Filtration Plant Operators


Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources > Filtration Plant Operators > Working Conditions
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Filtration Plant Operators

Filtration Plant Operators - Working Conditions

In a typical work setting, water treatment plant operators:

Interpersonal Relationships

  • Have a high level of job-required social contact. They interact with coworkers throughout the day.
  • Are responsible for the work done by the workers they supervise.
  • Are responsible for the health and safety of the public.
  • Communicate with coworkers daily by telephone or in person.
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  • Work in a group or as part of a team.

Physical Work Conditions

  • Work both indoors and outdoors. They may work in buildings that do not have air conditioning or heat.
  • Always wear protective or safety attire, such as gloves.
  • Are always exposed to contaminants, such as dangerous gases.
  • Are exposed to equipment noise and odors that are distracting and uncomfortable on a daily basis.
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  • Work in enclosed equipment on a daily basis.
  • Are often exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures while working outdoors. They often work outdoors in structures that have a roof, but no walls.
  • Are often exposed to hazardous situations which may produce cuts or burns.
  • Are often exposed to hazardous equipment or conditions, such as malfunctioning equipment or slippery walkways.
  • Are often exposed to diseases or infections from wastewater.
  • Are sometimes exposed to cramped work places that require getting into awkward positions.
  • Work with other people, but usually have many feet separating them from others.

Work Performance

  • Must be sure their work is exact. Errors or oversights could seriously endanger the environment or the public's health.
  • Repeat the same physical activities.
  • Make decisions on a daily basis that strongly impacts the public. They rarely consult a supervisor before making a decision.
  • Must sometimes allow the work pace to be set by the speed of the equipment.
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  • Rarely consult a supervisor before setting tasks for the day.
  • Must meet strict deadlines on a weekly basis.

Hours/Travel

  • Generally do not have a set schedule each week. Their schedules depend on the weather.
  • Usually work more than 40 hours a week.
  • Usually work one of three eight-hour shifts and weekends and holidays, on a rotating basis.
  • May be required to work overtime during emergency conditions.
Source: Illinois Career Information System (CIS) brought to you by Illinois Department of Employment Security.