Water and Environmental Technology Department | A.A.S. Associate of Applied Science Degree | Two years

You will develop some exciting new skills in this program. Among these new skills, you should be able to:

• Successfully pass state level 1 certification exams for Water Treatment, Water Distribution, Wastewater Treatment and Wastewater Collections
• Understand the basics of both water and wastewater operations
• Conduct laboratory analysis for wastewater and water-quality parameters

Careers

Career opportunities include:

• water and/or liquid waste treatment plant and system operator
• environmental science technician
• environmental engineering technician

Careers also include:

• environmental lab technician
• source control technician
• surface water specialist
• environmental regulator

Job Market

Search related careers and regional data on wages and job outlook on Career Coach.

OREGON BACKFLOW AND CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL TRAINING

Become certified as a:

• Backflow Assembly Tester
  CCC offers five-day backflow tester certification courses approved by the Oregon Health Division. Only certified testers can perform the annual backflow assembly test required by the Oregon Plumbing Code and Water Purveyors. The Department of Human Services requires proof of high school diploma or GED certificate in order to complete the certification process.
• Cross Connection Control Specialist
  CCC offers four-day courses for individuals who want to obtain Oregon Department of Human Services certification as cross connection control inspectors. Oregon Community Public Water Systems with more than 300 service connections are required to have a certified individual oversee the cross connection program. The Oregon Department of Human Services will require proof of high school diploma or GED in order to complete the certification process

Currently registration is only available using paper registration forms (available below) and payment by check. Questions regarding registration can be directed to Naomi Sether at 503-594-3345 or naomis@clackamas.edu.

You may also register in person at the Enrollment Services Center in Roger Rook Hall at the CCC Oregon City campus.

PNW-AWWA Water Short School 2020

Waterworks School 2020 canceled due to COVID-19. For more information on our protective efforts, visit the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notifications page.

For more information on Waterworks School, contact Naomi Sether at 503-594-3345 or naomis@clackamas.edu.

ORWEF Water Environment School 2020

Water Environment School 2020 canceled due to COVID-19. For more information on our protective efforts, visit the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notifications page..

PARTICIPANTS

The ORWEF Short School is intensive training designed as a comprehensive overview for wastewater professionals. Topics will provide supplemental occupational education, and technical upgrading for those employed in both the municipal and industrial arenas.

Topics discussed this year include:

• Waste water operations and maintenance
• Wastewater pre-treatment
• Collection systems
• Wastewater basics and beyond
• Water resource recovery
• Safety
• Stormwater
• Technology
• Asset management
• Activated sludge

For more information on Waterworks School, contact Naomi Sether at 503-594-3345 or naomis@clackamas.edu.

VENDORS

Vendor Exhibition

Water Environment School 2020 canceled due to COVID-19. For more information on our protective efforts, visit the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notifications page.

Join the Oregon Water Education Foundation Water Environment School for the 43rd annual short school. This is a great opportunity to display your products and services to the wastewater industry! Over 100 vendors are typically invited to the exhibition and we have space for about 45 in the Randall Gymnasium. Register early to reserve your exhibit space! The cost is $255 for each exhibit space (10-12 linear feet). The registration fee includes lunch and an appreciation gift for your staff working in the exhibit space. Additionally, there is free Wi-Fi for everyone to keep in electronic contact with their office.

PROGRAM CODES: AAS.WATERENVIRONTECH

The Water & Environmental Technology program provides career technical classes combined with field experience. Classes are offered in day/evening combinations and have enrollment limits to enhance instructional quality and job placement. 

Course work emphasizes fundamental aspects of drinking water distribution, drinking water treatment, wastewater collection and wastewater treatment. Course work includes 240 hours of industry cooperative work experience, laboratory methods in environmental chemistry, aquatic microbiology and preparation for the provisional operator in training certification exams.

RELATED INSTRUCTION OUTCOMES

Computation (1 course- MTH-082A-E)

• Use appropriate mathematics to solve problems.

Communication (1 course- WR-101 Communication Skills: Occupational Writing or WR-121 English Composition)

• Read actively, think critically, and write purposefully and capably for professional audiences.

Human Relations (1 course- Human Relations; Recommended: PSY-101 Human Relations)

• Engage in ethical communication processes that accomplish goals.

Physical Education/Health/Safety/First Aid (1 course- HE-252 First Aid/CPR/AED)

• Use effective life skills to improve and maintain mental and physical wellbeing.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to perform the following AAS program outcomes in addition to the one-year certificate outcomes:

• be more marketable through a second career related work experience;

• attain higher grade certification which will lead to higher wages;

• be certified and licensed as a State of Oregon approved Backflow Assembly Tester;

• develop a thorough understanding of the principles of hydraulics as applied to the water and wastewater industry;

• obtain increased knowledge of bacterial processes used in water and wastewater systems;

• obtain hands-on experience with instrumentation and control systems used in water and wastewater plant operations.

Water & Environmental Technology Certificate Degree

• successfully pass the state required level-1 certificate/licensure exams for Oregon water treatment and water distribution (note: these exams can only be taken after completion of the WET-AAS degree); pass the Oregon Operator in Training certificate wastewater treatment and collection systems examinations;

• maintain and operate water and waste water treatment facilities and collection and water distribution systems;

• utilize mathematical skills to solve certification exam problems as well as situations experienced at water and waste water facilities;

• conduct and document scientific laboratory experiments as applied to the water and waste water industry and effectively communicate determined quantitative relationships using both graphs and equations;

• exhibit good teamwork skills and serve as effective members of laboratory and project teams;

• articulate and justify technical solutions to an audience through oral, written, and graphical communication;

• communicate the importance of safety in operator daily activities and be good stewards of ethical and professionally work place interactions.