Water Solutions You Can Trust

1. 🎓 Meet the Basic Education Requirements

Most provinces require:

• High school diploma (Grade 12)
• Post-secondary courses in chemistry, biology, environmental science, or engineering are highly recommended

Some provinces offer specialized programs through community colleges or technical institutes. For example:

• Ontario: Entry-Level Course (ELC) offered via Walkerton Clean Water Centre and 16 colleges A
• Alberta: Environmental Operator training via Alberta Environment and Protected Areas B

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2. 📜 Get Certified

Certification is mandatory and varies by province. You’ll need to:

• Pass the Operator-in-Training (OIT) exam
• Gain experience in a classified facility
• Progress through Class 1 to Class 4 licenses depending on your experience and training hours

Each province has its own regulatory body:

Province Regulatory Authority
Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (via OWWCO)
British Columbia Environmental Operators Certification Program
Alberta Alberta Environment and Protected Areas
Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change
Manitoba Water & Wastewater Facility Operators Certification Program
New Brunswick Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification

You can find full details on Job Bank Canada’s certification guide B.

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3. 🧪 Gain Experience

Hands-on experience is crucial. You’ll need:

• 1 year to move from OIT to Class 1
• Up to 5 years for Class 4
• Experience must be in a facility classified at or above the level you’re applying for

Many municipalities offer internships or entry-level roles for OITs.

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4. 🔍 Search for Jobs

Use these platforms to find openings:

• Job Bank Canada – National listings B
• OWWCO’s Operator Workforce Matching Portal – Ontario-specific job matching A
• Municipal websites – Many cities post openings directly
• LinkedIn and Indeed – Filter by “Water/Wastewater Operator” and location

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5. 🧠 Keep Learning

Operators must complete Director-approved training annually to maintain certification. Topics include:

• Safety protocols (WHMIS, TDG)
• Process control
• Emergency response
• SCADA systems

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🌱 Why Choose This Career?

Water and wastewater operators are essential to public health and environmental protection. The job offers:

• Strong job security
• Competitive wages
• Opportunities for advancement
• A sense of purpose in serving your community