What Does The N4 “On Record” or “In Charge” Mean New Jersey Wastewater Treatment Operations

In New Jersey wastewater treatment operations, “N4” is the highest class of industrial wastewater treatment operator certification. When someone is listed as “N4 on record” or “N4 in charge,” it means that operator holds a valid N4 license and is officially designated as the responsible party for the facility’s operations and compliance.

What Does The N4 “On Record” or “In Charge” Mean New Jersey Wastewater Treatment Operations

What “N4” Means

• The N4 license is awarded by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to individuals with substantial education, experience, and training in industrial wastewater treatment.

• To earn the N4 designation, an operator must complete the DEP‑approved industrial wastewater training course and have one of the following:

  • High school diploma plus 10 years operating experience

  • Associate’s degree plus 7 years operating experience

  • Bachelor’s degree plus 5 years operating experience

“On Record” or “In Charge”

• Being “N4 on record” signifies that the operator is registered as the person responsible for oversight, operation, and compliance at that plant, per state requirements.

• “In charge” means they actively supervise operations, maintenance, and effectiveness of the treatment system and have legal accountability for performance and regulatory compliance.

Why It Matters

• Only N4-certified operators may be named on record or in charge for high-level industrial wastewater treatment facilities in New Jersey—the state considers this vital to protect public health and ensure proper environmental stewardship.

• Facilities must always have a qualified operator in charge to maintain their operating permits, pass inspections, and keep up with regulatory reporting.

The “N4” designation thus identifies top-tier professionals whose credentials allow them to manage the most complex and critical industrial wastewater systems under state law.In New Jersey, "N4" refers to the highest level of industrial wastewater treatment operator licensure, overseen by the Department of Environmental Protection. If someone is designated as “N4 on record” or “N4 in charge,” it means they hold responsibility as the certified operator for a facility's industrial wastewater treatment processes, compliance, and regulatory reporting.

N4 Operator Qualifications

To qualify for the N4 license, candidates must complete specialized DEP-approved industrial wastewater training and satisfy experience requirements—typically 10 years with a high school diploma, 7 years with an associate’s degree, or 5 years with a bachelor’s degree. These stringent prerequisites ensure that only highly trained and experienced professionals lead the operation and oversight of major industrial wastewater plants in the state.

Roles and Responsibilities

An N4 operator “on record” or “in charge” is recognized as the supervisor in direct responsible charge of the system. This individual oversees daily operation, maintenance, and regulatory compliance, serving as the facility’s official representative to state authorities and bearing legal accountability for its performance and safety.

Regulatory Importance

New Jersey requires wastewater facilities to maintain an appropriate level-licensed operator in charge at all times, directly linking the N4 credential to operational permits and compliance with environmental standards. This safeguards public health, environmental quality, and the facility’s legal standing.