Water Quality: Careers

Career Opportunities

Water Quality Operators

All public water and wastewater systems must be piped and treated to Federal and State standards under the supervision of certified operators. Water quality operators are employed in virtually every community in Oregon and throughout the nation. The number of operators is stable; funding is typically through monthly user rates (stable funding) and trained operators are required to protect public health and the environment. The majority of job openings projected in the near future are replacement positions, to replace operators that will either retire, be promoted, or move to other locations.

The median salary for “Water and Liquid Waste Treatment Plan Operators” is listed as $39,800 in the Occupational Report by the Oregon Employment Department.

More information on the career is provided on the related career video for Water and Liquid Waste Treatment Plant Operators.

There are also multiple career pathways for people with water quality backgrounds. Examples of some related careers are available on the Oregon Labor Market Information web site.