2-Day Wastewater Operator Course
Practical Plant Operations & Troubleshooting
Duration: 2 Days
Delivery: On-site or workshop format
Format: Interactive, practical, operator-focused
Training Type: Non-accredited professional training
Course Overview
This 2-day course is designed for wastewater treatment plant operators responsible for the day-to-day operation, monitoring, and troubleshooting of municipal and decentralised wastewater systems.
The course focuses on how plants actually behave, why things go wrong, and how operators can respond effectively — rather than academic theory.
Training is delivered using real-world examples, operational scenarios, and operator-written reference material.
Who Should Attend
Wastewater treatment plant operators
Operators in small or decentralised systems
Operators transitioning into higher responsibility roles
Maintenance staff supporting wastewater operations
Supervisors seeking stronger operational understanding
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the purpose and behaviour of key wastewater treatment processes
- Recognise early warning signs of plant stress or failure
- Apply practical troubleshooting techniques to common operational issues
- Improve process control and monitoring practices
- Strengthen compliance awareness and audit readiness
- Make more confident operational decisions
Course Materials
Each participant receives:
- Australian Wastewater Treatment Operator’s Guide (primary reference text)
- Supporting handouts and practical examples
- Certificate of Completion
DAY 1 — Core Treatment Processes & Plant Control
Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals
- Why wastewater treatment exists
- Influent characteristics and variability
- Load, flow, and diurnal patterns
- Operator responsibilities and decision-making
Preliminary & Primary Treatment
- Screens, grit removal, and preliminary processes
- Primary treatment concepts
- Common operational issues and operator responses
Biological Treatment Processes
- Activated sludge and attached growth systems
- Process fundamentals explained in plain English
- What biology needs to stay healthy
- Common causes of biological upsets
- Operator actions that help — and hurt
Process Monitoring & Control
- Key operational parameters
- Understanding trends rather than chasing numbers
- Using data to make better decisions
- Early warning indicators of trouble
Practical Scenarios & Discussion
- Real plant examples
- Operator case studies
- Group problem-solving exercises
DAY 2 — Troubleshooting, Solids & Compliance
Secondary Clarification & Solids Separation
- Clarifier operation and performance
- Common solids-related problems
- Sludge blanket control
- Operator actions to stabilise performance
Sludge & Solids Management
- Waste activated sludge fundamentals
- Sludge handling options
- Storage, transport, and disposal considerations
- Operational risks and controls
Disinfection & Effluent Quality
- Disinfection principles
- Risks to public health and the environment
- Common disinfection failures
- Operator monitoring and response
Troubleshooting Plant Upsets
- Loss of treatment performance
- Odour complaints
- Hydraulic overloads
- Power failures and emergency events
- Structured operator response strategies
Compliance & Audit Readiness
- Understanding licence conditions
- Operator responsibilities in compliance
- Documentation and record-keeping
- Preparing for audits and inspections
- What auditors actually look for
Final Scenarios & Open Discussion
- Participant-nominated plant issues
- Q&A based on real operational challenges
- Practical takeaways for returning to site
Assessment & Recognition
This course may include:
- Knowledge checks
- Scenario-based discussions
- Practical operator exercises
Participants receive:
- Certificate of Completion
- Recognition of CPD hours (where applicable)
This course is non-accredited and does not issue AQF qualifications.
Training Fees & Pricing Structure
Course Fee (Per Participant)
2-Day Wastewater Operator Course
$980 per participant (ex GST)
Includes:
- Two days of facilitated training
- Course materials and handouts
- Australian Wastewater Treatment Operator’s Guide (take-home reference)
- Certificate of Completion
- Recognition of CPD hours (where applicable)
Minimum Participant Numbers
To run a course, a minimum of 6 participants applies.
If fewer than 6 participants are available:
- The course may still proceed by agreement
- The client may elect to pay the minimum course fee equivalent to 6 participants
Minimum course fee: $5,880 ex GST
This protects delivery viability and allows councils to combine teams if needed.
Numbers
Maximum Participant
To maintain quality
Travel & Accommodation (Additional)
For on-site delivery outside the trainer’s home region, the following applies:
Airfare
Economy Kilornetere Rate
Accommodation
Mid-Range Business Standard
Meals & Incidentals
Per Dem Allowance
Transfers / Hire
Airport Vehicle if required
All travel and accommodation costs are:
Quoted in advance
•
At cost
•
Fully transparent
No travel charges apply for local delivery within the trainer's base region.
Venue & Equipment
Client to provide (where possible):
- Training room
- Tables and seating
- Projector or screen
- Tea coffee snacks and lunch
Alternatively, venue hire can be arranged and costed separately if required.
Invoicing & Payment Terms
- Invoiced prior to course delivery
- Standard payment terms: 14 days
- Purchase orders accepted (council standard)
Fees & Payment Terms
Payment Timing
All training fees are payable prior to course commencement.
Training dates are confirmed upon:
- Acceptance of the training proposal or quote, and
- Receipt of payment or approved purchase order.
This ensures course materials, scheduling, and travel arrangements can be secured in advance.
Purchase Orders (Councils & Utilities)
For councils, utilities, and government entities:
- Official purchase orders are accepted
- Payment terms apply in accordance with standard procurement processes
- Training will proceed once a purchase order is received
Cancellation & Rescheduling
- Cancellations within 10 business days of the scheduled course may incur costs for: • Non-refundable travel • Accommodation • Course materials already supplied
- Courses may be rescheduled by mutual agreement, subject to availability
Late Payments
Where payment or purchase order is not received prior to course commencement:
- Training may be postponed until payment is confirmed
Training Terms & Conditions
These Terms & Conditions apply to all professional and industry training services delivered by Mike Lynch – Water & Wastewater Training.
01
Training Type
All training is delivered as non-accredited professional and industry training. No nationally recognised training or AQF qualifications are issued unless in partnership with an RTO.
02
Booking & Confirmation
Training bookings are confirmed upon:
- Acceptance of the training proposal or quote, and
- Receipt of payment or an approved purchase order.
Training dates are not secured until confirmation is received.
03
Fees & Payment
All fees are payable prior to course commencement.
For councils, utilities, and government entities:
- Approved purchase orders are accepted in lieu of upfront payment
- Standard payment terms apply in accordance with organisational procurement processes
Invoices will be issued prior to training delivery.
04
Minimum & Maximum Participant Numbers
Unless otherwise agreed:
- Minimum participants: 6
- Maximum participants: 12
Where minimum participant numbers are not met, the client may elect to:
- Proceed by paying the minimum course fee, or
- Reschedule the training.
05
Travel & Accommodation
For on-site delivery outside the trainer’s local region, travel and accommodation costs are additional.
These costs:
- Are quoted in advance
- Are charged at cost
- Include travel, accommodation, and reasonable incidentals where required
No travel charges apply for local delivery.
06
Cancellations & Rescheduling
Cancellations made within 10 business days of the scheduled training date may incur costs associated with:
- Non-refundable travel or accommodation
- Course materials already supplied
Training may be rescheduled by mutual agreement, subject to availability.
07
Client Responsibilities
The client is responsible for providing:
- A suitable training venue
- Tables and seating
- Presentation facilities (screen or projector)
Where a venue is not available, venue hire may be arranged and charged separately.
08
Certificates & Records
Participants may receive:
- Certificate of Completion
- Statement of Attendance
Certificates reflect participation only and do not represent nationally recognised qualifications.
09
Intellectual Property
All training materials, manuals, and content remain the intellectual property of the trainer.
Training materials are provided for participant use and reference and may not be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written consent.
10
Amendments
These Terms & Conditions may be updated from time to time.
The version in effect at the time of booking will apply.
Training at a Glance
Professional non-accredited water and wastewater operator training
Practical, operator-focused courses using real-world examples
Pricing is per participant, with minimum numbers applying
Travel and accommodation (if required) are charged at cost
Training dates are confirmed once payment or an approved purchase order is received
Certificates of Completion and CPD recognition provided
