At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Water Quality Technician, sampling and analysing drinking water to ensure top quality standards.
- Company: South West Water provides reliable drinking water and wastewater services in the beautiful South West area.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible leave options, wellbeing support, and a competitive pension.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on communities while working in a dynamic, innovative environment with growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including Maths, English, and Science; full UK driving licence; attention to detail required.
- Other info: Progression scheme funded by the company, including NVQ qualification in Monitoring the Water Environment.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 29000 £ per year.
At South West Water, we believe that the strongest businesses are built on solid, stable foundations — with a vision and a culture that give them the freedom to change, improve, and innovate.
We’re proud to be responsible for providing reliable, efficient, and high-quality drinking water and wastewater services for the beautiful South West area.
And we have huge ambitions.
Not only are we committed to reaching net-zero by 2030, but we’ve also partnered with Wildlife Trusts, National Parks, and local partners to help ensure a better future for generations to come.
So, if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed, #JustAddWater.
Can you thrive in a dynamic work environment, adapting to changing priorities in water quality management? Are you ready to make a positive impact on communities by ensuring the highest water quality standards are met?
We currently have a fantastic opportunity available for a Water Quality Technician to join our team based in Exeter. You will join us on a full-time, permanent basis, and in return, you will receive a competitive starting salary of £25,274 per annum and a supplement of £2,738.51 for working a 1 in 5 weekend working pattern. In the development of this role, you will be supported with a Water Quality Technician levels 1-5 progression scheme where you can receive up to £29,518 per annum, plus a range of excellent company benefits + rewards.
Progression Scheme:
As part of your employment package, the successful candidate will enroll onto a company progression scheme consisting of a Level 2 NVQ qualification in Monitoring the Water Environment, which focuses on the procedures, skills, and experiences to meet the requirements of the scheme. The company will fully fund the equipment and training required.
About the role:
As our Water Quality Technician, you will undertake sampling activities and on-site analysis of drinking water at our sites and customer’s premises to meet the requirements of the company and regulators. You will also assist Water Quality Scientists in investigating breaches of drinking water regulatory standards and resolving customer inquiries related to water quality.
What you\’ll be doing:
- Undertaking sampling duties from source to tap to ensure all regulatory, operational monitoring, and customer service requirements are met
- Complying with the company’s health, safety, and security policies
- Planning and delivering sampling, monitoring, and customer support activities effectively
- Providing sampling support to Water Quality staff
- Suggesting improvements to the company’s Quality Management Systems
- Maintaining and improving customer contact standards to uphold the company image
- Monitoring \’trigger points\’ and reporting triggers promptly to minimize impact
- Supporting monitoring during events and incidents
- Assisting Water Quality Scientists in resolving customer contacts efficiently
- Utilizing resources at minimum cost, maintaining equipment and records
- Reporting on-site asset conditions
What we are looking for:
- 5 GCSEs or equivalent, including Maths, English, and Science at grade C or above
- A full UK driving license, as site visits across the region are required
- The ability to follow procedures to exacting standards
- Excellent attention to detail and record-keeping skills
- A logical approach and initiative in tasks
- Good geographical knowledge of the Southwest and willingness to work outdoors in all weather
- The ability to meet time, cost, quality, and performance targets
- Understanding of Quality Management Systems (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 17025)
- Proficiency in MS Office and confidence with new systems
What\’s in it for you:
- Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
- Buy or sell annual leave for flexibility
- Tax-free bike and safety equipment through Cycle to Work
- Free parking at most sites
- Up to 26 weeks’ additional maternity leave
- Shared parental leave options
- Employee share schemes
- Confidential Employee Assistance Programme
- Wellbeing support via Champion Health
- Free eye tests and discounts at Specsavers
- Discounts via Perkbox on shopping, travel, dining, and more
- Group discounts and schemes
- Discretionary bonus
- Competitive pension
- And much more!
Closing Date: 9th July 2025
If you are ready for a new challenge, please click apply now to be considered for the Water Quality Technician role. We look forward to receiving your application.
Please note that the successful candidate will undergo a mandatory DBS check as part of onboarding.
Be yourself, we like it that way. We aim to foster a culture of belonging, inclusion, and diversity, reflecting our communities. We care, value everyone, and celebrate uniqueness.
Our core values:
Be Rock Solid – Build trust and be trusted. Dependability is key.
Be You – Bring your best every day. Be authentic and make your mark.
Be the Future – Embrace change, drive progress, own the challenge.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Water Quality Technician employer: South West Water Limited
Contact Detail:
South West Water Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Water Quality Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific water quality regulations and standards relevant to the South West area. Understanding local compliance requirements will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of South West Water through platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be a great advantage during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully handled challenges in previous roles. This is particularly important for a position that involves investigating breaches of water quality standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for environmental issues and sustainability. Since South West Water is committed to reaching net-zero by 2030, expressing your passion for these topics can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Water Quality Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Water Quality Technician position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Make sure to emphasise your qualifications, especially your GCSEs in Maths, English, and Science. If you have any relevant certifications or experience in water quality management or environmental science, be sure to include those as well.
Showcase Attention to Detail: Since the role requires excellent attention to detail and record-keeping skills, provide specific examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to follow procedures accurately and maintain high standards in your work.
Express Your Passion for the Environment: Convey your enthusiasm for water quality management and environmental sustainability. Mention any previous experiences or projects that reflect your commitment to improving water quality and supporting community health.
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water Limited
✨Know Your Water Quality Standards
Familiarise yourself with the relevant water quality regulations and standards, such as ISO 9001 and ISO 17025. Being able to discuss these during your interview will demonstrate your understanding of the role and its importance.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
As a Water Quality Technician, attention to detail is crucial. Prepare examples from your past experiences where your meticulous nature helped prevent issues or improved processes. This will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss how you would approach common challenges in water quality management. Think about specific scenarios where you successfully resolved issues, as this will show your initiative and logical thinking.
✨Express Your Passion for Environmental Impact
South West Water values innovation and a commitment to sustainability. Share your enthusiasm for environmental issues and how you can contribute to their mission of reaching net-zero by 2030. This will resonate well with the interviewers.