Water and Waste Water Plant Operator - Career Advice - Environments

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Dr Samantha McGaughey - CAMEO

Water industry operatives operate, monitor and maintain water supply and wastewater treatment systems. They regulate the flow of water through the various stages of treatment, such as filtration, addition of chemicals and aeration, taking regular samples to test the water quality. Water industry Future Growth Static operatives must also operate and maintain the pipes, valves and pumps that are used to transport water and effluent (wastewater) to and from the treatment plant, as well as through the plant itself during the treatment process. They are also responsible for monitoring water flow metres, pressure gauges and effluent water quality, ensuring the plant runs effectively and repairing any faults. Water treatment plant operators regulate the pumping of water and wastewater, and purify and sanitise water to meet appropriate standards.

Water and wastewater plant operators control the pumping of water for supply and storage. They treat water to purify it or to remove waste in order to meet various national standards. Water and wastewater plant operators may specialise in water treatment, wastewater treatment or maintenance of distribution and collection systems.

ANZSCO ID: 712921

Alternative Names: Water and Wastewater Plant Operator, Water Industry Operative, Water Services Officer, Water Treatment Plant Operator, Sewage Operator, Sewerage System Operator,

Aeration

Knowledge, skills and attributes

A water industry operative needs:

an ability to cope with unpleasant smells and substances
the ability to work independently and as part of a team
practical and manual skills
good physical fitness
the ability to follow processes and procedures
an understanding and commitment of health and safety regulations
observational skills and attention to detail.
effective communication skills
good interpersonal skills
to enjoy technical and engineering activities

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Career Video
https://youtu.be/pABK8Di1Y5Q

Duties and Tasks

Controls flow of raw water into plant, by regulating electric motors, pumps, gates and valves.
Operate specialised manual and computerised equipment to control water flow - control and monitor the biological treatment plant process
Regulate water flow through stages of treatment such as filtering, the addition of chemicals (polymers, for example) and aeration
Operate locks and adjust the water level in weirs
Carry out maintenance on septic tanks and their filters
Receive, load and unload chemicals
Use appropriate chemicals to treat water and wastewater - adds specified amounts of chemicals and activates agitators to mix chemicals and carries out such tests as are required in accordance with training given.
Take samples and monitor water quality - monitor flow meters, pressure gauges, power usage
Keep accurate records of all treatments and readings taken - prepare reports and log details of plant operations
Carry out routine maintenance on treatment equipment and report faults to engineers - eg. perform routine servicing and cleaning of water storage facilities, plants and pipes, and repair faults in water supply and storage systems
Service the distribution system leading from the treatment plant
Receive, monitor and respond to remote alarms
Allows impurities to settle and removes them by filtering water through filtering material.
Pumps purified water into mains, monitors flow and distribution.
Cleans tanks and maintains equipment, and makes minor repairs.
Pumps waste water into oxidation/settling ponds, reservoirs and dams
Removes sludge.
Burns off gases, treats and discharges waste water when it reaches the required levels of purity.
Supervise staff and assist with training of new operators

Dr Samantha McGaughey - CAMEO

2025 ACT Emerging Scientist of the Year.

(Source: Inside State Government)

Dr Samantha McGaughey is a postdoctoral research scientist. She has been recognised for her pioneering work in wastewater technology by being named the 2025 ACT Emerging Scientist of the Year.

Her research focuses on creating new technologies that can safely and efficiently recover clean water – including valuable nutrients and minerals – from wastewater.

Her work is based at the ANU’s Research School of Biology.

Her company: Membrane Transporter Engineers

The following is taken directly from ANU Reporter
11 August 2025

ANU Reporter

Dr Samantha McGaughey is on a mission to demonstrate how science can help create a brighter, more sustainable future for us all.

Based at the ANU Research School of Biology, the plant scientist’s work focuses on cutting edge technology that can help turn wastewater “from a problem into an opportunity”.

She says her research team takes inspiration from nature.

“I may be biased, but plants are exceptional models for biotechnological innovation. We can learn a lot from their 3.8-billion-year-old processes,” McGaughey says.

“We’re working on using nature’s blueprint to develop new ways to safely and efficiently harvest clean water, nutrients, minerals and metals from wastewater.”

According to McGaughey, deciphering nature’s hidden language – the genes and proteins that drive plant life – can also help enhance crop performance and environmental sustainability.

Her work in this field has led to McGaughey being named the ACT Emerging Scientist of the Year for 2025.

“They say it takes a village to raise a child – I believe it also takes a village to raise a scientist. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people who inspired, taught, encouraged and believed in me and in what I am trying to achieve,” she says.

“I hope to show the next generation of scientists in the ACT how nature can inspire and provide solutions to the critical global challenges we face.”

With Prof Caitlyn Byrt
Associate Professor Caitlyn Byrt and Dr Samantha McGaughey from the Byrt Group in the Research School of Biology.

McGaughey says with climate change accelerating and water scarcity threatening communities worldwide, science and innovation are more important than ever.

“The scale and urgency of these challenges demand new thinking, scientific innovation, and a willingness to change,” she says.

“This means moving away from a linear economy – where resources are used and discarded – to a circular one, where all wastes are recycled or reused.”

She believes wastewater, rather than being a persistent problem, could become an important source of clean water and valuable nutrients, metals and minerals.

“Central to our work on this challenge are biological membranes. Membranes underpin all life: they act as selective barriers, controlling which molecules can move into and out of cells. By mimicking the selectivity of living cells, we can advance technology that allows us to recover valuable nutrients and clean water from waste streams.

Associate Professor Caitlin Byrt – the head of McGaughey’s research group at ANU – says future generations will be able to efficiently recycle critical resources and avoid current waste and environmental damage associated with resource extraction industries because of McGaughey’s work.

“She is working directly with global industries to apply her technologies to addressing mining waste challenges, and she is training future generations of scientists, empowering them with the knowledge they will need to pioneer development of the next generation of sustainable resource management innovations,” Byrt says.

“Our team extend our thanks to industry collaborators from Rio Tinto for their support which has been pivotal in enabling us to develop innovative solutions for recovering valuable resources from industrial wastewater – laying the groundwork for a cleaner, circular future.”

McGaughey says it’s a “true honour” to receive the ACT Emerging Scientist of the Year Award.

“I’m grateful for the platform to share the incredible science I am privileged to pursue alongside a wonderful and passionate team,” she says.

More info at MSJ Digital 5 June 2025

Working conditions

Water industry operatives work in treatment plants and pumping stations throughout Australia, though the majority of employment opportunities are in the metropolitan regions.

They may work both indoors and outdoors in most weather conditions. Water treatment plants can be smelly, however most plants have processes in place to minimise unpleasant odours. These workers frequently work with dangerous chemicals and must follow strict occupation health and safety procedures to reduce risks. The role is physically demanding and may involve working in confined spaces or at heights. Conditions may be wet and dirty, and you may have to deal with strong odours. You would wear protective clothing and equipment.

Most water industry operatives work standard business hours, though some plants may require weekend work. Water industry operatives may also be required to be on call in case problems arise at the plant after hours. Overtime may be available.

Tools and technologies

Water industry operatives operate pumps and valves used to transport water and effluent and must be able to read the gauges to monitor these operations.

They also use laboratory equipment to collect and test water samples for purity, colour, pH (acidity) and general quality.

Chemicals, such as fluoride, are added to water in very specific quantities, requiring careful handling and measuring. Water industry operatives may also be required to wear safety equipment, such as gloves, masks, goggles, overalls and wet weather gear. Two-way radios may also be used for communication.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a wastewater or water plant operator you need to complete a traineeship in Water Operations. A water operations traineeship usually takes 12 to 24 months to complete. Generally, employers require a junior secondary school certificate or equivalent.

at work
(Source: Your Career)

Additional Information

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Water Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

Employment Opportunities

Employment of water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations. Water is a necessary resource, and climate change and population growth is putting pressure on water resources. Job opportunities for water treatment plant operators exist in both metropolitan and rural / regional areas, and are expected to remain positive.

In addition to municipal water treatment plants and local regional water boards, many tourist facilities, beverage manufacturers, mining companies in remote locations and processing industries also require operational personnel. Many positions are in country areas.

New technology has reduced the demand for unskilled operators, and operators are now required to acquire higher-level skills in process monitoring and control.

With experience, and sometimes further training, it is possible to become a leading hand, supervisor or manager.

Did You Know?

Australians are taking illegal drugs on a scale that challenges the rest of the world.

A large testing program of Australia’s sewerage system has found hard evidence that highly addictive methamphetamine, or ice, is the most highly consumed illicit drug.

And Western Australia is the ice capital of Australia, with methylamphetamine used at twice the rate of some other parts of the country.

Fifty-one sewerage system sites, 22 in capital cities and 29 in regional Australia, were tested in 2016 for the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission by the University of Queensland and the University of South Australia.

The first round of the study, covering 58% of Australia’s population or about 14 million people, focused on legal and illicit drugs, including tobacco, alcohol, methylamphetamine, cocaine and MDMA (ecstasy).

Wastewater is a highly complex mixture made up of waste from toilets, bathrooms, kitchen and laundry appliances as well industrial sources.

The first National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program report shows that ice consumption in Western Australia and South Australia is higher than the national average, in both the capital cities and regional areas.

High levels were also recorded in regional sites in Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania.
(Source: Business Insider 27 March 2017)