Technical Standards

Standard Definition Example of Standard
Critical Thinking Skills
  • Wastewater Treatment Operator students should be able to analyze and assess various laboratory and scientific scenarios in order to arrive at conclusions and make informed decisions.
  • Reasoning, measuring, calculating, analyzing data, formulating ideas.
  • Problem solving as it relates to laboratory issues.
  • Exercising appropriate judgment specific to various situations.
  • Abiding by laboratory safety guidelines.
  • Working efficiently in a treatment facility
  • Progressing towards self- sufficiency and working independently with minimal supervision.
Mobility/Motor Skills
  • Wastewater treatment  students should possess gross and fine motor skills, enabling them to learn laboratory skills and work safely in the lab.
  • Able to stand on hard or concrete floors for prolonged periods of time
  • Able to handle terrible smell for a long period of time.
  • Perform delicate operations,which require adequate hand-eye coordination.
  • Perform manual laboratory procedures with agility.
  • Operate sensitive laboratory equipment, including computers, touch screens,keyboards, and computerized equipment.
  • Physical abilities sufficient to perform wastewater treatment skills in a hot (90+ degree) and cold environment
Technical Skills
  • Basic knowledge of the computer
  • Use a computer or computerized device.
  • Use the internet for gathering information e.g. researching laboratory related issues
  • Following NCDENR guidelines
  • Use the internet for gathering information e.g. researching laboratory related issues
Auditory Skills
  • Effectively hear sounds that indicate potential issues and problems in the facility environment
  • Effectively communicate with other laboratory personnel while in the lab and be able to follow directives.
  • Detect and assess equipment and alarm sounds
Visual Skills
  • Have an awareness of surroundings through use of senses.
  • Read and understand text, numbers, graphs,  and other data in small print and on a monitor screen.
  • Understanding rules and guidelines from NCDENR
Communication Skills
  • Wastewater students should be able to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.
  • Appropriate interpersonal interaction with other students, faculty, staff, facility owners and other technicians
  • Clearly record, in writing, relevant documents such as facility protocols, standard operating settings.
  • Understand and execute written and oral instructions received in English
  • Use professional jargon when communicating within the discipline.
Interpersonal Skills
  • Wastewater treatment students should be able to positively interact or display professionalism when interacting with other members of the Wastewater program including, but not limited to, classmates, teammates, instructors, laboratory technicians, work based learning supervisors etc.  Students should also be able to interact with individuals with different social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds.
  • Adapt appropriately to changing situations and/or environments in the classroom and/or facility.
  • Maintain composure under stressful or hostile conditions.
  • Show respect to fellow students, faculty, coworkers, supervisors etc.
  • Demonstrate honesty, integrity, dependability and accountability in a laboratory setting.
  • Be respectful and tolerant to everyone irrespective of their race, nationality, sexual orientation, gender, disability, religious or moral beliefs.
Behavioral Skills
  • Wastewater treatment students should be able to tolerate a variety of environmental stressors.
  • Work safely with potentially infectious organisms,samples, and other hazardous materials.
  • Follow specific regulatory guidelines in the classroom and facility.
  • Remain focused and alert in  a fast paced,  highly  stressful (sometimes unpredictable)work environment.