Process Operator in Havant

We’re making a difference: Together, we can ensure that there is enough water for everyone, now and in the future. Portsmouth Water are delighted to have an opportunity in our growing Production department! We are looking for a skilled Process Operator to operate, control and monitor the machinery and equipment at our sites and facilities across Hampshire and West Sussex. This role includes working outdoors, at height, in confined spaces and at unsociable times of the day. You will be required to participate in an out of hours standby rota to support the effective operation of our sites 365 days per year (meaning you will be on call circa every 1 in 4 weeks).

Key Responsibilities

• Visit water treatment works, pumping stations and reservoirs to monitor and maintain performance and operability of these sites while carrying out essential duties.
• Collect data on water quality and asset performance, recording routine activities and work completed.
• Operate and maintain treatment work assets, taking, monitoring, recording and interpreting water samples to ensure treatment processes are working effectively.
• Operate clean water treatment processes, for example, chemical dosing, coagulation and flocculation, filtration, disinfection and storage.
• Monitor external activities in the areas surrounding our works for any activities that may affect the integrity of the water sources.
• Maintain the appearance, cleanliness and operation of our sites to meet company standards, while maintaining water quality and hygiene standards.
• Be aware of and work to improve our environmental impact – backflushing, running to waste / trade effluent discharge, environmental discharge, biodiversity compliance, reservoir maintenance.
• Manage, record and ensure adequate rotation and turnover of water treatment chemicals.
• Ensure all work is carried out in line with the company’s Water Production procedures and in full compliance with on‑site Health and Safety, Quality Standards, Office of Water Services (OFWAT), Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI), Environmental Agency (EA) and Energy & Utilities Skills Register (EUSR) standards for clean water operations.
• Comply with company standards, policies, processes, systems and procedures to ensure all risks are identified, managed and mitigated.
• Take responsibility for own health, safety and well‑being, reporting site security and safety concerns.

Skills, Qualifications & Competencies

• A* to C grade or Level 4 or above in GCSE English, Maths and a Science‑based subject, or Level 2 functional skills.
• Adaptable with good attention to detail and effective analytical skills.
• Independent and critical thinker with the ability to undertake effective troubleshooting.
• Accountable for own actions with a willingness to collaborate with others, while developing and sharing knowledge, ideas and best practice.
• Empathetic, self‑aware and comfortable with constructively challenging areas that could be improved.
• Open to learning new technology, skills and qualifications.
• Passionate about providing an excellent service to our customers, colleagues and teams.
• As a team player, flexible in your work to maintain operational requirements and ensure positive outcomes are achieved.
• Knowledge of safe chemical handling and basic hydraulic principles.
• Experience working with Human Machine Interface (HMI) / touchscreen devices.
• Computer and smart‑phone literate.

The successful applicant will be required to have a full UK manual car driving licence (Class B), undergo a driving assessment, consent to ongoing driving licence checks and any other safety measures deemed necessary by Portsmouth Water Ltd in connection with driving.

We recognise people want to work in a variety of different ways and we’re happy to consider flexible working arrangements. Please feel free to talk to us at interview about the flexibility you may be looking for. We’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we actively encourage applications from all sections of society. Please be aware that the Company has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

What can Portsmouth Water offer you?

• Holidays Made Better – Enjoy 25 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays.
• A Pension That Works for You – We’ll help secure your future with a generous pension scheme, contributing up to 15%.
• Performance Pays Off – You could earn a non‑contractual bonus of up to 6% of your basic salary, linked to company performance.
• Family Comes First – Whether you’re welcoming a new arrival through birth or adoption, we’ve got your back with enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave and pay.
• Social Events – All expenses covered summer and winter social events.
• Peace of Mind, Always – Our life assurance scheme gives your loved ones extra security, with a 4x salary lump sum benefit in case the unexpected happens.
• Comprehensive Wellbeing Support – Confidential mental health and wellbeing advice 24/7 via the Employee Assistance Programme, and physical health support via the Virtual GP service (available 8am–10pm, 7 days a week for you and your immediate family) with the HealthHero app.
• PW Perks – Treat Yourself – Exclusive discounts at thousands of retailers and other benefits.
• Electric Vehicle Scheme – After 1 year.
• Cycle to Work Scheme Health Cash Plan – And so much more!