Also called: Sewer Maintenance Worker, Collection System Technician
Keeps sewer pipes and pump stations flowing so wastewater reaches the treatment plant.
Collection operators jet-clean clogged sewer lines, run camera trucks through pipes, check pump stations at night when alarms go off, and repair manholes.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. On-the-job training plus state collection system certification.
Ways in: On-the-job training, Certification. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Water/Wastewater Technology (2-year).
Growing much faster than average (about 8% over 10 years). BLS 2025-35 projection band for SOC 47-4071: Much faster than average (7% or higher).
Low risk for 10 years. Sewer cameras and AI flag cracks; cleaning lines and fixing pumps underground stay human.
Age 18+. One way to start: Apply to your city sewer or public works department for collection system trainee jobs First: Government hiring takes weeks; state collection certification and often a CDL follow
Classes: Construction CTE, Algebra I.
Official data: O*NET occupation 47-4071.
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