a7 career opportunities in the water wastewater industry

Career Opportunities in the Water and Wastewater Industry

Ontario Ministry of the Environment – Drinking Water Management Division

November 3, 2010OCASI Annual Conference

www.ontario.ca/drinkingwater

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Purpose of Presentation• Background on Ontario’s drinking water.

• Describe Ontario’s Drinking Water and Wastewater Certification Program.

• Outline career opportunities for internationally trained professionals and others who are interested in pursuing a career in the water industry.

• Provide opportunity for questions and discussion.

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Ontario’s Drinking Water

• Many of our immigrants come from countries where the water is not safe to drink.

• Since the tragedy of Walkerton ten years ago, Ontario has become a world leader in drinking water protection.

• Extensive network of safeguards, a safety net, that covers the entire drinking water system, from source to tap.

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Ontario’s Drinking Water• Over 99% of results from municipal

drinking water meet our strict, health-based standards.

• Ministry of the Environment inspects annually all municipal drinking water systems and the licensed laboratories that analyze water samples.

• Most inexpensive drinking water choice, costing about1/8 of one cent per litre.

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Strong Training System

• The strength of our safety net ultimately rests on the people who operate and manage the treatment systems.

• Training requirements for operators among the most stringent in the world.

• Many career opportunities in the water sector and ways to prepare for such a career.

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Presenters

• Kewal Kharbanda, Ontario Water Wastewater Certification Office

• Ranee Mahalingam, Ministry of the Environment

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Opportunities within Water Industry

Some examples of careers that can be found in the water industry are:

• Engineers• Environmental Technicians• Drinking Water and Wastewater Operators• Hydrologist• Well Technician• Research/Scientist• Water Quality Analyst• Lab Technician• Inspectors (for the Provincial Government)• Trainers

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Employers in this Industry• Municipalities• Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA)• Hydro One• Engineering Firms• Construction Companies• Private Operating Authorities (i.e. Veolia Water)• Maintenance Contractors (i.e., A-1 Hydrant)• Nuclear Sites/Industrial Mines• Provincial Government• Laboratories• Equipment Suppliers (i.e., disinfection suppliers)• Manufacturers of treatment equipment (i.e., Zenon)

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Benefits of Employment in the Water and Wastewater Industry

• Good salary• Benefits• Profession to be proud of, contributing to

the health and welfare of your community• Growth and remove to advance• Continual training• There will be large turnover due to

retirement in the next five years.

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Opportunities as an Operator“It’s been estimated that almost 50% of today’s water and wastewater operators will retire within the next five to seven years. They’ll need to be replaced. Because qualified operators are expected to be in short supply, those with ambition may see more opportunities for advancement, a choice of locations and utility size, work schedule flexibility, employer-supported training, and negotiable wages and benefits.”

~ The American Water Works Association

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Certification Program• The ministry introduced voluntary certification for

water treatment, water distribution, wastewater treatment and wastewater collection operators in 1987.

• In 2004 the Certification of Drinking-Water System Operators and Water Quality Analysts Regulation (O.Reg 128/04) and the Licensing of Sewage Works Operators Regulation (O.Reg. 129/04) under the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002and the Ontario Water Resources Act were passed.

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Certification Program

• The three principals of the Certification Program are:– Knowledge– Experience– Training

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Certification Program

KnowledgeNew operators are required to:• pass an examination relevant to the type of

system they are going to be working in;• provide evidence of the completion of grade 12

or equivalent; and • complete a comprehensive two week entry level

course so that they have a strong foundation of knowledge to begin their career as an operator.

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Certification Program

ExperienceOperators provide evidence of experience to upgrade to higher levels of certification, and to maintain their current certificate or licence.

This ensures that the operator has both practical and hands on knowledge.

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Certification Program

TrainingOperators are required to complete annual training to maintain their status as an operator.

As operators gain experience and training they are able to move to higher levels of certification.

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Certification Program

Ontario Water Wastewater Certification Office (OWWCO)

• Administer Water/ Wastewater operator certification on behalf of MOE

• Parent company – HR Associates Inc

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Certification Program

Services we provide:

• Verify Knowledge – administer operator certification exams

• Verify Experience and education – to upgrade a certificate/ licence

• Verify Training – to maintain certification

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Certification Program

Services we provide:

• Review water/ wastewater facilities to determine complexity of systems and make recommendations to MOE

• Review courses

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Certification Program

Foreign Education and Experience

• MOE accepts foreign education, assessed for Canadian equivalency

• MOE recognizes foreign experience obtained in a municipal set up for operator certification

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Conclusion

• Thank you for the opportunity to present to you.

• We would be interested in attending other such events or meeting with your staff about Ontario’s tap water and career opportunities in the water sector. If this interests you, contact Liz Bohnen, 416-212-1334 or liz.bohnen@ontario.ca.