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Water treatment worker
Water quality technician, water treatment operator
Water treatment workers treat and process clean water and waste water.
Average salary (a year)
£17000
Starter
£32000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
42.0 to 44.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings / weekends / bank holidays
on shifts
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a college course; an apprenticeship; applying directly
College
You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you'll need in this job.
You could do the Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Water Engineering.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
search for courses|/find-a-course
Apprenticeship
You could do a
Water Process Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, Water Industry Treatment Process Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, Water Treatment Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
These can take between 18 months and 3 years to complete.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Direct Application
You could apply directly to work as a water treatment worker.
Some employers might want you to have GCSEs in English, maths and a science at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C).
It might also be useful if you have experience of working in industrial plant maintenance.
More information
You can find more advice about careers and training in the water industry through Energy and Utilities Jobs.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    The ability to analyse quality or performance
    Knowledge of public safety and security
    Observation and recording skills
    The ability to operate and control equipment
    To be thorough and pay attention to detail
    The ability to work on your own
    The ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
    Analytical thinking skills
Digital Skills Level
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Other Requirements
You'll have to register with a water industry safety scheme.
Related Restrictions
pass a medical check
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
As a water treatment worker, you could
operate equipment to treat sewage, clean and maintain tanks and filters, treat water with chemicals and microbes, take readings and keep records, check drinking water samples for quality, make sure the site is safe and secure
Working environment
You could work in a control room.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Your working environment may be dirty, physically demanding, cramped, at height and outdoors in all weathers.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
With experience, you could become a team leader.
With further training, you could become an engineering technician or a water engineer.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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