Four reasons to join the wastewater industry:

Job Security

There will always be a need for clean water, but currently the wastewater industry is facing a wave of retirements. This creates stable and long-term careers for young professionals interested in joining the workforce.

Tons of Opportunities

From hands-on operator work to laboratory and analytical positions, a variety of roles are in high demand at treatment facilities. Many of these positions are entry-level with little or no experience required.

Protecting the Environment

Wastewater professionals play an important role in ensuring that the nation’s waterbodies are clean for wildlife and people.

Rewarding Career

Get paid to do work that makes a difference; plus, enjoy opportunities for continued education, networking and career advancement.

What Professionals Are Saying

Quotes collected from industry professionals through a NEIWPCC survey.

There are tons of opportunities for personal growth. The equipment is interesting. The technology is constantly evolving, and it is both challenging and rewarding.
It means a lot to provide a critical service that protects both environmental and public health.
There are so many different paths and/or disciplines in wastewater, that anyone with a growth mindset and self-motivation can find their niche and enjoy a very successful and rewarding career!
I didn't find the wastewater industry, it found me. I needed a steady job, to be able to pay the bills, and decent benefits for my growing family; all the boxes got checked.

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Stacy Thompson, Deputy Director of the Saco (Maine) Water Resource Recovery Department, shares her passion and path to a rewarding career in the wastewater industry.

Wastewater operator certification programs in the NEIWPCC states

Connecticut

Operator Certification for Municipal Wastewater Treatment Facilities
Contact: Craig Motasky, craig.motasky@ct.gov

Maine (NEIWPCC coordinated)

NEIWPCC’s South Portland office coordinates the Maine Operator Certification
Contact: Spring Connolly, sconnolly@neiwpcc.org; or Judy Bruenjes, judy.k.bruenjes@maine.gov

Massachusetts (NEIWPCC coordinated)

Massachusetts Wastewater Operator Training and Certification
Contact: Michelle Jenkins, mjenkins@neiwpcc.org; John Murphy, john.j.murphy@mass.gov

New Hampshire

Wastewater Operator Certification
Contact: MaryJane Meier, MaryJane.Meier@des.nh.gov

New York

View the NYSDEC wastewater operator certification webpage and the wastewater treatment plant operation webpage; View the NYWEA Operator Certification Manual
Contact: Meredith Streeter, meredith.streeter@dec.ny.gov; or NYWEA’s Operator Certification Administrator, Tanya May Jennings, tmj@nywea.org or by phone 315-422-7811 (x4)

Rhode Island

Wastewater Operator Certification FAQs
Contact: Matt Puglia, Matt.Puglia@dem.ri.gov

Vermont

Wastewater Treatment (Pollution Abatement) Facility Operator License info
Contact: Amy Polaczyk, Amy.Polaczyk@vermont.gov

State Water Associations: