Water, Environment and Technology

The Environmental Technology Department provides training for operators, utility workers, environmental technicians, laboratory technicians, and other workers that make up the field of Public Works. Cities, counties and other public entities have needs for clean drinking water, well maintained streets and parks, wastewater treatment facilities, maintenance of pipes, pumps, and storage facilities. Many private facilities and industries have similar needs for maintenance of infrastructure, water supply and waste management. This program provides education to meet the employment needs of workers in both the public and private systems.

The Environmental Technology Department offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree in Water, Environment and Technology.

Working in the field of Environmental Technology requires skills in chemistry, microbiology and laboratory practices. Students will also have knowledge of city government, infrastructure including pipe, pumps and storage tanks, and equipment maintenance.

Environmental Technology Employment Opportunities:

• Public Works Utility Worker: supports all aspects of the operation and maintenance of public works systems including streets, piping, pumps, water supply, wastewater treatment.
• Watershed Management: oversees the watershed that is the water source for the community.
• Water Treatment Operator: responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the water treatment and supply system.
• Water Distribution System Operator: responsibility of the operation and maintenance of the water distribution system made up of piping, pumps, storage facilities.
• Stormwater Control and Management: responsibility for monitoring and controlling surface runoff from storms and managing the treatment of this stormflow.
• Industrial Pretreatment: work with local industry to monitor and control industrial discharges to the community treatment systems.
• Wastewater Treatment Operator: responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the city’s wastewater treatment system.
• Wastewater Collection System Operator: responsibility of the operation and maintenance of the wastewater collection system made up of piping, pumps, and other equipment.

Workplace Requirements

In the field of Public Works, the workplace and security concerns often require drug testing, background checks, and a current drivers license as a prerequisite to full time employment. As a part of the two-year degree credit in Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) is required. CWE activities take place at a non-LBCC instructional location. A student may be required to comply with the non-LBCC site’s policies concerning drug testing, background checks, etc. Students should meet with program advisors for clarification of these and workplace related concerns.

Facilities

Classes are held in modern, well-equipped classrooms and laboratories. The Water, Environment and Technology program offers completely equipped laboratories for chemistry, microbiology, mechanical and electrical maintenance applications. Computer applications are a part of many classroom activities and laboratory applications.