As we begin to look at options for a career, we may consider education, maybe on-the-job training, or self-study and activity, to prepare for a particular career of choice. There are many options available for the varying careers. One career field that sometimes is overlooked is related to water quality and water management. There are many career options in the water quality and water management fields. Becoming a professional in this career field can include formal education, on-the-job training, and even self- study. There are many paths into this interesting, highly-rewarding, sustainable, and dynamic career field.

An option that may be of interest to many people looking into careers in the field, is an Associate Degree in Water Quality Technology from Moraine Park Technical College. Moraine Park’s program is an accredited degree offered in an online format. Today as more positions are opening and available throughout the U.S. and abroad, an online program may be the right choice for students.
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The school year is flying by and many around the State of Wisconsin are preparing and studying for water and wastewater operator certification exams. The exams are held in November and May.

As I teach many of the prospective operators in both disciplines, a subject that comes to mind is related to mathematics. Math is used in many career areas, and the same applies to the water and wastewater industries. When preparing for the exam, math will be worth reviewing and understanding. With today’s spreadsheets, hidden formulas, automated recording and other tools utilizing our various technologies, math behind the scenes is sometimes a forgotten skill.

But I will share a couple of stories with you that identifies the need to recall and utilize this skill. The good news is that Moraine Park Technical College’s Water Quality Technology program and water operator certification preparatory courses cover the operator related math and formulas well.
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Several months ago, eight faculty including myself, were selected to take part in the inaugural MPTC Teaching Fellows Program. Our mentor for the program is Dean of General Studies, Dr. Jennifer Lanter. During the program, faculty shared teaching experiences, gained knowledge related to learner-centered teaching approaches, discussed innovative teaching practices in a collaborative environment, and explored new teaching strategies.
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Life is busy. But there are affordable, convenient ways to start on a great career path!

One of those ways here at Moraine Park is our two-year Water Quality Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree program. This is an online program, so you can complete it in the comfort of your home, or where your computer takes you.
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Water Quality Technology is a satisfying career where you can help provide safe water to consumers, prevent disease, help protect the environment and maintain recreational waters for fishing and  . . . well, much more!

Many job openings in this field are also projected over the next several years as graduates replace positions of retirees and facilities continue to expand.

And Moraine Park can help prepare you for these opportunities in a flexible, affordable environment. Don’t just take our word for it, though! Check out this story from one of our grads:
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Water Quality Technology is a satisfying career where you can help provide safe water to consumers, prevent disease, help protect the environment and maintain recreational waters for fishing and  . . . well, much more!

Many job openings in this field are also projected over the next several years as graduates replace positions of retirees and facilities continue to expand.

If this sounds like an interesting career field, but maybe you’re feeling a bit daunted and busy with life already, listen to the story of Wayne Gilbertson. He can relate!
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I hope all of you have had a great summer! To all those passing their state water exams this last cycle, congratulations, it was great hearing from all of you that have taken recent courses.

Our courses are starting once again, and this is a great time to plan on either a continuing education course or a certification exam preparatory course.
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Summer is a time of high activity. Swimming. Fishing. Hiking. Biking. Running. The list goes on.  And on! With high activity, accompanied often times with high temperatures, we all know the importance of staying hydrated. So always make sure you have enough water. There are times, however, when taking or carrying enough water is not practicable. For example, when we are hiking or backpacking for lengthy periods of time, the weight of water would make trekking across miles of terrain a very difficult journey. Considering each gallon would weigh in at 8.34 pounds, your backpack would be quite heavy.

But there are options available to meet our need of having enough water.
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Hi, I’m Mark Schmidt, water quality instructor here at Moraine Park Technical College. Today marks the first day of a blog regarding water quality.

I have been asked by many people about the safety of consuming water, whether bottled or municipally supplied. Some questions have also come from people that have private wells. The questions certainly make me think as there seems to be some pretty interesting misinformation available.
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