ORANGE COUNTY CONSERVATION CORPS (4) -2010

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DRINKING WATERTREATMENT AND DISTRIBUTION OPERATORS WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATORS Number 443 WHAT'STHE CALIFORNIA JOB OUTLOOK? The following information is from the occupational projections produced by the Employment Development Department (EDD) Labor Market Information Division (LMID) and represents the broad occupational group Water and Liquid Waste Treatment Plant and System Operators which includes Drinking Water Treatment and Distribution Operators and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators: Water and Liquid Waste Treatment Plant and System Operators Estimated number of workers in 2002: 7,600 Estimated number of workers in 2012: 9,200 Projected Growth 2002-2012: 21.1% Est. openings due to separations by 2012: 2,600 These figures do not include self-employment. This occupation will grow at faster than average rate compared to all occupations in California. There will be an estimated total of 5,100 job opportunities in this occupation from 2002 through 2012 or an average of 510 jobs a year. Some of the opportunities will come from growth and the rest from replacing those who retire or otherwise permanently leave the field. The industry association, California Water Environment Association (CWEA), reports the occupation is affected by large numbers of retirements creating a need for new Operators. The Department of Health Services reports 13,000 currently licensed Drinking Water Treatment and Distribution Operators and the Stale Water licensed Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators. Trends Federal regulation to ensure clean water for a growing population will increase employment in water and wastewater treatment. Water and wastewater treatment are the only segments of the utilities industry experiencing employment growth. In addition to protecting water supplies from environmental contaminants, water utilities now employ security procedures to protect water from deliberate contamination. More opportunities may result from use of treated wastewater for irrigation and groundwater recharge. WHAT DOES THE JOB PAY? California Earnings Page 3 of 6 The following information is from the Occupational Employment Statistics Survey of Employers by EDD/LMID and represents the broad occupational group Water and Liquid Waste Treatment Plant and System Operators which includes Drinking Water Treatment and Distribution Operators and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators: Water and Liquid Waste Treatment Plant and System Operators 2005 Wages Hourly wages range from $18.59 to $28.22 Average hourly wage $23.44 Average annual wage $48,750 These figures do not include self-employment. Hours Operators can work stationary or rotating shifts, weekends included, and are paid a shift differential for swing or graveyard shifts. Shifts can vary from 8-hour to 12-hour slots. Overtime hours may be necessary when emergencies occur and are generally paid at time and one-half or double time rates. Benefits Benefits include vacations, holidays and sick leave; health, dental and vision insurance; and retirement plans. I iOlV UU I PREPARL I OR I HL JUe! Education and Training Entrance requirements vary somewhat, depending on the employer. Some employers require applicants to have an associate's or bachelor's degree in water treatment technology. Other employers hire applicants who have a high school education or equivalent. Many employers hire inexperienced but highly motivated applicants and train them on-the-job. Some hire only experienced, certified Operators. In some areas of the State, the union and government may offer a joint water treatment operators apprenticeship program that normally takes four and one-half EXHIBIT A