Water Treatment Operator

Program description

Upon completion of the Water Treatment Operator program, the graduates shall have working knowledge and skills related to SAGD (Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage) water chemistry and unit operations typical of enhanced oil recovery facilities.

The program consists of three 15-week semesters, and focuses on water treatment processes and equipment, plant operations and equipment, SAGD water chemistry, and safety and regulations.

An optional co-operative work-term is also offered following the second semester, combining the traditional academic program with a four-month term of related industrial work experience.

The Water Treatment Operator certificate was created in partnership with Oil Sands Leadership Initiative (OSLI). OSLI is a collaborative network of companies operating in the Canadian oil sands to improve the oil sands industry's responsible development of Alberta's bitumen resource. The program allows the oil sands producers to manage sustainable use of water. OSLI members include: ConocoPhillips Canada, Nexen Inc., Statoil Canada, Suncor Energy Inc., Total E&P Canada Ltd., and Shell Canada.

Your Career

The Water Treatment Operator program prepares students for careers as operators responsible for providing guidance and support to SAGD operations, including analyzing specifications and controlling continuous operation of the SAGD Water Plant units and equipment.

You will have career opportunities in the energy industry, which will involve working for oil sands producers in field operations.

Water Treatment Operator graduates are skilled in communication, mentoring qualities, team work, organization and pay attention to detail.

Student Success

Students with higher secondary or post-secondary marks usually experience greater success in SAIT programs.