Associate of Applied Science in Instrumentation and Control
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Bismarck State College
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Water and wastewater careers make a meaningful impact by ensuring clean drinking water and treating wastewater to protect health and the environment. These in-demand roles combine technical skills with a focus on sustainability.
Careers > Water and Wastewater
Looking for a career that makes a big impact on your community and the environment? Consider water and wastewater careers. These fields offer a wide range of job opportunities that focus on managing and improving the water we drink and the water that leaves our homes. As populations grow and climate change affects water resources, the demand for skilled workers in water and wastewater industries is expected to increase.
Water career professionals work in water treatment plants to ensure that the water coming into our communities is clean and safe for everyone to use. This might involve testing water samples, monitoring equipment, and working with the latest technologies to remove contaminants from water. If you're interested in environmental science or chemistry, this could be a perfect fit.
On the wastewater side, careers involve treating the water that goes down drains and toilets. You'd help make sure that wastewater is cleaned and returned to the environment in a way that doesn't harm ecosystems or public health. This field offers jobs like wastewater treatment plant operators, where you might manage the cleaning processes or ensure that systems are working efficiently.
These careers require a combination of technical skills, problem-solving, and a commitment to sustainability. Many roles offer hands-on work in the field and opportunities to work with cutting-edge technology. Plus, these jobs are in high demand and can lead to well-paying, stable careers.
If you're interested in science, technology, and making a positive difference in the world, water and wastewater careers might be a great path for you to explore.
Bismarck State College
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Nuclear power plant technician: Requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with technical training or on-the-job experience.
Nuclear reactor operator: Typically requires an associate degree in a technical field, such as nuclear technology or engineering.
Transmission and distribution workers keep the flow of electricity – whatever its source – going to homes and businesses safely and reliably. But this critical industry faces a shortage in skilled labor, creating high-growth, rewarding career opportunities throughout the U.S. that workers can access via apprenticeships and other shorter-term credentialing opportunities.
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Lineworker: Often requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with technical training or an apprenticeship program.
Electrical substation technician: Typically requires an associate degree in electrical technology or a related field.
From fueling power plants to keeping up with demand in the chemical manufacturing industry, natural gas is in high demand, and so are workers who can extract, process, and transport this cleaner-burning energy source. Credential pathways include certificate and apprenticeship programs.
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Pipeline technician: Requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with technical training or on-the-job experience.
Gas plant operator: Typically requires an associate degree in a technical field, such as process technology or instrumentation.
The target of significant government funding programs, renewable energy enjoys diverse sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal, that will shape the future of how we power our planet. Millions of good-paying jobs will be needed to realize that future.
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Solar panel installer: Often requires technical training or on-the-job experience, but a high school diploma or equivalent is helpful.
Wind turbine technician: Typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with technical training or on-the-job experience.
The future may be bright for renewable energy, but in the interim, coal generates about one fourth of the nation’s electricity. It remains the primary source of energy in many states. Modern approaches have made coal-sourced electricity production cleaner than in the past. In addition to transferrable skills that support maintenance, transportation, technician, and other traditional roles, there is demand for workers who can support clean coal initiatives like carbon capture and storage.
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Carbon capture and storage (CCS) Technician: This role involves monitoring and maintaining equipment used to capture and store carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants.
Environmental compliance specialist: Ensures that coal operations adhere to environmental regulations and standards.
Coal mine automation engineer: Designs and implements automated systems to improve efficiency and safety in coal mining operations.
Note: While some roles within these specializations may require a degree, strong technical skills and certifications can also provide entry points to rewarding careers in the industry.
Water engineers and technicians aren’t just needed to support a critical segment in the renewable energy sector but also help ensure a sustainable supply of clean water for communities and industries, addressing challenges like water scarcity and pollution. Growth occupations include water transportation workers, plant and system operators, resource specialists, water technicians, and more.
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Water treatment plant operator: Typically requires an associate degree in a technical field, such as environmental technology or water treatment.
Wastewater treatment plant operator: Typically requires an associate degree in a technical field, such as environmental technology or wastewater treatment.