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Non-Credit Learning
  • Microcredential
  • Prepares for a certification exam

Water Operator

SUNY Ulster · Stone Ridge · Sustainable Agriculture and Resource Technologies

Seats available

Key facts

When
Dec 9, 2026 to Mar 21, 2027Tue and Thu, 9:00 to 11:30 AM
Where and how
Mix of online and in personWhich sessions are on campus isn't listed. Ask the campus.
Time commitment
1 semester11.6 continuing education units (CEUs)
Cost
$500, estimatedThe campus confirms the final amount
Who can join
Ages 18 and upHas a prerequisite
What you get
Digital badgeAlso prepares you for a certification exam

About this course

Launch your career on the front lines of ensuring safe drinking water through this Water Operator microcredential. You will study various water treatment methods including filtration and disinfection and understand the scope of work involved in daily operation and maintenance of water treatment plants and distribution systems. You will gain essential skills in water testing, interpreting results, monitoring and detecting potential issues, including waterborne diseases. You will learn how to deploy best practices in safety and emergency response while strengthening your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Successful completion of this microcredential prepares all to continue their studies and satisfies the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) requirements for pre-certification for Grade A water treatment plant operators. With pre-certification requirements met, you are ready to apply for entry level positions at water treatment facilities, building the required number of work hours to apply for full certification. Note: Those who complete this microcredential can opt to add one additional course, SCI 116 Basic Wastewater Operations Lab/Lecture, to also earn the Wastewater Operator microcredential and complete pre-certification requirements for Wastewater Operators from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC).

What you'll learn

  • Water Treatment
  • Filtration
  • Disinfection
  • Daily Operation
  • Maintenance
  • Testing
  • Interpreting Results
  • Emergency Response
  • Resource Management
  • Environmental Protection
  • Pollution Prevention
  • Problem Solving
  • Troubleshooting
  • Ethical Standards and Conduct

Taught by Cindra Crawshaw, Arvy Duligall and Leontine Healing.

What you get

  • Water Operator Microcredential

    Digital badge from SUNY Ulster when you finish

    You may be able to share it online. Ask the campus how.

  • Prepares for an industry certification exam

    The exam may be separate and run by another organization.

    Ask the campus which exam, its cost and whether it is included.

  • 11.6 continuing education units (CEUs)

    Often used for professional license renewal

    Check that your licensing body accepts them.

Getting there for in-person sessions

Downtown Learning Center, SUNY Ulster, Stone Ridge, NY 12484

Plan your trip

The pin shows the campus's main address. Check the building with the campus before your first class.

Who can join

  • Ages 18 and up
  • High school diploma or equivalent

Help with the cost

No help with the cost is listed for this course. You may still qualify for programs the campus knows about.

See ways to get help with costs

Questions about this course

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SUNY Ulster

Enrollment & Success Center

admissions@sunyulster.edu · (845) 687-5022

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