NDRWA Apprenticeship Program
North Dakota Rural Water Systems Association
Water Systems Operations Specialists Apprenticeship Program
Bismarck State College (BSC) has partnered with the North Dakota Rural Water Systems Association to offer the Water Systems Operations Specialists Apprenticeship Program. This apprenticeship program is comprised of non-credit courses from BSC in addition to on-the-job training, related instruction and paid work experience. The non-credit courses from BSC are offered in a flexible, online format that enables you to maintain your work schedule.
Individuals interested in a career in the drinking water Industry are encouraged to contact North Dakota Rural Water Systems for more information at apprenticeship.nrwa.org.
Program Outline
Year 1
Programs in Bold are offered by BSC.
Course Title
|
Hours
|
| Orientation |
3 |
| Introduction to Operator Mathematics |
6 |
| EPA/NDDEQ Regulations Review |
12 |
| Introduction to the Water Industry |
5 |
| Laboratory Basic Procedures and Basic Water Chemistry |
10 |
| Chemical, Physical, and Biological Water Impurities |
10 |
| Water Equipment Studies |
10 |
| Water Plant Collection and Pretreatment Processes |
10 |
| Potable Water and Disinfection Processes |
10 |
| Maintaining Water Quality in Distribution Systems |
6 |
| Security & Emergency Preparation and Source Water Protection |
6 |
| Basic Electricity and Electronics |
32 |
| CPR/First Aid/AED |
5 |
| Valve & Hydrant Maintenance |
6 |
| Chemical Feed & Calibration |
2 |
| OSHA Safety |
32 |
Year 2
Programs in Bold are offered by BSC.
Course Title
|
Hours
|
| Pump and Motor Maintenance |
8 |
| Backflow Prevention |
5 |
| Line Location and Leak Detection |
3 |
| Operator Fundamentals of GIS and GPS |
8 |
| Non-dissolved Solids Clarification and Filtration Processes |
10 |
| Dissolved Solids Chemical Softening and Ion Exchange Processes |
10 |
| Instrumentation & Control |
10 |
| Water Distribution and Final Treatment Processes |
10 |
| Chlorinator Systems & Chemical Handling |
10 |
| Corrosion Control Treatment |
10 |
| Water Distribution: Distribution Facilities |
10 |
| Water Distribution: Disinfection |
10 |
| Water Distribution: Operation and Maintenance |
10 |
| Water Distribution: Management |
10 |
| Small Water System Treatment Plants |
10 |
| Utility Management Certification |
10 |
Program Course Descriptions
WATER 200 - Introduction to the Water Industry - 5 Hours
This course provides an overview of the water treatment program and the water treatment industry. It introduces students to water and wastewater treatment occupations and processes. Students study operator roles, industry requirements, common terminology and basic equipment as well as water use and characteristics.
WATER 201 - Laboratory Basic Procedures and Basic Water Chemistry - 10 Hours
Introduction to lab procedures and safety along with the study of chemistry as it applies to the water molecule.
WATER 202 - Chemical, Physical and Biological Water Impurities - 10 Hours
Survey of how the water molecule carries chemical, physical and biological impurities. Measurement, sample collection technique and impurity removal processes are also covered.
WATER 204 - Water Equipment Studies - 10 Hours
Introduction to pumps, compressors and auxiliary equipment in plants. Design and operational concepts are covered.
WATER 206 - Water Plant Collection and Pretreatment Processes - 10 Hours
This course focuses on groundwater and surface water collection processes including wells and surface collection processes. Pretreatment processes covered include chemical additions, aeration, screening and ponds.
WATER 208 - Non-dissolved Solids Clarification and Filtration Processes - 10 Hours
This course focuses on the removal of non-dissolved solids measured as turbidity. Processes covered include settling basins, clarification, and filters.
WATER 210 - Dissolved Solids, Chemical Softening and Ion Exchange Processes - 10 Hours
This course focuses on the addition of lime to clarification processes, advanced filtration, reverse osmosis, sodium based softening and high purity ion exchange processes.
WATER 212 - Potable Water and Disinfection Processes - 10 Hours
This course focuses on disinfection processes including all forms of chlorine addition, ozone and ultraviolet light. Potable water regulation and requirements are also covered in depth.
WATER 214 - Water Distribution & Final Treatment Processes - 6 Hours
This course focuses on final water treatment processes for potable water. In addition, distribution concepts and equipment including trenching safety are surveyed.
WATER 218 - Pump and Motor Maintenance - 8 Hours
This course focuses on the operation and maintenance of equipment used in wastewater collection and treatment. Troubleshooting of wastewater treatment systems is also reviewed.
WATER 220 - Instrumentation and Control - 10 Hours
This course focuses on a study of instrumentation components, control theory, control systems, controllers and SCADA associated with the operation of a facility.
APP 190 - Operator Fundamentals of GIS and GPS - 8 Hours
This course will cover the roles that the Global Positioning System and Geographic Information Systems play in modern water utilities. Students will learn the definitions of GPS and GIS, the difference between the two, and the benefits of these technologies to their utilities. Topics covered will include mapping utility assets, using GIS and mobile devices in everyday tasks, and asset management using GPS and GIS.
MMAT 205 - Basic Electricity and Electronics - 32 Hours
Covers basic, nonmathematical approach to understanding principles of electricity. Introduces electron theory, static electricity, electrons in motion, and magnetism. Covers basic methods of measuring current, voltage, and resistance. Explains circuit components-conductors, insulators, resistors, capacitors-and simple Ohm's Law calculations.
FAQs
What are the online course elements? This course is self-study, asynchronous and completely online. Participants learn from video/audio and text-based lectures, self-check exercises, quizzes, animations and graphics. Timely feedback is provided on participants' completed exams, and questions are answered through e-mail. Throughout the course, participants will have the opportunity to use Interactive Learning Tools in the enhanced online lessons.
What are the course advantages? Courses are 100% online with access anytime and anywhere. The course is structured to be self-paced; therefore participants are not required to be online at any specific time.
What is the course schedule? The course is open for registration at any time. Participants will have access to the course until June 30. All registrations received the month of June will have access until June 30 of the following year. The participant will have access to the course within three (3) working days after registration.
When will I receive my Certificate of Completion? Upon successful completion, you will receive a certificate of completion by e-mail within 3 business days.
Registration
What is the course fee? The course fee is $200 - $400/class.
* Refunds granted at the participant's request prior to the course start date will incur a $15 processing fee. If the cancellation is requested more than one (1) business day after the registration is processed, no refund is available.
REGISTER NOW! Credit Card, Electronic Check and Company Billing payment options are available.
Individual Credit Card or Check Payment Registration
Company Billing Registration
Need more information? Contact the National Energy Center of Excellence at 701.224.2519, 800.852.5685 or bsc.energytraining@bismarckstate.edu.