How to Become an Operator

THE BASICS ABOUT OPERATORS

What is an Environmental Operator?

While water is provided by nature, we rely on a complex network of pipes, equipment, and people to safely deliver clean water, and remove used water, from our homes and businesses. Find out more about how our water systems work.

Benefits of becoming an Operator

To become certified as an Operator in Training or Level I Operator you are required to provide proof of completion of high school, GED, an adult graduation diploma, or a post-secondary diploma where high school is a requirement with your application. No additional formal education in water and/or wastewater is required to become a certified Operator.

How to become an Operator?

There are two paths you can follow to become an operator.

• Getting a job as an Operator: Can I get a job as an Operator without prior knowledge and no experience? Of course! Facilities are always willing to train and are happy to get new people.
• Taking a Course to get prepared: Take a 9 day course.

Then…

• Operator in Training (OIT) is an optional certification for new Operators, but it is not required to become a Level I Operator. OITs require three months (500 hours) of hands-on experience or 90 hours (9.0 CEUs) of training through a directly applicable, approved course.
• Level I Operators require 12 months (1,800 hours) of hands-on experience. The experience must be verified in the Application for Certification, and you must work or reside in BC or Yukon.

If you want to become a small system or multi-utility Operator, please contact the EOCP Office to find out more about the requirements.

To become certified as an Operator in Training or Level I Operator you are required to provide proof of completion of high school, GED, an adult graduation diploma, red seal trade certificate, or a post-secondary diploma where high school is a requirement with your application.

If you do not have a copy of your high school diploma you can order your transcripts here:

• Order your BC high school transcript
• Order your Yukon high school transcript

If you are not a high school graduate, learn more about your options.

If you wish to become a small system, bulk water delivery, or building water systems  Operator, proof of graduation from high school is not required.

How do I get certified as an Operator?

To obtain certification, you must write an exam.  Once you have met the Exam Requirements, you may register through the EOCP’s CRM.

Exam session dates and locations can be viewed through your CRM profile under the Career Management tab.  The application cut-off is three weeks before the exam date.

You can find a step-by-step guide on applying for an EOCP Exam by clicking here.

How do I get certified as an Operator?

To obtain certification, you must write an exam.  Once you have met the Exam Requirements, you may register through the EOCP’s CRM.

Exam session dates and locations can be viewed through your CRM profile under the Career Management tab.  The application cut-off is three weeks before the exam date.

You can find a step-by-step guide on applying for an EOCP Exam by clicking here.

Do I need to take courses?

Coursework* is not always required to become a certified Operator but completing a course that is directly applicable to the EOCP certification you want is an excellent way to prepare for the certification exam and work towards higher levels of certification.

For example, if you have been approved to take the Wastewater Treatment (WWT) Level I exam, you may want to take a course approved for WWT Level I. You can set up an account and review applicable courses at the EOCP’s Customer Relationship Manager (CRM).

*Note that some certifications require the completion of coursework before writing an exam.

Can I use my previous experience?

Yes. If you have municipal water and wastewater experience, it will apply to the training and experience required to become a certified Operator.

The following related experience may be substituted for up to 50% of the experience required for a Level I exam:

• Maintenance, laboratories, and other water and pollution control positions.
• Other similar operating positions.
• Allied trades (such as plumber, millwright, or other certification categories).

Only directly related experience in water and wastewater treatment, water distribution, and wastewater collection can be used to qualify for an Operator in Training exam.

Reciprocity

All provinces and territories, except Quebec, have signed a Reciprocity Agreement. This means that any valid Certification from another jurisdiction within Canada can be transferred to another jurisdiction.  Most employers are aware that valid certifications from other provinces can be transferred.  Please also note that exam marks cannot be transferred via reciprocity – only valid Certifications.

To apply for Reciprocity with EOCP, you must be employed or have an employment offer letter with an employer in BC or YK.

You would need to create an account on the EOCP’s CRM, and you can then apply online.  As part of this process, you must establish relationships with your new BC and/or Yukon employer and upload the required documents to the website during the application for reciprocity.

Hear about other Operators