A few months ago in this space I invited readers to share thoughts on certification for wastewater collection system operators. The topic got a warm reception: It appears that managers of collection departments see value in certification. Here are a few of the responses we received.

Toward a career

David Bryant, wastewater collection supervisor with Palm Bay (Fla.) Utilities, says his operation is covered under the Florida Water & Pollution Control Operators Association. The certifications are:

• One year, Level C

• Three years, Level B

• Five years, Level A.

“They are voluntary, yet they provide a valuable resource to our crew, often teaching greenhorns that this isn’t just a job, but could become a career with a little bit of work,” says Bryant. “Our city would like to see a scenario in which employees could move themselves up the ladder, so to speak, by obtaining certain certifications or qualifications. Maybe one day…

“We require our mid-level employees, camera truck operators, foremen, and others to obtain a Level B certification and our supervisors and superintendents to have an A license.

“Although entry level requires nothing, we encourage all employees to at least pursue a Level C certification. The city pays for all books and certification and allows people to attend the week-long short school on the clock. The city also provides transportation, hotel and per diem if required.”

In addition, the city offers a one-time reimbursement/bonus of $100 for obtaining each license. “My section has 19 employees: two A operators, one B operator, and eight C operators,” says Bryant. “I have three more employees who became eligible to take the C exam in December.”