92101

Water and waste treatment plant operators

TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Manufacturing & utilities

9 › 92 › 921 › 9210

Definition

Water treatment plant operators monitor and operate computerized control systems and related equipment in water filtration and treatment plants to regulate the treatment and distribution of water. Liquid waste plant operators monitor and operate computerized control systems and related equipment in wastewater, sewage treatment and liquid waste plants to regulate the treatment and disposal of sewage and wastes. They are employed by municipal governments and industrial facilities. This unit group also includes waste treatment plant operators in composting plants and other waste management facilities.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Water treatment plant operators
Operate and monitor computerized control systems and related equipment in water filtration and treatment plants to regulate the treatment and distribution of water
Monitor and inspect plant equipment and systems to detect equipment malfunctions and to ensure plant systems are operating normally
Read flow meters, gauges and other recording instruments to measure water output and consumption levels, bacterial content, chlorine and fluoride levels
Collect and test water samples for chemical and bacterial content, analyze test results and instrument readings and make adjustments to plant equipment and systems to ensure quality control
Provide verbal or written instructions for process control changes to waterworks system to ensure water produced meets standardized quality requirements
Perform security checks in plant and on grounds
Respond to public enquiries regarding water quality issues and emergencies
Complete and maintain plant logs, reports and statistics
May perform minor maintenance or assist skilled tradespersons with installation and repair of plant machinery
May measure, mix and transport chemicals to maintain feed stocks.
Liquid waste plant operators
Operate and monitor computerized control systems and related equipment in wastewater treatment, sewage treatment and liquid waste plants to regulate the flow of sewage through settling, aeration and digestion tanks, and to treat and dispose of sewage and wastes
Patrol plant to check pumps, motors, filters, chlorinators and other plant equipment; monitor and read gauges, meters and other recording instruments to detect equipment malfunctions and ensure plant systems and equipment are operating within prescribed limits
Test and adjust chemical feed rates to ensure that disinfection processes meet quality standards
Collect waste and sewage samples, test and analyze results and make adjustments to plant equipment and systems as required
Perform security checks in plant and on grounds
Complete and maintain plant logs and reports
Perform preventive maintenance on plant equipment to ensure that the facility operates in accordance with required standards
May assist skilled tradespersons with installation and repair of plant machinery.

Example job titles

•environmental systems operator - water treatment
•liquid waste process operator
•sewage plant operator
•waste treatment plant operator
•wastewater treatment plant operator
•water filtration plant operator
•water purification plant operator
•water treatment plant operator

Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021, NOC 92101 covers Water and waste treatment plant operators. Classified as a TEER 2 occupation, these skilled professionals monitor and operate computerized control systems and related equipment in water filtration, purification, and waste treatment plants. They regulate the treatment and distribution of water, as well as the safe treatment and disposal of sewage and effluent, ensuring strict compliance with environmental and public health standards.

Common job duties under NOC 92101 include testing water and sewage samples, reading flow meters, adding chemicals to treat water, and performing routine maintenance on plant equipment. To qualify for Canadian immigration under this code, candidates typically require the completion of secondary school, along with provincial or territorial certification in water or wastewater treatment. As a TEER 2 occupation, individuals in this category may be eligible for key Canadian immigration pathways, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program under Express Entry and various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

Disclaimer: This information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice. For official guidelines, please consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a regulated Canadian immigration consultant.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.