Water Treatment Worker

Typical Salary

£17,000 To £32,000

Typical Hours

42 to 44 a week

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How To Become a Water Treatment Worker

You can get into this job through:

a college course
an apprenticeship
applying directly

College / University

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include the Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Water Engineering with a choice of 4 pathways.

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships relevant to this role include:

Level 2 Water process operative
Level 3 Water treatment technician

some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

You could apply directly to work as a water treatment worker. Some employers may ask for GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English, maths and a science.

Experience of working in industrial plant maintenance may give you an advantage.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

the ability to analyse quality or performance
knowledge of public safety and security
observation and recording skills
the ability to operate and control equipment
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to work on your own
the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
analytical thinking skills
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

In your day-to-day tasks you may:

operate equipment to treat sewage
clean and maintain tanks and filters
add chemicals and microbes to treat water
take readings and keep accurate records
check drinking water samples for quality
ensure site security and safety

Working Environment

You could work in a control room.

Your working environment may be dirty, physically demanding, cramped, at height and outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career Path & Progression

With experience, you could become a team leader. With further training, you could become an engineering technician or a water engineer.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Further information

You'll find more advice about careers and training in the water industry through Talent Source Network.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

pass a medical check

You'll have to register with a water industry safety scheme.