How to Be Water Control Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 25, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of a water control technician is critical in ensuring the quality of water supply. Poor water control techniques can lead to contamination of the water supply and cause serious health risks. To combat this, water control technicians are trained in the latest testing methods and technologies to detect the presence of contaminants in the water supply.

They also use their technical knowledge to adjust water treatment processes and ensure that the water meets all standards. The proper maintenance of the water supply is essential to guarantee its safety, and the work of water control technicians is essential to ensuring that.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Water control technicians typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent to be considered for entry-level positions.
Complete an associates degree or certificate program in water control technology. Many employers prefer to hire water control technicians who have completed an associates degree or certificate program in water control technology. These programs typically include courses in mathematics, hydraulics, engineering, chemistry, and biology.
Acquire relevant experience. Water control technicians typically gain experience through related internships or apprenticeships.
Obtain licensure and/or certification. Depending upon the state, water control technicians may need to obtain licensure and/or certification in order to practice.
Develop and maintain professional contacts. Water control technicians should actively seek out and develop professional contacts in the industry as this will help them stay up-to-date on the latest practices and technologies.

The need for Water Control Technicians is increasing due to rising population, climate change and drought events. As a result, ideal and qualified personnel are essential for proper water management. To meet these requirements, they must possess the appropriate technical skills and knowledge, including a sound understanding of the principles of hydraulic engineering, hydrology, and surface water management.

They should also be familiar with the regulations and policies pertaining to water control and be able to apply them effectively. they should have good problem solving skills and be able to communicate effectively with other professionals and stakeholders. With the right qualifications and experience, a Water Control Technician can help ensure that the water resources of an area are managed sustainably and in accordance with the latest regulations.

You may want to check Traffic Control Supervisor, Inventory Control Clerk, and Inventory Control Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Inspect and maintain hydraulic systems, including valves, pumps, motors and other components.
Monitor water levels and flow to ensure appropriate water pressure is maintained.
Troubleshoot, repair and replace malfunctioning or broken parts in water control systems.
Calibrate and adjust water control systems to optimize operation.
Collect water samples and analyze data to ensure water quality is within established guidelines.
Operate, monitor and adjust systems to maximize efficiency.
Provide maintenance and repairs on a variety of pump systems.
Monitor weather conditions to ensure proper water control techniques are utilized.
Prepare and present reports of water control activities, as needed.
Respond to emergency situations as needed to protect public health and safety.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of water engineering principles and practices
Ability to read, interpret, and analyze blueprints, diagrams, and technical drawings
Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations related to water control systems
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose water control system problems
Ability to install, maintain, and repair water control systems
Ability to use a wide variety of tools and equipment related to water control systems
Ability to work safely with hazardous materials associated with water control systems
Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Good customer service skills
Ability to operate computers and other electronic devices

Water Control Technicians are responsible for ensuring that water systems are functioning correctly, and their skillset is essential for keeping our water sources clean and safe. One of the most important skills a Water Control Technician must possess is the ability to accurately read, interpret, and act on data obtained from water quality tests. This skill is critical in order to identify any potential issues in the water system, as well as to determine the amount of chemicals or other treatments that need to be added in order to maintain optimal water quality.

In addition, Water Control Technicians must understand the different types of water systems, as well as the various components of each system and how they interact with one another. This knowledge is necessary for making sure that the water is delivered to its intended destination without any issues. Finally, Water Control Technicians must also be knowledgeable about safety protocols related to water systems and be able to properly follow them in order to keep both people and the environment safe.

Control Systems Technician, Process Control Engineer, and Quality Control Supervisor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with water control systems?
How do you troubleshoot water control systems?
Describe a time when you identified and solved a water control problem.
What type of maintenance do you perform on water control systems?
How do you ensure that water control systems are functioning correctly?
How do you keep up with changes in water control technology?
What safety protocols do you follow when working with water control systems?
What challenges have you faced when working with water control systems?
What methods do you use to test for water flow and pressure?
How do you handle customer complaints regarding water control systems?

Common Tools in Industry

Flow Meter. Measures the rate of flow of liquids, gases, or other substances. (e. g. Turbine Flow Meter)
Valve Tools. Includes tools for tightening, lubricating, and manipulating valves. (e. g. Valve Wrench)
Pipe Cutter. Cuts through metal, plastic, and other materials to create a clean cut in pipes. (e. g. Ratcheting Pipe Cutter)
Pressure Gauge. Monitors and records pressure levels within a water system. (e. g. Digital Pressure Gauge)
Pipe Wrench. Used to turn and loosen nuts and bolts on pipes. (e. g. Adjustable Pipe Wrench)
Plunger. Used to unclog drains and toilets by creating suction to remove blockages. (e. g. Toilet Plunger)
Drain Auger. Used to clear out clogs in pipes and drains by pulling them out with the auger head. (e. g. Drain Snake)
Leak Detector. Detects leaks in pipes or plumbing fixtures using sound, vibration, or heat sensors. (e. g. Acoustic Leak Detector)
Sewer Camera. Inspects sewer lines for blockages or damage with a camera mounted on the end of a flexible cable. (e. g. Video Sewer Inspection System)
Water Testing Kit. Tests water for contaminants, including pH levels, chlorine levels, and other substances. (e. g. Complete Water Testing Kit)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
American Water Works Association (AWWA)
Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO)
National Groundwater Association (NGWA)
American Public Works Association (APWA)
National Rural Water Association (NRWA)
Water Environment Federation (WEF)
American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE)
International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR)

We also have Inventory Control Associate, Traffic Control Officer, and Environmental Control Officer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Hydrology. The study of the movement, distribution, and management of water on Earth and its effects on the environment.
Groundwater. Water that is found beneath the earth's surface and is used for drinking, irrigation and other purposes.
Watershed. An area of land that drains into a particular body of water.
Irrigation. The artificial application of water to land for crop production or other uses.
Drainage. The process of removing excess water from a land area.
Flood Control. Measures taken to reduce the risk of flooding in an area.
Levee. An embankment built to contain or divert water.
Sewerage. The collection and disposal of wastewater.
Wastewater Treatment. The process of removing contaminants from wastewater to make it suitable for reuse or discharge into the environment.
Stormwater Management. Techniques used to reduce the impact of stormwater runoff on the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Water Control Technician? A1: A Water Control Technician is a professional responsible for the operation, maintenance and repair of water control systems and equipment. They ensure the safe and efficient functioning of these systems to ensure public safety and the protection of the environment. Q2: What qualifications do Water Control Technicians need? A2: Water Control Technicians must have a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete a recognized training program in water control technology. Many states also require that they pass a licensing exam and/or obtain certification in a specific area. Q3: What duties does a Water Control Technician typically perform? A3: Water Control Technicians are responsible for monitoring and operating water control systems, including pumps, valves, gates, and other related equipment. They also inspect, maintain, repair, and troubleshoot these systems to ensure their optimal performance. Q4: What tools and technologies do Water Control Technicians use? A4: Water Control Technicians use a variety of tools and technologies, such as digital readouts, computer-aided drawing (CAD) software, and geographic information system (GIS) software. They may also use handheld tools such as wrenches and pliers. Q5: What is the salary range for a Water Control Technician? A5: The salary range for a Water Control Technician varies depending on location and experience. According to PayScale, the median salary range for Water Control Technicians is between $38,000 - $63,000 per year.