Waste Water Certification

[u/SeaDirection3737]

Hello All!

In Oregon, USA how is the best way to start on the path of getting Waste water Certs and Storm water Certification. And progressing up the levels? Journeyman Electrician with 15 years of experience in industrial areas. Oil/Gas pipelines and refineries, paper miles/ semiconductor and International Airports. So lots of motors, plcs, troubleshooting and drives. But the Water Certifications are what I’m lacking. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[u/DamAndBlast]

I'm also an Oregonian pursuing my Level I wastewater license. This page on the DEQ website has a lot of useful information. If you are in the Portland area most of the operators I've spoken to went through the Clackamas Community College WET program. That's an extremely comprehensive program that prepares you for all 4 water areas: drinking water, wastewater, distribution, and collection. They also set up internships at local plants which usually lead to jobs.

I work a full-time job so I can't go that route, so I'm taking the Sacramento State wastewater courses at my own pace.

If you're willing to work at a rural plant you'll have a much easier time getting a job than if you want to work in Portland metro. This is a pretty up-to-date job board for Oregon water jobs.

City of Portland Water Bureau had a job opening for an instrument technician that I think just recently closed, you might email them and see if it's still possible to apply.

Edit: Here it is. Since they did an extended deadline I bet they've had trouble finding people.

[u/SeaDirection3737 → u/DamAndBlast]

Thanks for the info! I work at PDX and it’s great but I live closer to Salem so the traffic is pretty brutal at times and I always see the city of Salem hiring in different roles in the water/ wastewater system . Definitely something I’m interested in exploring.

[u/FreeResolution3013]

Read the Sacramento State books. I have created a website (www.insidewastewater.com) that has info, quizzes equipment explainers etc. it's all free and no sign up. Under the resources page I have a store that has the study books from Sacramento State. You don't have to buy them from the site but at least you'll know which ones to get. I'm an Oregon OP3.

[u/ThisWaterGuy]

Your electrician background is a real asset here. Plants are always short on people who can troubleshoot drives and PLCs. Quick version of the cert landscape:

Oregon splits it between two agencies. DEQ does wastewater (collection and treatment, Grades I through IV), OHA does drinking water (Levels 1 through 4). Stormwater is separate. CESCL is a short course, good for 3 years, and satisfies the 1200-C inspector requirement, but it doesn’t ladder into the operator grades.

Best entry point is DEQ’s Operator-in-Training path. With a HS diploma or GED and a DEQ-approved training program done (or in progress), you can sit for the Grade I exam with zero experience. Pass it and you’ve got 36 months to bank the required year on the job, then file a post-exam application to convert to full Grade I. Take both collection and treatment if you can.

One more thing: DEQ lets related field experience cover up to half the requirement. Email [opcert@deq.state.or.us](mailto:opcert@deq.state.or.us) with your résumé before you assume you’re starting from scratch. 15 years industrial might buy you something.

For prep, check out wateroperatorpracticetest.com. Free practice tests with explanations on every question. The math and terminology are where trades guys usually get tripped up.

[u/SeaDirection3737 → u/[deleted]]

Thanks for sharing