Employee of Water and Wastewater Treatment vs. Owner of Water and Wastewater Treatment

Attribute	Employee of Water and Wastewater Treatment	Owner of Water and Wastewater Treatment
Responsibilities	Follows instructions, operates equipment	Manages operations, makes decisions
Authority	Follows directions from supervisors	Makes decisions for the facility
Compensation	Hourly or salaried employee	May receive profits from the business
Training	May require certification or specialized training	May have education or experience in business management
Job Security	Dependent on employer's needs	Dependent on success of the business

Responsibilities

Employees of water and wastewater treatment facilities are typically responsible for operating and maintaining the equipment used to treat water and wastewater. They may also be involved in monitoring water quality, conducting tests, and ensuring that the treatment process meets regulatory standards. On the other hand, owners of water and wastewater treatment facilities have a broader range of responsibilities. They are responsible for overseeing the entire operation, including managing staff, budgeting, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

Decision Making

Employees of water and wastewater treatment facilities are usually not involved in high-level decision making. They follow established procedures and protocols to ensure that water and wastewater are treated effectively. In contrast, owners of water and wastewater treatment facilities are responsible for making strategic decisions that impact the overall operation of the facility. They must consider factors such as budget constraints, regulatory requirements, and technological advancements when making decisions.

Accountability

Employees of water and wastewater treatment facilities are accountable for their specific tasks and duties. They are expected to perform their job responsibilities efficiently and effectively. Owners of water and wastewater treatment facilities are ultimately accountable for the overall success of the facility. They are responsible for ensuring that the facility operates in compliance with regulations, meets performance targets, and provides safe and clean water to the community.

Investment

Employees of water and wastewater treatment facilities typically do not have a financial investment in the facility. They are employed by the facility and receive a salary for their work. Owners of water and wastewater treatment facilities have a significant financial investment in the facility. They may have invested their own capital to start or purchase the facility, and they have a vested interest in the financial success of the operation.

Risk

Employees of water and wastewater treatment facilities face minimal financial risk in their role. They are typically not personally liable for any financial losses or liabilities incurred by the facility. Owners of water and wastewater treatment facilities, on the other hand, bear a higher level of financial risk. They are personally liable for the financial obligations of the facility and may be at risk of losing their investment if the facility does not perform well.

Long-Term Outlook

Employees of water and wastewater treatment facilities may have opportunities for career advancement within the facility or in the broader water and wastewater industry. They may also have the opportunity to gain additional training and certifications to enhance their skills. Owners of water and wastewater treatment facilities have the potential for long-term financial success and stability. They have the opportunity to build equity in the facility and potentially expand their operations to other locations.