Water / Wastewater Technology

About our program

Water Supply Technology and Wastewater Technology Programs at Green River College will prepare you for entry-level employment as water supply or wastewater technicians. These professionals make daily decisions that affecting public health and the environment.

Our graduates are primarily employed by cities, counties, federal agencies and industry that operate and maintain water treatment, water distribution, wastewater collection or wastewater treatment systems. They may also find employment in support roles such as equipment sales.

The Water Supply Technology and Wastewater Technology programs at Green River College prepare students for employment in a variety of areas.  These may include:

  • Entry level positions operating and maintaining public drinking water distribution systems
  • Entry level positions in municipal wastewater treatment facilities

You can enroll in the Water/Wastewater Technology program at Green River anytime during the quarter as space is available.

Important information

Certificates of Proficiency in Water Distribution Technology and Municipal Wastewater Treatment Technology may be completed in as few as three quarters, depending on your skills in composition, computation and computing.

Associate in Applied Science Degrees in Water Supply Technology and Wastewater Technology may be completed in eight quarters, or two years.

The programs may also be completed on a part-time basis over a longer period of time.

All Water/Wastewater classes are managed by the Washington Environmental Training Center and are self-support.

  • Classes are fee based and exempt from the institutional refund policy and the regular registration process.

Characteristics

of successful students

Water and wastewater operators need mechanical aptitude and the ability to solve problems.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, personal and academic competencies for water workers include:

Interpersonal Skills | Integrity | Professionalism | Motivation | Dependability and Reliability | Self-Development |Flexibility and Adaptability | Ability to Learn
Academic Competencies | Mathematics | Science | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking | Engineering and Technology | Critical and Analytical Thinking
Basic Computer Skills

Degrees & Certificates

Associates

Certificates

Gainful Employment Information

ClassFinder

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Contact Us

  • Amy Davidson
    Program Advisor
    253-833-9111, ext. 2637
  • Eric Shea
    Water and Wastewater Technology Adjunct Faculty
    253-833-9111, ext. 3370

 

 

Washington Environmental Training Center

Find out more about training in the Technology of Water

Located at Green River College WETRC is a non-profit, self-supported training organization founded in 1974 under the direction of the Environmental Protection Agency. WETRC provides specialized training and continuing education for water or wastewater personnel as well as backflow assembly testers. Our program allows students and professionals to maintain and upgrade their certification, meeting state training requirements.

Visit WETRC

Work for Water

Learn about exciting career opportunities!

A place for job seekers, current students and employers to find resources or employees and explore this career field.

Visit Work for Water

EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

Occupations: Water Treatment Plant Operator, Wastewater Operator

Earnings: Range from $24.82 to $29.33 an hour, entry to mid-level.

Data source: CareerOneStop.org