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Water Plant Operator Courses

A Water Plant Operator manages, treats, and tests water supplies, ensuring quality and safety while maintaining equipment and following procedures.

    • AI Exposure: Medium

      This role has a moderate level of AI exposure. AI can enhance efficiency for some tasks, but this job still relies on human skills and decision-making.

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  • This role has a moderate level of AI exposure. AI can enhance efficiency for some tasks, but this job still relies on human skills and decision-making.
      • NSW
      • ACT
      • VIC
      • QLD
      • TAS
      • WA
      • NT
      • SA
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).

How do I become a Water Plant Operator?

Get qualified to work as a Water Plant Operator with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.

Common questions

In Australia, a full time Water Plant Operator generally earns $1,400 per week ($72,800 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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The number of people working in this industry has increased slightly in recent years. There are currently 4,200 people employed as a Water Plant Operator in Australia compared to 3,900 five years ago. Water Plant Operators may be employed across all regions of Australia.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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If you’re interested in a career as a Water Plant Operator, consider enrolling in a Certificate IV in Water Industry Treatment. This course allows you to choose electives based on your career plans including desalination, sedimentation, chemical dosing and pathogen removal. You could also consider a Certificate IV in Water Industry Operations.

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All water plant operator courses

Water Plant Operator careers

A Water Plant Operator works at a water facility to store, treat or distribute water supplies. You might manage water storage levels or prepare water supplies for future use. Water Plant Operators might use chemicals to treat water supplies or remove impurities through filtration or agitation. You might conduct testing on water or maintain equipment used at a plant.

Water Plant Operators should have strong attention to detail and be able to use correct procedures during their work. It’s important you can follow directions and work as part of a larger team. Water Plant Operators need to attend to various administrative tasks and may have to perform manual labour duties when required.

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