Preparing the Next Generation of Water and Wastewater Operators in New York

Public water and wastewater systems depend on skilled operators to protect public health, maintain regulatory compliance, and keep essential infrastructure running safely. Across New York State, many communities are facing a familiar challenge: experienced operators are retiring, staffing is tight, and treatment requirements continue to evolve.

The scale of the workforce issue is significant. More than 19 million New Yorkers rely on safe, clean water produced by fewer than 10,000 certified water and wastewater operators, according to a 2023 NYSAWWA/NYWEA water and wastewater utility challenges summary. The same summary notes that the industry is already facing a workforce shortage and that the current operator workforce is “aging out.” National data points to the same trend: the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reported that, within the next five to 10 years, water sector workers will be eligible to retire at levels that could stress the nation’s ability to operate critical drinking water and wastewater infrastructure.

For municipalities, operator training is not only a workforce issue. It is part of long-term utility planning, system resilience, and reliable service delivery. This is why the New York Section American Water Works Association’s One Water Workforce (OWW) initiative was created. One Water Workforce serves as a centralized hub for career awareness, recruitment, and training resources across New York State, helping connect municipalities, utilities, and prospective operators with the resources they need to address workforce needs.

“Workforce development is no longer a future challenge—it is a current operational necessity,” said Jenny Ingrao-Aman, Executive Director of NYSAWWA. “Communities need qualified operators, supervisors, and utility leaders to maintain critical infrastructure and protect public health. One Water Workforce was created to help utilities build sustainable workforce pathways that support long-term resilience and service reliability.”

Courses began rolling out earlier this year through the One Water Workforce Training Center, with Barton & Loguidice (B&L) trainers delivering Gold Standard operator certification training and continuing education opportunities for water and wastewater operators. Training is being offered from locations in Albany, Syracuse, and Rochester and is designed to support both individuals entering the profession and current operators who need continuing education to maintain licensure.

“Communities across New York are facing a critical need to recruit and retain qualified water and wastewater professionals,” said Richard Straut, Principal and Water Resources Practice Leader at Barton & Loguidice. “This partnership allows us to combine industry expertise with hands-on training to build a stronger, more sustainable workforce.”

For municipalities, this training can help address several practical needs. Entry-level and pre-certification courses support new employees as they prepare for certification exams. Continuing education helps licensed operators stay up to date with requirements. Site-specific training can also provide staff with instruction that reflects the equipment, processes, and operating conditions they use every day.

B&L’s operator support resources include classroom and onsite training, pre-certification, initial certification, continuing education, and programs that may be held in conjunction with NYSAWWA and meet NYSDOH and NYSDEC standards.

The One Water Workforce program emphasizes practical application. Courses are being delivered in classrooms across the state or onsite at partnering treatment facilities. Course materials are vetted to meet One Water Workforce Gold Standard criteria, and training is available for both the water and wastewater sectors.

Training is led by Stephen Sanders, who has more than 15 years of experience in water and wastewater facility operator training, including previous leadership of SUNY Morrisville’s Environmental Training Center. Sanders is supported by additional B&L professionals who combine classroom instruction with real-world learning experiences at treatment facilities.

“Our goal is to give participants not only the knowledge they need to pass certification exams, but also the practical skills required to succeed in the field,” Sanders said. “By exposing trainees to real operational environments, we’re helping prepare them for long-term careers in this essential industry.”

Operator training is only one part of maintaining a strong utility workforce. Municipalities may also need support with troubleshooting, diagnostic reviews, audits and assessments, plant optimization, asset management, utility administration, management guidance, coaching, and regulatory compliance. These services, provided by B&L, can help communities address immediate operational concerns while also planning for long-term staffing and system needs.

As municipalities continue to manage workforce transitions, certification needs, and day-to-day system demands, access to practical training resources remains important. The One Water Workforce Training Center, in partnership with B&L, is now providing one pathway for communities, utilities, and operators to strengthen technical knowledge, build field-ready skills, and support the next generation of water and wastewater professionals.

To stay updated on our course offerings, please sign up here: Learn More about B&L Water Operator Training