Removing impurities from the water used in oil and gas operations is a key part of the industry’s efforts to recycle and reuse as much water as possible. You use your knowledge of chemistry and the workings of a highly sophisticated treatment plant to make that happen. You enjoy combining technology and a focus on problem solving to return water back to its purer state.
Wastewater technicians monitor and operate computerized control systems and their related equipment in wastewater, sewage treatment and liquid waste plants. They use a variety of technologies including filters and centrifuges, to remove dissolved and suspended solids, chemicals, salts and other impurities from the water used in oil and gas operations. This is done to recycle and reuse as much water as possible.
I'm interested in a career in
- Sub-sector Exploration and production, Oil and gas services, Oil sands, Pipelines
- Environment Primarily outdoor work
- Average Salary $46,000 to $59,000
- Education High school diploma
In this occupation activities may include:
- Analyzing test results from wastewater samples and instrument readings
- Operating and controlling process levels, temperatures, pressures and flows for applicable utilities, processes and systems in a safe and efficient manner
- Operating and adjusting controls on equipment to purify and clarify water, process or dispose sewage and generate power
- Adjusting plant equipment and systems to ensure quality control
- Adjusting chemical feed rates to ensure that disinfection processes meet quality standards
Education
- A high school diploma (or equivalent) is typically required, in addition to any relevant water and wastewater operator certification. There are five certification levels for water and wastewater system operators and the size of the treatment plant typically dictates the level of operator required. Some employers and levels of certification require additional post-secondary training in water and wastewater technician, water engineering technology, water treatment technology or power engineering technology.
Certifications
- Water and wastewater operator certification
- Standard and emergency first aid
- H2S Alive
Licensing
- Some jobs may require Class 5 driver’s licence and a clean driving record
Additional Requirements
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical assessment and drug test
- Minimal or no travel
- Shiftwork/variable work hours
- Primarily outdoor work
- Work not physically demanding
- Safety-sensitive environment
- Work away from home/in camps
Aside from a command of chemistry, it is a benefit to be mechanically inclined and to have a knack for troubleshooting under pressure.
- Chemistry
- Mechanics
- Maintaining equipment
- Monitoring operations
- Attention to detail
- Critical thinking
- Quality control analysis
- Controlling operations
- Analyzing systems
- Evaluating systems
