Occupational Skills Training - Water Quality Emphasis
Sites are available for operator work experience through the UCC cooperative work experience and the Occupational Skills Training program. Students receive up to 6 months of operator experience through this program.
Right: Watch a Water Quality Success Story video
with UCC Graduate Corey Heath.
Careers
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 according to the Oregon Employment Department.
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.
Occupational Skills Training
This program is available in an Occupational Skills Training format that is designed to mix school classes and on-the-job training with a potential employer. It’s great for hands-on learners! Individualized training plans are developed in consultation with the student, UCC faculty, UCC advisor, and the work site trainer.
Find out more.
Professional Development
View / Download information about Certifications, Testing, Online Courses & Continuing Education Units (CEU)
Catalog Info
View / Download catalog information for Water QualityTechnician: Pathways Certificate
Advising Guide
View / Download advising information for Water Quality Technician: Occupational Skills Training Certificate Option
Other Degrees & Certificates at UCC
- Civil Engineering and Surveying Technology: AAS
- Engineering and Drafting Technician: One-year Certificate
- Drafting Pathways Certificate
- Surveying & Geomatics: AS
- Surveying Pathways Certificate
Contact
Clay Baumgartner, PE - Contact
Chair, Associate Professor, Engineering / Surveying & CIS
Phone: 541-440-4683
