Water Resources Science | Oregon State University

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: advanced (Level 4)(based on Doctoral Degree)

Plant-wide operational standards and procedures — develop and implement to ensure regulatory compliance and treatment efficiency across all shifts at a large water or wastewater facility.
Routine and emergency plant operations workforce — direct, coordinate, and evaluate to sustain safe, effective treatment system performance at organizational scale.
Capital maintenance plans and equipment replacement strategies — lead development of using engineering knowledge and long-term operational data for utility management.
Training programs for new and developing plant operators — design and deliver using adult learning principles to build competency across the workforce.
Cross-departmental and regulatory agency relationships — manage through clear communication and negotiation to represent plant operations interests at a public utility.
Process improvement initiatives for chemical usage, energy consumption, and waste reduction — lead using complex problem-solving and systems-level analysis of plant performance data.
Emergency response and contingency plans for treatment failures or contamination events — author and execute to protect public safety and maintain regulatory standing.
Compliance reporting and public safety documentation — oversee preparation and submission to ensure accuracy and timeliness under applicable law and government frameworks.
Advanced industrial control software and enterprise data systems — direct configuration and integration to enhance operational monitoring and management decision-making.
Organizational culture of attention to detail, integrity, and safety — model and reinforce through daily leadership behaviors and formal performance management at the plant level.

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.