Production 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 multiple opportunities in our growing Production department! We are looking for skilled Process Operators 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). Note that the standby rota payments & overtime opportunities can increase this earning potential by up to a further £8,000 - £10,000 per annum.

What will you be doing?

• Visit water treatment works, pumping stations, and reservoirs, to monitor and maintain the performance and operability of these sites while carrying out essential duties.
• Data collection of 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.
• Ensure the appearance, cleanliness and operation of our sites meets company standards, whilst 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 our company standards, policies, processes, systems and procedures to ensure all risks are identified, managed, and mitigated.
• Be responsible for own health, safety, and well-being, reporting site security and safety concerns.

What do you need?

• 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 with others.
• 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, you will be 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.
• A Full UK driving licence will be required to undertake our driver assessment.

Additional information

We recognise people want to work in a variety of different ways, and that’s why 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. Please note, we may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of applications so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out. We’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we actively encourage applications from all sections of society. Please be aware, the Company has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. Due to the high volume of applications we may receive, we’re unable to respond to every applicant individually. If your application is of interest, we’ll usually be in touch within 4 weeks of receiving it.

What can Portsmouth Water offer you?

• Holidays Made Better – Enjoy 25 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays, giving you plenty of time to relax, recharge, and explore.
• A Pension That Works for You – We’ll help secure your future with a generous pension scheme, contributing up to 15% because your tomorrow matters as much as your today.
• Performance Pays Off – You could earn a non-contractual bonus of up to 6% of your basic salary, linked to company performance because when we succeed together, you should benefit too.
• Family Comes First – 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 through our Employee Assistance Programme, plus physical health support via our Virtual GP service (available 8am–10pm, 7 days a week for you and your immediate family).
• PW Perks – Exclusive discounts at thousands of retailers, plus benefits like Electric Vehicle Scheme (after 1 year), Cycle to Work Scheme, Health Cash Plan, and more.