Analyzing Operators' Jobs: A data driven approach to certifying operators and how it impacts the future of the water industry

We invite water utility managers and professionals to join us at the upcoming Utility Management Conference for a presentation that promises to impact the future of the water industry. In 2022-23, a monumental job analysis survey was conducted, involving over 15,000 dedicated industry personnel across water, wastewater, wastewater collection, and water distribution domains. This unprecedented participation underscores the collective commitment to advancing our industry and is the foundation for certification standards in North America and globally. The outcomes of these extensive job analysis surveys, coupled with rigorous psychometric analysis, will serve as the cornerstone for developing the water industry's only standardized certification exams. This pivotal development will transform operator training, industry resource materials, and the content of certification exams. Behind this groundbreaking initiative are more than five dozen dedicated volunteers, who have invested hundreds, if not thousands, of hours in meticulously analyzing survey findings and identifying emerging trends. Our presentation will unveil the draft Need-to-Know Criteria documents derived from these findings, providing an exclusive preview of the future certification landscape. But that's not all. We encourage active audience participation and critique during the presentation. Your invaluable insights will assist the Certification Commission for Environmental Professionals in shaping relevant, robust, and legally defensible certification exams. Remember, water environment operators are the bedrock of our public health systems, and these surveys form the foundation for determining the criteria for operator competence. The Utility Management Conference offers a unique opportunity for participants to contribute to the Commission's final reports before they are released to the public and adopted by state and provincial jurisdictions. Be part of this transformative journey, and help us secure a safer, more efficient, and sustainable future for the water industry. Together, we can ensure that our operators are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to protect public health and preserve our precious water resources. Join us in shaping the future of water operator certification.