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- Tasks: Support wastewater operations and drive efficiency while protecting the environment.
- Company: Join a leading environmental company in Plymouth with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Generous leave, competitive pension, health support, and employee perks.
- Other info: Structured progression scheme with ongoing mentoring and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental protection and gain hands-on experience.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including Maths, English, and Science; relevant degree required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Wastewater Process Scientist to join our team in Plymouth. This is a hands‑on, impactful role where your scientific expertise will support wastewater operations, protect the environment, and help drive efficiency across our treatment processes. You’ll work closely with operational and delivery teams, combining office‑based analysis with site and field‑based activity, ensuring wastewater treatment works operate safely, efficiently, and in line with regulatory requirements. Development and progression are integral to this role. The position operates within a structured progression scheme, with the level of responsibility, technical complexity and autonomy increasing as your experience, capability and confidence grow. You’ll receive ongoing support, mentoring and development opportunities, enabling you to advance through defined stages as you build operational knowledge and scientific expertise.
What you’ll be doing:
- Providing scientific and technical support to wastewater operational teams to ensure regulatory compliance at best cost
- Visiting sewage treatment works to assess performance, identify issues and recommend improvements
- Delivering performance optimisation projects focused on chemical and energy efficiency
- Supporting environmental risk management, including participation in an out‑of‑hours pollution response rota
- Implementing and monitoring Trade Effluent control policies and undertaking regulatory sampling
- Investigating pollution incidents, illicit discharges and odour complaints
- Preparing technical reports on operational performance and cost‑saving opportunities
- Supporting capital investment projects, innovation trials and new technologies
- Providing scientific advice on sludge imports and external waste streams
This role offers genuine variety, responsibility and the opportunity to apply scientific theory in real‑world scenarios.
What we’re looking for:
- A minimum of 5 GCSEs (grade 5 or above), including Maths, English and Science
- A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a scientific discipline
- Experience working in a scientific or technical environment
- Full UK driving licence
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders
- Comfortable working independently and as part of a team
- Able to prioritise effectively in a reactive, fast‑paced environment
What’s in it for you?
- Wastewater Process Scientist progression scheme
- Generous annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell leave
- Company van for work‑related travel
- Competitive contributory pension
- Discretionary bonus
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Enhanced family‑friendly policies, including shared parental leave
- Employee share schemes (Pennon Group)
- Health & wellbeing support, including Employee Assistance Programme and Champion Health
- Free eye tests and retail discounts
- Access to thousands of lifestyle and retail discounts through Pennon Perks
- Free parking at many sites
Closing Date: 22nd May 2026
Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
Wastewater Process Scientist in Plymouth employer: Pennon Group
Contact Detail:
Pennon Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Wastewater Process Scientist in Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the wastewater industry on LinkedIn or at local events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that Wastewater Process Scientist role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and real-world applications. We recommend practising common interview questions related to wastewater operations and thinking of examples from your experience that showcase your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for environmental protection and efficiency in your conversations. When you’re discussing your experiences, let your enthusiasm shine through – it’s contagious and can set you apart from other candidates!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Wastewater Process Scientist in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Wastewater Process Scientist role. Highlight your scientific expertise and any relevant experience in wastewater operations. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about wastewater treatment and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and make it personal – we love to see your personality come through.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves working with various stakeholders, it’s important to demonstrate your strong communication skills. Whether it’s in your CV or cover letter, give examples of how you’ve effectively communicated in past roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pennon Group
✨Know Your Science
Brush up on your scientific knowledge related to wastewater treatment processes. Be prepared to discuss specific techniques and technologies you’ve worked with, as well as how they can be applied to improve efficiency and compliance in the role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Think of examples where you've identified issues in a scientific or technical environment and successfully implemented solutions. This will demonstrate your ability to assess performance and recommend improvements, which is crucial for this position.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating complex scientific concepts in simple terms. You’ll need to work with various stakeholders, so showing that you can communicate clearly and effectively will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Be ready to discuss your experience working both independently and as part of a team. Highlight instances where collaboration led to successful outcomes, especially in fast-paced environments, as this role requires balancing multiple priorities.