Job requirements Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator in Canada

Find out what you typically need to work as a wastewater treatment plant operator in Canada. These requirements are applicable to all Water and waste treatment plant operators (NOC 92101).

Employment requirements

This is what you typically need for the job.

  • Completion of secondary school is required.
  • College or industry training courses in chemistry, pollution control or related subjects are usually required.
  • Certification in water treatment and distribution (level according to the classification of the plant) is required for water treatment plant operators.
  • Drinking water certification is required in Quebec and Ontario for operators whose work involves water treatment and distribution.
  • Certification in wastewater collection and wastewater treatment (level according to the classification of the plant) is required for wastewater treatment plant operators.
  • Solid waste, landfill or compost facility operator certification may be required for operators in waste treatment plants.
  • Certification in workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS), transportation of dangerous goods (TDG), and courses in safety practices may be required.
  • On-the-job training is provided.
  • Previous experience as a worker in the water treatment or wastewater field may be required.

Source National Occupational Classification

Professional certification and licensing

You might need to get a certification and/or license from a regulatory authority (or become registered as an apprentice) before you start working. Find out if this occupation is regulated and contact the regulatory authority to learn about the certification and/or licensing process.

Get your foreign credentials recognized in Canada

If you are a newcomer and want to work in a regulated job, you must have your training, education or work experience from another country assessed. This shows if your qualifications are recognized in Canada. This process is called foreign credential recognition.

The steps to get a license or certification are different in each province or territory. You will need to contact the regulatory authority where you want to work to learn what to do.

Did you know?

Getting your qualifications recognized and obtaining a professional license or certification in Canada can take time, money, and effort. If you need help, you can:

Alberta

Job title Waste Facility Operators; Water And Wastewater Operators
Regulated

British Columbia

Job title Environmental Operator
Job title Wastewater Practitioner

Manitoba

Job title Pre-Engineered Building Erector
Regulated
Regulatory body: Apprenticeship Manitoba
Job title Water And Waste Treatment Plant Operators

New Brunswick

Job title Water And Waste Water Operator

Nova Scotia

Job title Water And Wastewater Operator

Ontario

Job title Wastewater Facility Operator
Job title Drinking Water System Operator
Job title Water Quality Analyst

Québec

Job title Water Treatment Operator

Saskatchewan

Job title Wastewater Collection Operators
Regulated
Regulatory body: Operator Certification Board
Job title Water And Wastewater Operator
Regulated
Regulatory body: Operator Certification Board

Source Foreign Credential Recognition Program - ESDC

Do you want to work in another province or territory?

If you are already certified to work in a regulated occupation in your province or territory, it will be easier for you to have your certification recognized in another province or territory. See the Workers Mobility's website to learn more.

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