waste water treatment plant
Increasing environmental regulations, population growth, and an aging infrastructure has brought about increased demand for skilled wastewater operators.

Start your path to certification with this Wastewater Operator microcredential, providing in demand skills in the critical processes of safely and efficiently managing the treatment of wastewater to protect public health and the environment. You will study the fundamental principles and mechanisms of various wastewater treatment methods. You will gain hands-on experience in managing daily operations of wastewater treatment plants, ensuring compliance with State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permits. You will understand relevant state regulations and how to monitor and analyze treatment processes effectively. 

Learn how treatment systems work, how to monitor water quality, operate and maintain equipment, interpret lab results, and comply with environmental regulations. Successful completion satisfies the pre-certification required by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) for Wastewater Operators. 

Upon completion, you will be awarded a digital badge that can be added to your resume and LinkedIn profile.

Microcredential

After SUNY Ulster

With pre-certification requirements met, you are ready to apply for entry level positions at wastewater treatment facilities, building the required number of work hours to apply for full certification.  In addition, the credits earned in this program can be applied at any time toward the Individual Studies Associate degree program.
sewage pools

7 Credits

  • SCI 116 Basic Wastewater Operations 4 cr.

  • DCB 1735 Water Treatment: Basic Mathematics 0 cr.

  • SCI 104 Environmental Themes 3 cr.

Employment Potential

For students looking for rewarding career opportunities with economic mobility, this microcredential provides a practical career path. Locally, the industry is facing a wave of retirements, creating a critical need for a new generation of skilled professionals to maintain and improve wastewater systems, safeguard water resources, and support sustainable development.
  • Assistant Wastewater Operator

  • Wastewater Operator Trainee

  • Junior Plant Operator

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Get in Touch

Reach out to our Enrollment & Success team today if you have any questions.

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