protectors of our health. They make sure that the water we use to drink, cook, bathe and clean is clean and safe, and that the treatment plant is following federal and state regulations.

Wastewater

Wastewater treatment takes the water we use in homes and businesses and removes solid particles, harmful substances, and microorganisms before returning clean water to the environment. If wastewater is not properly treated, it can cause serious harm to the environment and public health. Wastewater operators work in the treatment plant and/or the lab to be sure the treated wastewater meets federal and state requirements before it is returned to the environment.