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The Future of Wastewater Treatment? THIS Operator Got Certified at 18 Years Old

The Wastewater Enthusiast

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Who is the future of wastewater treatment? Meet Ryker Johnson, who was certified at just 18 years old. In this episode of The Wastewater Enthusiast, we look at the next generation of wastewater operators and the experience they’ll need to keep treatment plants running well. What can new operators learn from those already in the field, and how can the industry help them build a lasting career?

If you’re a wastewater treatment plant operator, studying for a certification exam, or considering a career in the industry, this conversation is for you. Share your thoughts in the comments: what advice would you give a new operator?

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Other Links:

For wastewater exam prep, including study guides and grade-level math prep booklets, visit https://wastewaterenthusiast.com

Welcome to The Wastewater Enthusiast! I’m Shawn Powell, a California Grade V Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator and Chief Plant Operator. This channel is dedicated to helping operators understand treatment processes, prepare for certification exams, and improve real-world plant performance.

Chapters:
00:00 Who Is the Future of Wastewater Treatment?
01:38 Meet Ryker Johnson, 18-Year-Old Operator
03:53 Pursuing Dual Certification (Water and Wastewater)
04:32 How Ryker Discovered the Wastewater Field
06:51 Certification Exams vs Practical Plant Experience
09:13 Ryker's First Major Challenge: A Flash Flood
10:47 Thinking Like an Operator
11:28 Community Impact and the Operator's Purpose
12:22 Ryker's Recommended Study Resources for Certification
15:51 Ryker's Advice for Breaking into the Wastewater Industry

Sync ID: MB01FYLX3YDEUB0

#wastewatertreatment #environmentalcareers #operatorcertification

13 Comments

@WastewaterEnthusiast Creator 2 weeks ago Pinned

Make sure to check out wastewaterenthusiast.com for comprehensive study guides and math practice for your next certification exam!

@KrisAnderson-q6l 2 weeks ago

The most important take away from this interview for me is this 18 year old is highlighting a manual that has been around before he was even born. I am understanding him to say that the manual is the "basics". Basics are so important to build on! I am so glad to see him highlighting, and using, something from the past in the present to build on his future! There IS so much to learn and so much fascinating history in this field! Thank you for including everyone in your videos, Shawn.

@MaxCraft-s5i 2 weeks ago

As a younger business owner (28) in the wastewater industry, it is so promising to see people like Ryker take to wastewater. There is such a need for what we do, and a great career path for many!

@placidas-esse4127 8 days ago (edited)

Love your channel! I'm currently 10+ years into retail sales and after having a baby I've got a real fire in me to get into a good career. I've been studying and keeping an eye out for ww jobs, but Wisconsin is one of those weird certification states. No ABC level 1/2/3/4 etc, it uses oit/certified/advanced and has 12 subcategories you can test in that cover each part of the treatment process.

If you could manage to get an interview in your series with someone experienced in Wisconsin that would be incredible!

Thanks for putting out content and educating and making this exciting at the same time!

@Crazy.jacobb 5 days ago

I’ve started also in September and I just hit my one year I was 19 years old when I started working at a wwtp and it’s the best.

@JelloRolls53 2 weeks ago

Amazing to see how your videos, website, linkedIn presence, and genuine enthusiasium has got so many looking into the water industries.

@MoniqueOrtiz 4 days ago (edited)

I’d say you cant be too young OR too old. I’m 53 and getting into it. Taking my class-D this week. A friend of mine who’s a veteran in the industry recommended I get into it. I said “but I’m 53 and don’t have a degree.” He said that doesn’t matter. You can do this.

@israelAlvraez 10 days ago

i am 19 looking to get into something ive been interested in this since like 17 I am working at a dealership but I want to ether get this or welding i am super unsure though what do you guys think

@KingMarkieMarkie 2 weeks ago

What about the drinking water side of things is that demand just as much

@HamSamich87 2 weeks ago

I find it interesting that individuals “fall into” these operator positions. For me it was 12 months of continuous searching/applying/interviewing. Only then did I receive an offer and it was 3000 miles across the country. It was a clear choice to take the opportunity but man what a rollercoaster..
All the while I keep hearing about this silver tsunami and how plants are hurting for operators.. what gives?
I have T2 and D2 certifications along with 2 Sacramento State courses complete (Water Treatment Plant Operations and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations).

@GSaintProductions 2 weeks ago

I have my class 3 exam tomorrow in CT. Any tips for it?

@FernieeStylesz 2 weeks ago

Currently working as a mailman in CA by the SGV. Interested in breaking into this industry. I’m good with math and want to make the switch just kind of want to know how exactly to get stared as an operator and what the pay/benefits are like to see if its worth the switch