There is always demand for passionate people who ensure that communities and industry have access to clean water. South Africa has a shortage of water sector professionals, and there is also great international demand for water skills (such as in the UK, where 35% of such roles are still vacant). Public and private treatment plants, vendors, service partners, and workshops are always looking for new talent and people eager to advance their careers.
A sector for newcomers and qualified professionals
Chetan Mistry, Strategy and Marketing Manager at Xylem Africa.
These opportunities can include everyone from matriculants to tertiary students earning a degree. Water roles vary from on-the-job training and certifications to roles for people with engineering and management degrees. “A career in the water sector is a great way to enjoy continual employment while always learning new skills and helping give back to communities,” says Chetan Mistry, Xylem Africa‘s Strategy and Marketing Manager.
“There are roles ranging from entry-level roles to highly qualified positions. Working in the water sector is also very satisfying, knowing that you can make a real impact on people’s lives by creating water security.”
There are dozens of roles in the water utility sector. Here are eight examples:
1. Field Service Technician
The boots on the ground, field service technicians ensure proper functioning of pumps, meters, and treatment components. They maintain and repair water utility equipment. They can also perform system inspections and troubleshoot problems. This role can be an entry point for matriculants; additional experience in basic plumbing, electrical, and mechanical is very useful, and there are opportunities to obtain certifications and on-site training.
2. Water engineer
Water engineers design water systems and infrastructure (such as water supply systems, pump stations, and stormwater management systems) and evaluate, plan, and construct water and sanitation projects. Wastewater engineers design and oversee water management, distribution, disposal, and treatment projects, and conduct water quality and feasibility studies. Engineers in the water sector hold a civil engineering degree with a specialisation in water and sanitation engineering.
3. Diesel Technician
Water utilities routinely use pumps, generators, and other diesel-powered equipment, especially during emergencies or temporary projects. A diesel technician maintains and repairs these systems. Though this can be an entry-level position, the role can expand to include certification for working with diesel engines and benefits from knowledge of hydraulic and electrical systems. There are typically opportunities for on-site training and certification courses.
4. Electrician and Mechanic
When water utilities need to install, maintain, or repair infrastructure such as pumps, controllers, or motors, they rely on electricians and mechanics. These people can be employed by utility sites, or they work for service partners and water solutions vendors. Though these roles require relevant certifications and knowledge, they can also start as entry-level positions for matriculants with apprenticeships and on-the-job training.
5. Data Analyst
Water data reveals water usage patterns, infrastructure performance, water quality, and potential risks such as future leaks. Data analysts help water utilities and organisations use that data to make informed decisions about water management, conservation, and infrastructure development. There are several specialisations, including water quality analysts and infrastructure performance analysts. Some data scientists specialise in advanced predictive analytics for water systems. Data analysts have a bachelor’s degree, as well as specialised knowledge of water systems.
6. Wastewater Project Manager
Wastewater project managers have many serious responsibilities, including project planning, budget management, compliance, and planning. This is a senior position that can be reached through a career in the wastewater sector. It requires several years of experience and typically an engineering degree with exposure to water management.
7. Water treatment operator
Ensuring that water is treated appropriately for safe consumption is a crucial role. The water treatment operator monitors water quality, adjusts chemical dosing, operates filtration systems, and ensures water meets regulatory standards. Water treatment operators are often employees who progress through the ranks, obtaining the necessary certifications from their employers. It’s helpful to study for a degree related to water treatment management or environmental science.
8. Automation and Control Systems Engineer
Different types of control systems are needed by water utilities. These include programmable logic controllers (PLCs), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, and distributed control systems (DCS). Automation & control system engineers design and maintain these systems, including their design and programming. Such a role requires an engineering degree, as well as knowledge of certain programming languages and design drawing (CAD) software. Eager to be a part of water’s story? These roles are just a small sample of careers in the water utility sector, and there are many more opportunities to help manage the world’s most precious natural resource.
