Water and wastewater engineer
You're responsible for supplying clean water, disposing of wastewater and sewage and preventing flood damage.
Also known as: civil engineer (wastewater), wastewater process engineer, design engineer (wastewater)
About the job
Salary (before tax)
Weekly (average)
£700
Monthly (average)
£2,800
Yearly (average)
£36,400
Salary figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland.
Source:
LMI for AllA day in the life – Wastewater treatment operator
What it's like
Water and wastewater engineers make sure our water is clean and safe! You'll manage the process of bringing untreated water from rivers or groundwater into treatment plants.
You’ll help design and construct structures that manage water, such as sea walls, pumping stations and reservoirs. Maintaining these systems is also part of your role. By creating energy-efficient systems that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, you’ll help fight climate change.
Water and wastewater engineers work in local councils, private engineering firms, environmental consultancies and utility companies. You could specialise in flood risk management, industrial water treatment or sustainable drainage systems.
Your tasks might include:
designing water treatment and sewage systems for new developments
inspecting existing infrastructure to spot leaks or inefficiencies
modelling water flow using specialist software
advising on ways to reduce water pollution
preparing technical reports for clients or regulators
overseeing construction projects to make sure standards are met
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Scottish Water YouTube channel – watch how Scottish Water engineers manage wastewater
Scottish Engineering – explore engineering resources
Scottish Water – check out this interactive careers map
The Institution of Engineers in Scotland (IES) – discover more information on engineering careers
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Top skills
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It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- researching
- problem solving
- innovative
- developing a plan
- building relationships
- attention to detail
- analysing
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
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