At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure safe, clean drinking water by monitoring treatment processes and conducting on-site testing.
- Company: Join South West Water, a leader in the UK water sector committed to a greener future.
- Benefits: Receive comprehensive training, development support, and industry-recognised qualifications.
- Other info: Dynamic 5-week rolling shift pattern with opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while enjoying hands-on, practical work.
- Qualifications: Full UK Driving Licence and strong communication skills required; relevant qualifications are a plus.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes. We’re proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we’re working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and support farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife. Whether you’re starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.
About the Role
We have an exciting opportunity for a Water Treatment Technician to join our operational team in the Tiverton region. This role plays a vital part in ensuring the delivery of safe, clean drinking water to customers by maintaining water treatment processes, monitoring water quality, and supporting the efficient operation of treatment facilities. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys practical, hands-on work, problem-solving, and working as part of a collaborative team. The successful candidate will receive comprehensive training, development support, and industry-recognised qualifications through a structured career progression programme. The role also includes participation in an out-of-hours standby rota to support operational continuity and emergency response requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Operate and monitor water treatment processes to maintain regulatory and company standards.
- Ensure the consistent supply of safe, high-quality drinking water.
- Safely handle, store, and manage treatment chemicals in accordance with COSHH regulations.
- Carry out routine operational maintenance on treatment plant and associated equipment.
- Collect water samples and undertake on-site testing and analysis.
- Complete operational records, reports, and log sheets accurately and on time.
- Support both planned and reactive operational activities.
- Maintain high standards of housekeeping, health and safety, and environmental compliance.
- Identify, report, and respond to operational issues in accordance with company procedures.
- Participate in an out-of-hours standby rota as required.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Essential Requirements
- Full UK Driving Licence.
- Ability to obtain and maintain UK Government Security Clearance (SC).
- Understanding of COSHH regulations, lone working procedures, and basic First Aid principles.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to make informed decisions in a fast-paced operational environment.
- Basic understanding of water treatment processes.
- Commitment to health, safety, and environmental best practice.
Desirable Requirements
- NVQ Level 2 in Process Plant Operations, HNC in Water Operations, or working towards a relevant qualification.
- Background in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation, Control & Automation (ICA), or scientific disciplines.
- Experience within water treatment, utilities, manufacturing, process industries, or similar operational environments.
- Familiarity with operational systems such as iSCADA and Paragon.
Working Pattern
This role operates on a 5-week rolling shift pattern, including early, late, weekend and standby duties. Successful candidates will be required to work this pattern from day one. Typical shifts include:
- Early shifts: 06:00 - 14:00
- Day shifts: 08:00 - 16:00 (15:30 finish on Fridays)
- Late shifts: 14:00 - 22:00
- Standby and weekend working on a rotational basis
Full details of the shift rota, standby requirements and scheduled rest days will be provided during the recruitment process.
Closing Date: 20th Aug 2026
Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness. Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:
- Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
- Be You - We want you to bring your best every day. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
- Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
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