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
High School Students
Get a head start by becoming a dual credit student. Dual credit students attend UCC and high school at the same time! You can complete high school requirements, work on college prerequisites and earn credits towards a degree or certificate all at the same time.
Residents of WA, ID, NV, and CA
If you are from Washington, Idaho, Nevada, or California, you pay Oregon resident tuition rates. That's a big discount! You might also be interested in what life is like around UCC. Find out.
Money for College
Get access to millions of dollars that are available to students - not just loans. There are scholarships, grants and work study opportunities too! Every student can use money for college. It can help you to be more successful. Plus, it can lower your debt load when you finish college. Some students actually leave college debt-free! Here are some important sources of money for college. Don't let these opportunities for financial aid pass you by. Act now! Decide. Commit. Succeed.
- Pell Grants part of FAFSA (for undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need.)
- Federal Work Study part of FAFSA (Work on Campus. Get experience in the workforce.)
- Scholarships, OSAC, FAFSA, and more (Sources of money for college.)
- UCC Scholars (Tuition waiver for high school seniors with high GPAs.)
Why UCC?
Engineering technology faculty members at UCC have practical experience working in business and industry. They bring their real world experience into the classroom. Faculty members network with employers, and are able to work cooperatively with the UCC Advising and Career Center to assist you in finding internships and permanent employment.
Contact
Prospective students should contact an Enrollment Advisor to get started and then see a program advisor (below) to develop a more focused educational plan.
Clay Baumgartner, PE - Contact
Chair, Associate Professor, Engineering / Surveying & CIS
Phone: 541-440-4683
