How to Become a CA Certified Operator

[Eltoro590]

Question.I want to file for the upcoming grade 1 exam and I am currently enrolled in a WW treatment JC program and wont have the "directly" related courses done by the filing deadline. I do have college credits in "indirectly" related classes.Including bio,chem,etc.Will this satisfy the 6 education points I need if I attach the transcript to my exam application?I read that you get 1 ed. pt for every 10 hrs. of indirect course class instruction. Does a 3 unit course=4.8 ed pts (16weeksx3hrs/week)

[CAwastewater]

@Eltoro590 Basically. Give the state a call and see what they have to say. I've never heard of someone trying it without some sort of wastewater class under their belt. Make sure you talk to someone that knows what their talking about (9 out of 10 times you call the person doesnt really know the regulations). 916 341-5819

[Eltoro590]

@CAwastewater Thanks a lot. I will call. I'm just trying to fast track the process. I desperately need a career change after being in printing and construction....both have gone to you $%4*&!!! Thanks for the great information, its been a big help!

[CAwastewater]

@Eltoro590 No problem. If you have any other questions, email me at cawastewater@yahoo.com

[epakerd]

can u film what your job is like and post it on youtube?

[CAwastewater]

@epakerd I could but it wouldnt be representative of the industry as a whole. Some plants are very laid back and others are busy busy busy. But im going to be making process videos very soon.

[hassan1854]

Can I take Grade One right way

[CAwastewater]

@hassan1854 Yes, but if you pass you only have 4 years to get your one year as an OIT before the test expires and you will have to re take it.

[miltonalcon]

Do you WWTP operatosr find your job fullfilling and stimulating on a day-to-day basis?

[CAwastewater]

@miltonalcon I would say it depends on where you work... some plants are laid back, others you work your butt off. To each his/her own.

[latinlady1987]

What is the pathway to become an OIT?

[CAwastewater]

@latinlady1987 There is no pathway. Just get hired as one at a treatment plant.

[twtmei88]

is this field mainly for guys? i have a bachelor in chemistry and interested in working in environmental chemistry field related to water treatment. please help...thanks

[CAwastewater]

@twtmei88 I have met plenty of female operators. But, I would say its tougher. The job is physically demanding. I think someone with your college background would be very suited for a lab position at a treatment plant.

[twtmei88]

@CAwastewater ic. thanks for the input. it is so hard for me to find an internship or entry level lab position at a plant as i am no longer a student.

do u have any suggestion? many thanks

[CAwastewater]

@twtmei88 Where do you live? CA? If so keep an eye on CWEA.org job postings, BC water jobs, and Calopps websites for new jobs in CA. If you live out of state I don't know of any websites for jobs outside of CA.  You should try to get your Lab Analyst certificate from CWEA (if you live in CA). It will make you a more desirable candidate.

[twtmei88]

@CAwastewater Sorry for the late reply. Yes, I am living in California, around 60-10 freeway. Thank you for your reply. Are you working as an operator now? I am working in a privately owned analytical lab. I am sure u know the place if I mention the name.

[CAwastewater]

@twtmei88 Yes I am an operator now.  I work for Veolia Water at the Novato CA treatment plant off of US 101.

[IndieBraah]

Very informative video ! Thanks Christian !

[cogenman]

Good information guy. I appreciate it.  I'm going to go the same path you went. Thanks.

[cogenman]

Good information guy. I appreciate it. I'm going to go the same path you went. Thanks.

[khoachino]

I just checked with the SAC CSU and all those books are 12 CEU's and the "small system" are only 6 ceu's.

[CAwastewater]

@khoachino Did you call them? They have no idea what theyre talking about half the time. Theyre website still says that all 5 of them are 9 CEU's.

Doesnt matter anyways even if you are right. If you're right then that means 12 x 3 = 36 plus 6 x 2 = 12 for a grand total of 48 CEU's... 3 more than 9 x 5 = 45 CEU's

[MrTripplenipple]

Thank you. You should vblog about your days working and how it all goes...hopefully not too much stress...good luck!

[MrTripplenipple]

I just graduated with an A.S. degree @ santiago canyon college with a degree in Water Utility Science:Water Treatment. I also got my Distribution license Grade 2!!! taking my treatment grade 2 in november....Still, no job =(

[CAwastewater]

@MrTripplenipple sounds like youre on the right path to an awesome water job

[R9G5V6]

Hey CAwastewater at this job do they have masks or something to prevent from smelling the foul odor of the wastewater please explain.

[CAwastewater]

@R9G5V6 No, they do not provide masks to prevent smelling odors. The only time a mask is provided is when you need to enter an area that has a hazardous atmosphere. If you cant handle the smell, then this job is not for you.

[slowburnglassworks]

Just remember everybody, "Your Poo is our Bread and Butter" Keep it coming. :)

[ENOCH1611]

does this count for the state of kentucky too, thanks

[CAwastewater]

@ENOCH1611 I have no idea. I only know CA regulations. Contact your states water control board for information.

[R9G5V6]

@ENOCH1611 this viseo is for california only BRO! ha ha ha ha just kidding but this is really good info for me because im planning on going to school for this and i want to learn about what it takes and what it consists of.

[WhyUNoDie]

Don't waste ur time going to school for this. Get in the field 1st as an OIT otherwise it's a waste of time. Doesn't matter what Grade u pass, u can't be certified without the experiences. It must be experience from an POTW Treatmeant Plant otherwise it doesn't count.

[CAwastewater]

Very true. But sometimes its hard to just "get in the field" unless you know someone already in the industry. I find that your chances of getting hired are greater the higher level of certificate you pass.

[R9G5V6]

@WhyUNoDie nobody listen to this dumbfuck. If you want to improve your way of life and you wanna make money go to school.

[thestraightshooter52]

Great Information! Thanks for posting.