Surface Irrigation System Operator Training School

March 17-20, 2025  (Raleigh)

Summary

Contact:

Jamie Luther
919-513-3321

Jazmin Garcia-Lawson
919-513-3224

soils_training@ncsu.edu

The purpose of this training school is to teach individuals how to properly operate and manage a surface irrigation system for the disposal or reuse of wastewater. This course is an approved training program of the Water Pollution Control System Operators Certification Commission, and completion is required to take the certification examination. All spray/surface irrigation facilities, which hold a permit from the Division of Water Resources for the surface irrigation or reuse of wastewater, are subject to classification as surface irrigation systems. The permit holders of classified surface irrigation systems are required to designate an Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) and a Back-Up Operator who hold Surface Irrigation System Operator Certificates.

Registration Now Open

Agenda

March 17-20, 2025

BE03030401

Registration: 8:00am-8:45am

Day 1 Classroom: 8:45am-5:15pm

  • Objectives, Outline, History
  • Wastewater Characteristics
  • Preapplication Treatment

Day 2 Classroom: 8:00am-5:00pm

  • Surface Irrigation Equipment
  • Pumps and Controls
  • Math
  • Irrigation Scheduling and Calibration

5:00pm Optional Math Help Session (Classroom)

Day 3 Field Day: 8:15am-4:20pm

Field activities will be held rain or shine, so please wear appropriate footwear and clothing.

  • Preapplication Treatment
  • Equipment
  • Soils and Agronomy
  • Soil Moisture & Irrigation Scheduling
  • Groundwater Sampling
  • Site Management and Calibration

Day 4 Classroom: 8:00am-4:00pm

  • Site Management
  • Health and Safety
  • Administration and Regulations 
  • Monitoring & Reporting

NOTE: An optional math help session will be held the evening of Day 2.  You are strongly encouraged to bring a calculator that can perform logarithmic (log) calculations.  

Exam Information

Examinations for certification as a Surface Irrigation System Operator are administered by the staff of the Water Pollution Control System Operators Certification Commission (WPCSOCC) on a quarterly basis at five locations throughout North Carolina. Application for the certification examination is a separate process from registration for the training school and must be made directly to the WPCSOCC. Completion of the training school is a prerequisite for the certification examination. However, there are other eligibility requirements that must be met in order to sit for the examination. The examination application and fee must be submitted directly to the WPCSOCC 30 days prior to the desired examination date.
 

Application for Examination

For an application to become a certified Surface Irrigation System Operator or for further information concerning the examination, please check the WPCSOCC website, write, or call:

WPCSOCC Website

WPCSOCC
1618 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1618
(919) 707-9089

The first exam date following the school will be TBD. (Application deadline is TBD.)  Finalized exam dates will be issued to exam applicants at the beginning of the exam month.

Link to the Examination Application

 Registration Information

Click Here to Register

Fee:
$495

The registration fee includes refreshments, lunch, materials, and a certificate of attendance.  The exam fee is not included in the School registration fee.

 

Class Location:

Booth Field Learning Lab
(off Lake Wheeler Rd.)
4000 Chi Road
Raleigh, NC 27603

 

Hotel Accommodations:

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites 3741 Thistledown Dr.
Raleigh, NC
919-854-0001

TownePlace Suites by Marriott
3771 Thistledown Dr.

Raleigh, NC 27606
984-300-1410