Water Resources and Policy | University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 51-8031.00

Skills

Operation and ControlOperations MonitoringMonitoringActive ListeningSpeakingTroubleshootingRepairingQuality Control Analysis

Knowledge

Public Safety and SecurityMechanicalEnglish LanguageChemistryAdministration and Management

Abilities

Oral ComprehensionOral ExpressionNear VisionWritten ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningProblem SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingSelective AttentionControl Precision

Tasks

Collect and test water and sewage samples, using test equipment and color analysis standards.
Operate and adjust controls on equipment to purify and clarify water, process or dispose of sewage,
Record operational data, personnel attendance, or meter and gauge readings on specified forms.
Complete wastewater discharge monitoring reports and maintenance logs.
Maintain and repair portable safety equipment and permanent safety infrastructure to ensure operational readiness and compliance with safety protocols.

Technology

Compliance softwareData base user interface and query softwareGeographic information systemIndustrial control softwareSpreadsheet software

Tools

Absorption equipmentAeration compressorsAeratorsAerobic digestersAgitatorsAir monitoring equipmentAir strippersAmmoniatorsAmmonium analyzersAnaerobic treatment equipmentAtomic absorption AA spectrophotometersAutosamplersBackwash filtersBiochemical oxygen demand analyzersBlowers

Work Values

SupportIndependenceAchievementWorking ConditionsRecognitionRelationships

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium51-8031.00	Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators	title_inference	—	—	—

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: proficient (Level 3)(based on Post-Baccalaureate Certificate)

Complex water and sewage quality deviations — diagnose by interpreting test data and adjusting chemical dosing or process controls autonomously across full treatment cycles.
Plant equipment controls for purification, clarification, and solids disposal — operate and fine-tune to optimize performance under variable influent conditions without oversight.
Non-routine operational events and equipment malfunctions — troubleshoot using deductive reasoning and mechanical knowledge to restore compliance with minimal downtime.
Chemical treatment strategies for disinfection and odor control — evaluate and modify based on seasonal variation, regulatory limits, and incoming water quality at a public utility.
Maintenance and repair tasks for pumps, valves, and mechanical systems — execute using hand and power tools, following manufacturer specifications and plant safety standards.
Compliance software, GIS tools, and database interfaces — use proficiently to track operational data, generate required regulatory reports, and identify process trends.
Quality control analyses of treatment outputs — perform and interpret independently, recommending process adjustments to meet public health and environmental standards.
Inspection findings from tanks, filter beds, and distribution infrastructure — document in detail and use to prioritize corrective maintenance actions.
Regulatory requirements under applicable water and environmental law — apply accurately in daily operations decisions and incident documentation.
Shift scheduling conflicts and multi-task priorities — manage independently using time management and critical thinking to maintain continuous plant operation.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.