Potential earnings
£53,596.62
Water and sewerage plant operatives operate valves to control water supplies in mains and pipelines, attend screening, filtering, water purifying and sedimentation plant, clear any blockages and patrol and maintain sewerage systems.
Main tasks
- Digs trench and assists pipe layers to lay, renew or repair sewerage pipes.
- Patrols sections of sewer, examines for any blockages or gas releases and clears blockages by flushing or by using boring rods.
- Cleans out screen compartments, sedimentation tanks and filtration beds manually or using mechanical scraper.
- Regulates flow of raw sewage into screening plant, releases screened sewage and regulates its flow into detritus pits, sedimentation tanks and filtration beds.
- Stops water supply in an emergency and informs consumers likely to be affected.
- Opens and closes valves to regulate quantity and pressure of water and reports defective valves or abnormal water pressure.
- Attends water filtration and purification plant, monitors chemical treatment and regulates treatment of water supply within strict guidelines.
Source: Office for National Statistics.
Salary and earnings
Average earnings
£34,571.71
Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).
Skills & knowledge
The top 5 most important skills and knowledge requirements relevant to this career.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
What course level do I need to study?
The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.
Educational requirements: Level 2 NVQ; GCSE at grades A*-C
Source: Office for National Statistics.
| Level of study | Percentage achieved |
|---|---|
| Level 0 | 2% |
| Level 1 | 16% |
| Level 2 | 19% |
| Level 3 | 31% |
| Level 4-5 (Higher Education) | 10% |
| Level 6 (Bachelors) | 20% |
| Level 7 (Masters or equivalent) | 2% |
Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.
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Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.
