001 The director will evaluate qualifications of operators based on education, operating experience, knowledge of wastewater characteristics, treatment processes, and wastewater treatment facility operation relating to the classification of wastewater treatment facilities.
002 All applicants for a Class I, Class L, and Industrial I operator's certificate are to meet the following education or experience requirement:
002.01 One year of work experience in a wastewater treatment facility;
002.02 Completion of high school education or the equivalent may be substituted for one year of work experience.
003 All applicants for a Class II or an Industrial II operator's certificate are to meet the following education or experience requirement:
003.01 Two years of work experience in a wastewater treatment facility;
003.02 Completion of high school education or the equivalent may be substituted for one year of work experience;
003.03 Completion of two years of post-high school or equivalent education in a curriculum related to wastewater facility operation and design may be substituted for two years of work experience.
004 All applicants for a Class III, Class IV, Industrial III, or Industrial IV operator's certificate are to meet the following education or experience requirement:
004.01 Four years of work experience in a wastewater treatment facility with at least two years experience in a Class III, Class IV, or an Industrial III, or Industrial IV facility;
004.02 Completion of a college degree majoring in environmental engineering, environmental sciences, or the equivalent ( as determined by the director ) may be substituted for three years of work experience;
004.03 Completion of two years of post-high school or equivalent education related to the wastewater facility operation and design may be substituted for two years of work experience.
005 Continuing Education. All CEU's for initial qualifications or certificate renewal will be subject to review for approval to insure that the training is applicable to wastewater treatment facility operation and meets CEU criteria. Training records are to be maintained by the operator and submitted to the department as part of application for certificate renewal. The department will verify successful completion of approved training.
005.01 Qualified education programs include all wastewater courses and related technical courses, workshops, correspondence courses, and other education experiences approved by the department.
005.02 Training may be provided by wastewater operator personnel to other operators. This type of training may meet CEU requirements as long as prior approval of training to be provided is obtained from the department. Training submitted to the department for approval is to meet the following criteria:
005.02A Instruction are to be provided by an operator certified at a level equal to or greater than the classification level of the facility whose operator is receiving instruction, or by a trainer that has submitted information demonstrating qualifications for specific training activities.
005.02B An outline of the training to be provided is to be submitted and is to include the time allotted to each main topic.
005.02C A list of the teacher's objectives is to be submitted documenting the essential points of the instruction, need-to-know information and the methods used to illustrate these principles.
005.02D Written evidence of successful completion of the training is to be submitted to the department by the instructor within thirty (30) days following the training and a copy provided to the operator for his/her training record.
Enabling Legislation: Neb. Rev. Stat. §81-15,130(1)(2)(3)(4) and §81-15,131.