Saskatchewan requires trained technicians to help ensure the safety of our drinking water, water supply and environment. The Water and Wastewater Technician program is the first step in becoming a certified operator for municipal, industrial, agricultural and recreational water systems.
The program is designed for individuals already working in the field, but is open to anyone wanting to get started. It can be physical work—lifting, bending, walking and climbing ladders—but it also involves monitoring equipment and process monitoring. You could be involved in reservoir operations and lagoon maintenance, chlorination, water treatment, water distribution, wastewater collection and wastewater treatment.
Water and Wastewater Technician is a self-paced certificate program offered on a course-by-course basis. It is offered entirely through distance learning, and administered at Saskatchewan Polytechnic Moose Jaw Campus. You can take up to 5 years to complete the program.
You’ll learn how to meet the demand for water of acceptable quality and quantity for municipal, industrial, agricultural and recreational use. You’ll also learn how to collect and treat wastewater to an acceptable level for discharge. The program includes training in:
Once you are on the job, many employers require both a valid Saskatchewan driver's licence and a clean driver's abstract. For international students, it can take up to 12 months to obtain a driver's licence; therefore, it is to your advantage to come with a driver's licence from your home country if possible.
Some job opportunities require a criminal record check and/or drug and alcohol testing.
If you’re already working in the field, the program can prepare you to challenge the Saskatchewan Provincial Operator Certification Examinations. The Saskatchewan Polytechnic Water and Wastewater Technician program is accepted as two years of post-secondary education by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment, Water Security Agency and Operator Certification Board (OCB) of Saskatchewan. Certification will open doors to more career choices.
Most graduates find jobs in municipal water and wastewater treatment plants. In a city, you could be part of a team in a large treatment plant. In a small town, you could be responsible for operating the community’s water distribution, wastewater collection and/or water treatment system. Other potential employers include industrial plants, engineering firms, contractors, provincial and federal government agencies, parks and private utility companies.
| Sample Job Title | NOC Classification1 | Earning Potential2 |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Sales Specialist | Technical Sales Specialists - Wholesale Trade (6221) | $31,900 - $101,400 |
| Park Attendant | Operators and Attendants in Amusement, Recreation and Sport (6722) | $23,900 - $49,600 |
| Water and Wastewater Utility Operator | Water and Waste Treatment Plant Operators (9243) | $46,800 - $70,800 |
Ongoing
Semester I September 10 - December 3, 2021
Semester II January 7 – April 1, 2022
Semester III April 1 – June 24, 2022
*See A-Z course listing for all COMP & TCOM courses as they may run on a different schedule.
Length: Self-paced - up to 5 yearsSome programs offered online or otherwise by distance (i.e., correspondence) include on-site labs, clinicals, practicums or work experiences. They may be offered course-by-course or full-time, or both, and deliveries may change over time.
Students do not apply to this program, but take courses part time and apply to graduate (pdf) through Enrolment Services once all courses are completed.
View the program page for a complete list of courses and additional information.
Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through an alternative admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for alternative admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Alternative Admission.
ACCUPLACER©
Each course is priced individually. Please refer to the A-Z course listing to see course costs.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.See links below to more information about PLAR and detailed PLAR candidate guides for the Arts and Sciences courses in this program. To discuss PLAR for other courses in this program, contact us at 1-866-467-4278 and ask for the Program Head of this program.
Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.
