At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure safe, clean drinking water and maintain high quality standards.
- Company: Join South West Water, a leader in the UK water sector with a green mission.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, training opportunities, and health benefits.
- Other info: Exciting progression scheme with industry-recognised qualifications and a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the environment while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Full UK driving licence and teamwork skills; water treatment knowledge is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 28019 - 38373 £ 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.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Water Treatment Technician to join our team in the Exeter/Tiverton region. This is a full‑time, permanent role offering excellent development opportunities, structured progression, and industry‑funded qualifications. You will receive a starting salary of £28,019.00 per annum. Following a successful competency review, your salary will rise to £31,273.00, plus a supplement making your total gross salary £38,373.04 per annum. In this development of the role, you will be supported with a Water Treatment Technician levels 1 to 5 progression scheme where you can receive up to £36,011.00 PA (basic) and £43,111.04 PA (total gross), plus overtime opportunities, company benefits and rewards.
About The Role
As a Water Treatment Technician, you’ll play a critical role in delivering safe, clean drinking water to customers. You’ll work hands‑on with plant, equipment, and processes to ensure water quality and supply consistently meet high company standards. This is a dynamic role suited to someone who enjoys practical work, problem‑solving, and being part of a collaborative team. You’ll also participate in an out‑of‑hours standby rota, ensuring operational continuity across the site.
What You'll Be Doing
- Maintain water quality and supply in line with company and regulatory standards
- Safely handle and manage treatment chemicals (in line with COSHH)
- Carry out routine operational maintenance on plant and equipment
- Conduct water sampling and on‑site analysis
- Complete operational records and log sheets accurately
- Support both routine and reactive operational tasks
- Maintain high standards of housekeeping across the site
- Respond to and report operational issues in line with procedures
Essential Skills
- Full UK driving licence
- Ability to obtain UK Government Security Clearance (SC)
- Understanding of COSHH
- Lone working procedures
- Basic First Aid
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
- Ability to make sound decisions under pressure
- Basic understanding of water treatment processes
Desirable Skills
- NVQ Level 2 in Process Plant Operations or HNC in Water Operations (or working towards)
- Background in Mechanical, Electrical, ICA, or Scientific disciplines
- Experience in water treatment or similar process environments
- Familiarity with iSCADA / Paragon systems
What's in it for you?
You’ll be enrolled in a fully funded development programme aligned to the national Competent Technician Scheme, with the company covering £7,280 in training costs. This includes completing a Level 3 Water Treatment Operations Diploma and provides a clear progression pathway from Technician Level 1 through to Level 5, enabling you to gain valuable industry‑recognised qualifications, licences, and practical experience.
Generous annual leave and bank holidays, discretionary bonus, competitive contributory pension, share‑save scheme, health benefits and wellbeing support programmes, group discounts, cycle to work scheme, financial support services, development and training opportunities … and much more!
Closing Date: 10th June 2026. We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
Core Values
- 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.
We look after the water and wastewater services for 1.8 million customers across Cornwall, Devon, the Isles of Scilly, and parts of Dorset and Somerset. From treatment and maintenance, to innovation and improvements, we’re busy every day finding and fixing leaks, unblocking sewers, and going bigger and further in our environmental work to be a company you can be proud of.
Water Treatment Technician in Exeter employer: Pennon Group Plc
South West Water is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on the community by ensuring safe drinking water across the stunning landscapes of the South West. With a strong commitment to employee development, including fully funded training programmes and clear progression pathways, you will have the opportunity to grow your career while enjoying generous benefits and a supportive work culture that values trust, individuality, and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Water Treatment Technician in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research South West Water and their values. When you understand what they stand for, you can tailor your conversations during interviews to show how you align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events. This can give you insider info about the role and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to water treatment and problem-solving scenarios. The more you rehearse, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at South West Water.
We think you need these skills to ace Water Treatment Technician in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Water Treatment:When writing your application, let us know why you're excited about the role of a Water Treatment Technician. Share any relevant experiences or interests that connect you to our mission of providing safe drinking water and supporting environmental initiatives.
Highlight Relevant Skills:Make sure to emphasise your skills that align with the job description. Whether it's teamwork, problem-solving, or understanding of water treatment processes, we want to see how you can contribute to our team and help maintain high standards.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t wait too long; apply early to stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pennon Group Plc
✨Know Your Water Treatment Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your understanding of water treatment processes and regulations. Familiarise yourself with COSHH guidelines and basic first aid, as these are essential for the role. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the position.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully solved problems or handled operational issues. This role requires quick thinking and sound decision-making under pressure, so demonstrating your ability to tackle challenges will impress the interviewers.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Communication
As a Water Treatment Technician, you'll be part of a collaborative team. Be ready to share instances where you've worked effectively with others. Emphasising your strong communication skills and ability to work well in a team will align with the company's core values.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the development programme, progression opportunities, or how the company is working towards its environmental goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the company’s mission.
