Water support technicians install, operate, inspect, and perform preventive and corrective maintenance on pumps, water filtration/purification equipment, water storage/distribution systems, and laundry and shower facilities.
They conduct and evaluate water surveys, water reconnaissance, and water quality analysis as well as establish, maintain, and close sanitation systems. When on Humanitarian Assistance and Civil Military Operations these technicians also plan, install, and repair the plumbing systems of structures. These duties include cutting, bending, and threading pipes; joining pipes using screws, bolts, fittings, solder, and plastic solvent; cleaning tanks and filter beds using backwashing; testing water to determine acidity, impurities, turbidity, and conductivity; and regulating the flow of raw water for treatment while mixing it with specified amounts of chemicals (i.e. alum, coagulate, chlorine, ammonia, and lime) in the filtration/purification process. Noncommissioned officers are afforded the opportunity to attend the Advanced Water Support Technician course that provides in-depth instruction on the requirements of the Uniform Plumbing Code and the planning of water support. An apprenticeship program, leading to U.S. Department of Labor certification as a Journey Worker, is available to water support technicians under the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP).
Prerequisites.
(1) Must possess an MM score of 95 or higher.
(2) Must have normal color vision.
Requirements.
Complete the Basic Water Support Technician Course (M031102), Marine Corps Engineer School, Camp Lejeune, NC.
Duties.
For a complete listing of duties and tasks, refer to NAVMC 3500.12, Marine Corps Engineer and Utilities Training and Readiness Manual.
Related SOC Classification/SOC Code.
(1) Water and Liquid Waste Treatment Plant and System Operators 51- 8031.
(2) Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker 51-6011.
(3) Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters 47-2152.
Related Military Skill.
None.
