Water conservation technician

Water conservation technicians install systems to recover, filter, store and distribute water from different sources such as rainwater and domestic greywater.

The following job titles also refer to water conservation technician:

water conservation officer
water conservation specialist
environmental systems technician
water recycling specialist

A high school diploma is generally required to work as a water conservation technician.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Water conservation technician is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to water conservation technician.

irrigation system installer
plumber
insulation worker
sprinkler fitter
resilient floor layer

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of water conservation technician. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of water conservation technician with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

water conservation technician supervisor
plumbing supervisor
insulation supervisor
bricklaying supervisor
roofing supervisor

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of water conservation technician.

• Mechanics: Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.

These skills are necessary for the role of water conservation technician.

• Work ergonomically: Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
• Apply proofing membranes: Apply specialised membranes to prevent penetration of a structure by dampness or water. Securely seal any perforation to preserve the damp-proof or waterproof properties of the membrane. Make sure any membranes overlap top over bottom to prevent water from seeping in. Check the compatibility of multiple membranes used together.
• Apply arc welding techniques: Apply and work with a variety of techniques in the process of arc welding, such as shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, submerged arc welding and flux-cored arc welding.
• Set up water filtration system: Place the appropriate filtration units for water filtration and connect them to the source and destination pipes. Make sure the filtration units are accessible for maintenance and to replace filters if necessary.
• Install water reservoir: Set up different types of water reservoirs either above ground or in a prepared hole. Connect it to the relevant pipes and pumps and protect it from the environment if necessary.
• Apply spot welding techniques: Apply and work with a variety of techniques in the process of welding metal workpieces under pressure exercised by electrodes, such as projection welding, radius style electrodes spot welding and eccentric electrodes spot welding.
• Transport construction supplies: Bring construction materials, tools and equipment to the construction site and store them properly taking various aspects into account such as the workers’ safety and protection from deterioration.
• Inspect construction supplies: Check construction supplies for damage, moisture, loss or other problems before using the material.
• Install PVC piping: Lay different types and sizes of PVC piping in prepared spaces. Cut the piping to size and attach it by using glue or other systems. Make sure the piping has a clean edge, is free of strains and has the right tilt for fluids to run through.
• Follow health and safety procedures in construction: Apply the relevant health and safety procedures in construction in order to prevent accidents, pollution and other risks.
• Operate excavator: Operate excavators used to dig materials from the surface and load them onto dump trucks.
• Interpret 3D plans: Interpret and understand plans and drawings in manufacturing processes which include representations in three dimensions.
• Use measurement instruments: Use different measurement instruments depending on the property to be measured. Utilise various instruments to measure length, area, volume, speed, energy, force, and others.
• Use safety equipment in construction: Use elements of protective clothing such as steel-tipped shoes, and gear such as protective goggles, in order to minimise risk of accidents in construction and to mitigate any injury if an accident does occur.
• Use metal bending techniques: Perform bending techniques in order to shape metal sheets into parts used in the manufacture of objects.
• Interpret 2D plans: Interpret and understand plans and drawings in manufacturing processes which include representations in two dimensions.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of water conservation technician. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Energy performance of buildings: Factors that contribute to lower energy consumption of buildings. Building and renovation techniques used to achieve this. Legislation and procedures regarding energy performance of buildings.
• Energy efficiency: Field of information concerning the reduction of the use of energy. It encompasses calculating the consumption of energy, providing certificates and support measures, saving energy by reducing the demand, encouraging efficient use of fossil fuels, and promoting the use of renewable energy.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of water conservation technician. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Operate pumping equipment: Operate pumping equipment; oversee gas and oil transport from wellheads to refineries or storage facilities.
• Answer requests for quotation: Make up prices and documents for the products that customers may purchase.
• Inspect roof for source of rainwater contamination: Make sure the roof that will collect rainwater does not contaminate the water with chemicals, disease vectors and other biological contaminants.
• Monitor stock level: Evaluate how much stock is used and determine what should be ordered.
• Work in a construction team: Work as part of a team in a construction project. Communicate efficiently, sharing information with team members and reporting to supervisors. Follow instructions and adapt to changes in a flexible manner.
• Maintain work area cleanliness: Keep the working area and equipment clean and orderly.
• Check water pressure: Check the water pressure in a water circulation system, using a built-in gauge or by attaching a water pressure gauge onto a pipe. In the case of a stand-alone gauge, be sure to depressurise the system before attaching the gauge.
• Calculate needs for construction supplies: Take measurements on site and estimate the amount of materials required for the construction or restoration project.
• Clear out drains: Remove organic materials and other debris from pipes, usually using a snake, a long device that is pushed down the pipes.
• Install construction profiles: Install a variety of metal or plastic profiles used to attach materials to each other or to structural elements. Cut them to size if called for.
• Keep personal administration: File and organise personal administration documents comprehensively.
• Order construction supplies: Order required materials for the construction project, taking care to purchase the most suitable material for a good price.
• Process incoming construction supplies: Receive incoming construction supplies, handle the transaction and enter the supplies into any internal administration system.
• Keep records of work progress: Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.
• Set up water pump: Install a device that pumps water from a lower location to a higher location. Set the pump in the right position, taking care not to expose any sensitive parts to water. Connect the pump to water pipes and a power source.
• Install water purity mechanism: Install different types of mechanisms that prevent impurities from getting into the recovered water. Install micron filters and membranes to filter out debris and prevent mosquitoes from entering the water supply. Place ball mechanisms to filter out the first flush from rooftop rainwater.
• Set up temporary construction site infrastructure: Set up a variety of temporary infrastructure used on building sites. Put up fences and signs. Set up any construction trailers and make sure that these are connected to electricity lines and water supply. Establish supplies stores and garbage disposal in a sensible manner.

7126 – Plumbers and pipe fitters

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References

1. Water conservation technician – ESCO