17-2051.02 Bright Outlook

Water/Wastewater Engineers

Design or oversee projects involving provision of potable water, disposal of wastewater and sewage, or prevention of flood-related damage. Prepare environmental documentation for water resources, regulatory program compliance, data management and analysis, and field work. Perform hydraulic modeling and pipeline design.

Career Cluster:Construction
Job Family:Architecture and Engineering
Job Zone:Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
STEM:Research, Development, Design, and Practitioners
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Technology Tools

Autodesk AutoCADAutodesk AutoCAD Civil 3DAutodesk RevitBashBentley MicroStationESRI ArcGIS softwareMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft WordPythonSAP softwareStructured query language SQL

Key Tasks

  • Provide technical direction or supervision to junior engineers, engineering or computer-aided design (CAD) technicians, or other technical personnel.
  • Review and critique proposals, plans, or designs related to water or wastewater treatment systems.
  • Design domestic or industrial water or wastewater treatment plants, including advanced facilities with sequencing batch reactors (SBR), membranes, lift stations, headworks, surge overflow basins, ultraviolet disinfection systems, aerobic digesters, sludge
  • Evaluate the operation and maintenance of water or wastewater systems to identify ways to improve their efficiency.
  • Design or select equipment for use in wastewater processing to ensure compliance with government standards.
  • Design water distribution systems for potable or non-potable water.
  • Conduct water quality studies to identify and characterize water pollutant sources.
  • Design pumping systems, pumping stations, pipelines, force mains, or sewers for the collection of wastewater.
  • Analyze and recommend chemical, biological, or other wastewater treatment methods to prepare water for industrial or domestic use.
  • Identify design alternatives for the development of new water resources.
  • Design water runoff collection networks, water supply channels, or water supply system networks.
  • Conduct cost-benefit analyses for the construction of water supply systems, runoff collection networks, water and wastewater treatment plants, or wastewater collection systems.
  • Design water or wastewater lift stations, including water wells.
  • Analyze storm water or floodplain drainage systems to control erosion, stabilize river banks, repair channel streams, or design bridges.
  • Conduct feasibility studies for the construction of facilities, such as water supply systems, runoff collection networks, water and wastewater treatment plants, or wastewater collection systems.
  • Provide technical support on water resource or treatment issues to government agencies.
  • Oversee the construction of decentralized or on-site wastewater treatment systems, including reclaimed water facilities.
  • Perform hydrological analyses, using three-dimensional simulation software, to model the movement of water or forecast the dispersion of chemical pollutants in the water supply.
  • Write technical reports or publications related to water resources development or water use efficiency.
  • Perform hydraulic analyses of water supply systems or water distribution networks to model flow characteristics, test for pressure losses, or to identify opportunities to mitigate risks and improve operational efficiency.
  • Develop plans for new water resources or water efficiency programs.
  • Design water storage tanks or other water storage facilities.
  • Analyze and recommend sludge treatment or disposal methods.
  • Design sludge treatment plants.
  • Gather and analyze water use data to forecast water demand.
  • Conduct environmental impact studies related to water and wastewater collection, treatment, or distribution.
  • Perform mathematical modeling of underground or surface water resources, such as floodplains, ocean coastlines, streams, rivers, or wetlands.
  • Analyze the efficiency of water delivery structures, such as dams, tainter gates, canals, pipes, penstocks, or cofferdams.

Skills

Reading Comprehension
75%
Writing
75%
Critical Thinking
75%
Judgment and Decision Making
75%
Mathematics
72%
Systems Analysis
72%
Active Listening
72%
Complex Problem Solving
72%
Systems Evaluation
72%
Speaking
69%
Time Management
69%
Monitoring
66%
Science
63%
Operations Analysis
56%
Active Learning
56%
Management of Personnel Resources
56%
Instructing
53%
Coordination
53%
Learning Strategies
53%
Service Orientation
50%
Persuasion
50%
Social Perceptiveness
50%
Negotiation
50%
Operations Monitoring
47%
Technology Design
47%
Quality Control Analysis
41%
Management of Financial Resources
31%
Troubleshooting
28%
Management of Material Resources
28%
Operation and Control
28%
Programming
28%
Equipment Selection
19%
Repairing
0%
Installation
0%
Equipment Maintenance
0%

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
93%
Design
87%
Mathematics
81%
English Language
81%
Building and Construction
71%
Administration and Management
64%
Mechanical
63%
Physics
63%
Customer and Personal Service
61%
Chemistry
61%
Law and Government
57%
Sales and Marketing
56%
Biology
56%
Computers and Electronics
54%
Economics and Accounting
50%
Personnel and Human Resources
49%
Public Safety and Security
48%
Education and Training
42%
Administrative
40%
Production and Processing
34%
Geography
31%
Communications and Media
25%
Transportation
25%
Telecommunications
22%
Psychology
20%
Foreign Language
10%
History and Archeology
9%
Sociology and Anthropology
7%
Medicine and Dentistry
4%
Fine Arts
2%
Philosophy and Theology
1%
Food Production
1%
Therapy and Counseling
0%

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Abilities

Deductive Reasoning
75%
Oral Expression
75%
Oral Comprehension
75%
Inductive Reasoning
75%
Written Comprehension
75%
Information Ordering
75%
Written Expression
75%
Problem Sensitivity
72%
Fluency of Ideas
72%
Mathematical Reasoning
72%
Visualization
69%
Near Vision
69%
Category Flexibility
69%
Number Facility
69%
Originality
66%
Speech Clarity
60%
Speech Recognition
56%
Flexibility of Closure
56%
Far Vision
53%
Selective Attention
53%
Perceptual Speed
47%
Time Sharing
47%
Speed of Closure
44%
Memorization
35%
Auditory Attention
28%
Visual Color Discrimination
28%
Hearing Sensitivity
25%
Depth Perception
25%
Finger Dexterity
16%
Control Precision
16%
Spatial Orientation
13%
Multilimb Coordination
10%
Trunk Strength
10%
Wrist-Finger Speed
3%
Extent Flexibility
0%
Glare Sensitivity
0%
Peripheral Vision
0%
Sound Localization
0%
Reaction Time
0%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
0%
Night Vision
0%
Stamina
0%
Static Strength
0%
Explosive Strength
0%
Speed of Limb Movement
0%
Dynamic Strength
0%
Gross Body Equilibrium
0%
Rate Control
0%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%
Response Orientation
0%
Manual Dexterity
0%
Gross Body Coordination
0%

Work Activities

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
89%
Getting Information
88%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
86%
Working with Computers
85%
Analyzing Data or Information
83%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
81%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
81%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
79%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
77%
Processing Information
74%
Coaching and Developing Others
73%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
73%
Scheduling Work and Activities
72%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
72%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
71%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
71%
Developing and Building Teams
70%
Documenting/Recording Information
69%
Thinking Creatively
66%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
65%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
64%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
64%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
64%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
63%
Training and Teaching Others
63%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
60%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
58%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
57%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
57%
Performing Administrative Activities
50%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
48%
Staffing Organizational Units
47%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
41%
Selling or Influencing Others
40%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
29%
Assisting and Caring for Others
25%
Performing General Physical Activities
22%
Controlling Machines and Processes
21%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
19%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
18%
Handling and Moving Objects
13%

Work Context

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

99%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

94%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

92%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

84%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

84%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

83%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

79%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

79%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

74%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

72%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

72%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

71%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

68%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

68%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

65%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

64%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

61%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

60%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

58%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

54%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

52%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

47%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

47%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

47%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

45%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

42%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

37%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

35%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

34%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

34%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

32%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

31%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

31%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

30%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

28%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

26%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

25%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

24%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

22%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

21%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

19%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

18%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

18%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

18%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

14%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

14%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

13%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

11%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

10%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

9%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

8%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

7%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

6%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

5%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

4%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

4%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

3%

Education

Bachelor's degree

70%

Master's degree

26%

Professional degree

4%

Interests

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

77

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

73

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

59

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

32

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

14

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

13

Work Values

Achievement
89%
Working Conditions
81%
Independence
72%
Recognition
72%
Relationships
39%
Support
39%

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