Wastewater Operator

What you'll learn

Start your path to certification with this Wastewater Operator microcredential, providing in demand skills in the critical processes of cleaning used water from homes, businesses, and industries before it safely returns to the environment. You will study the fundamental principles and mechanisms of various wastewater treatment methods, including both activated sludge and other treatment processes. You will put what you have learned to work, gaining hands-on experience in managing daily operations of wastewater treatment plants, ensuring compliance with State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permits. You will understand relevant state regulations, including 6 NYCRR Part 650, understand how to monitor and analyze treatments processes effectively. Successful completion readies all to continue their studies and also satisfies the pre-certification required by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) for Wastewater Operators. With pre-certification requirements met, you are ready to apply for entry level positions at wastewater treatment facilities, building the required number of work hours to apply for full certification. Note: Those who complete this microcredential can opt to add one additional course, SCI 115 Grade A Water Operator, to also earn the Water Operator microcredential and complete pre-certification requirements as a Water Operator from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH).

A hybrid microcredential from SUNY Ulster (8.6 CEUs). Registration is completed with SUNY Ulster.

Who can enroll

Ages 18 and up.

Upcoming sections

What you can earn

Pathway to Credit

This SUNY Ulster course can count toward credit at the SUNY campuses below. Each campus decides how the credit applies; confirm with its admissions or registrar office.

Skills covered