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Water Supply Technology and Wastewater Technology
Associate in Applied Science Degrees
Certificates of Proficiency
Growing populations increases the demand for
water supply and wastewater treatment. Enroll now for training in a
technical career that protects public health and the environment.
The Water Supply Technology and Wastewater
Technology Programs at Green River Community College prepare students for
entry-level employment as water supply or wastewater technicians.
Professionals in these fields make daily decisions that protect public
health and the environment. Graduates are employed by those who operate
and maintain water treatment, water distribution, wastewater collection
and/or wastewater treatment systems; primarily municipalities such as
water and/or sewer districts, counties, cities, towns, states and some
federal agencies. Private water/wastewater systems and industries that
operate their own facilities may also employ graduates.
Water Supply Technicians are responsible for
purification and distribution of drinking water that is taken from a
natural source. There are two major careers in this field:
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A Water Treatment Operator operates and
maintains drinking water purification plants. Duties include maintenance
of equipment including pumps, valves and mechanical devices; conducting
chemical analyses of water to assess the effectiveness of the treatment
process; and maintaining related treatment records.
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A Water Distribution Technician is responsible
for seeing that treated drinking water is distributed to where it will be
used by the public, by industry and for fire fighting. Drinking water
reaches its destination through a broad network of pipes under cities and
towns. Additional responsibilities include installation, maintenance and
repair of this primarily underground equipment.
Wastewater Technologists are responsible for
the operation and maintenance of wastewater collection systems and/or
wastewater treatment plants - facilities where wastes are removed to make
water suitable for return to the environment. There are two major careers
in this field:
-
A Wastewater Collection System Technician
operates and maintains wastewater pumping stations and inspects, maintains
and repairs underground pipelines that carry wastewater to treatment
plants. They utilize specialized equipment including high-pressure
pipeline cleaning machinery and closed-circuit television pipeline
inspection devices.
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Wastewater Treatment Operators monitor,
operate and maintain treatment plant equipment, perform laboratory
analyses of wastewater, and utilize a variety of information to control
the wastewater treatment process. Maintenance of equipment including
pumps, valves, and mechanical drivers is also included in operator
responsibilities. Generating written reports and maintaining records is
also important.
When can new students enroll?
Students may begin certificate programs during fall quarter. Some students
may need additional preparation, depending upon composition, computation
and computing skills; please contact an advisor for information about
skills assessment. Students may begin a degree program during any quarter.
Admission to the Water Supply Technology and Wastewater Technology
programs are on a first-come, first-served basis after college admission
requirements are completed.
How long does the program take?
Certificates of Proficiency in Water Distribution Technology, Wastewater Treatment Technology
and Wastewater Collection Technology may be completed as
few as three quarters, depending on student composition, computation and
computing skills (contact an advisor for skills assessment information).
Associate in Applied Science Degrees in Water
Supply Technology and Wastewater Technology may be completed in eight
quarters (two years), again, depending on student composition, computation
and computing skills.
The programs may also be completed on a
part-time basis over a longer period of time. Most classes are also
available online.
Special fees
The usual Green River tuition/fee will be charged, plus books and
supplies. Some individual classes have additional “co-op” fees to cover
printing, lab supplies, and field trips.
Personal requirements for success
Students must be physically able to perform the work required to gain
employment in the field. Entry-level positions in the field include a
significant amount of strenuous physical activity including lifting,
digging, squatting, and reaching. Workers in the field regularly utilize
hazardous chemicals, including chlorine, and are exposed to hazardous
situations including confined space entry, excavations, and traffic.
Wastewater Technologists are exposed to human and industrial wastes.
Students should be capable of working individually as well as with others
on teams.
Does the program transfer to four-year
schools?
In general, the classes for the Water Supply Technology and Wastewater
Technology programs are not designed to transfer. However, some four-year
schools may accept the Associate in Applied Science degrees.
Employment outlook
Increasing population and growth of the economy are expected to increase
demand for essential water and wastewater treatment services. The
employment outlook in the water/wastewater field is expected to grow as
fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2008, according
to the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Department of
Labor.
Salary range
The entry-level salary range in the Everett-Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan
area is $24,000 to $34,000 annually, based on information obtained from
www.Salary.com.
For specific information about Water Supply Technology and Wastewater
Technology, contact:
Larry Shenk
Instructor/Advisor
Extension 4367
lshenk@greenriver.edu
|
Larry Shenk
Instructor/Advisor
Extension 4367
lshenk@greenriver.edu |
