Wastewater Treatment Operators are on the front lines of protecting Hawaiʻi’s environment and communities. They operate and maintain systems that clean wastewater before it’s safely returned to the environment or reused for non-potable purposes like irrigation. In Hawaiʻi, where land and water resources are limited and precious, this role is vital to preserving ecosystems, preventing pollution, and supporting climate resilience. Operators may work at municipal plants, decentralized systems, or private facilities serving resorts, schools, or rural communities. In some cases, they also assist with biosolids processing or reuse initiatives.

This position generally requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Preferred candidates often have:

• A certificate or associate degree in environmental science, wastewater operations, or a related technical field.

• On-the-job training or internship experience at a treatment facility.

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Operators in Hawaiʻi become certified through the Hawaiʻi Wastewater Operator Certification Program, which requires:

• Passing a certification exam aligned with the classification of the treatment facility.

• Meeting minimum hours of work experience for each level of certification.

• Completing continuing education units (CEUs) every two years to maintain certification.

• Additional training in health and safety, lab procedures, and emergency response is often required or encouraged.

Knowledge of:

• Daily operations and maintenance of wastewater treatment systems—from large centralized plants to decentralized systems like aerobic treatment units (ATUs), lagoons, or constructed wetlands.

• Core treatment principles including biological nutrient removal, disinfection, sedimentation, and filtration.

• Safe handling of chlorine, UV, and other disinfection systems—especially in coastal or groundwater-sensitive areas.

• Arithmetic and basic chemistry as applied to flow rates, chemical dosing, and lab testing.

• Personal protective equipment (PPE) and local safety protocols, including confined space entry and spill response.

• Sampling procedures and routine water quality tests, in alignment with Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) standards.

• Environmental regulations specific to Hawaiʻi’s sensitive ecosystems, including nearshore waters and watersheds.

Skill in:

• Operating and adjusting mechanical and electrical components like pumps, valves, blowers, and sensors.

• Troubleshooting equipment in both urban and rural environments where immediate technical support may be limited.

• Conducting routine maintenance, cleaning, and painting of facility infrastructure.

• Using SCADA systems, flow meters, and lab equipment to monitor system performance.

• Balancing traditional engineering knowledge with real-world conditions unique to island infrastructure.

Ability to:

• Recognize unusual or hazardous system conditions and respond quickly to prevent overflows or contamination.

• Record and interpret data from gauges, meters, and logs.

• Direct and train lower-level or apprentice staff, especially in small teams or remote facilities.

• Read and interpret treatment plant schematics, distribution system maps, and process flow diagrams.

• Maintain accurate records and prepare compliance reports required by the DOH or EPA.

• Build and sustain effective relationships with coworkers, supervisors, regulators, and community members.