Water Quality Lab Technician - Flexible, Impactful Role 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 is seeking a Laboratory Technician to join our Water Quality Team. You will work closely with Water Quality, Customer Services, Network and Production teams, and both internal and external stakeholders. The role involves analysing water samples in accordance with ISO17025 standards and supporting the overall quality system. We recognise people want to work in a variety of ways and support flexible working arrangements. Please discuss your preferences at interview.

Key Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for day‑to‑day running of allocated analyses and tasks.
• Perform microbiological and chemical analysis of water samples.
• Interpret test results ensuring they meet regulatory requirements and ISO 17025 standards, registering results on central systems.
• Prepare, calibrate, operate and maintain equipment and instruments used to evaluate water quality.
• Ensure proper storage, handling, transportation and analysis of drinking water samples.
• Maintain housekeeping standards.
• Participate in departmental projects.
• Report any work area issues directly to the Work Area Supervisor.
• General laboratory duties (solution prep, bottle prep, result data entry, etc.).
• Daily check of monitoring systems.
• Adhere to the quality system (AQC, PT, etc.).
• Provide technical support for water quality customer enquiries.
• Register adhoc samples into the laboratory system.
• Receive and register goods into the laboratory system.
• Perform validation/verification of methods as required.

Skills, Qualifications & Competencies

• Adaptable with good attention to detail, effective analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to analyze and interpret large amounts of data using various output methods.
• Accountable for own actions with willingness to collaborate, share knowledge and best practice.
• Empathetic, self‑aware and comfortable challenging areas for improvement.
• Systems‑based skills, open to learning new technology.
• Passionate about providing excellent service to customers, colleagues and across teams.
• Flexible in work to meet operational requirements and achieve positive outcomes.
• Effective workload planning.
• Maintains helpful, customer‑focused environment.
• Exceptional record‑keeping skills to maintain audit trails.
• Pass rate GCSE in English and Maths.
• A‑level in a Science subject and relevant degree or experience desirable.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and computer literate.
• Full UK driving licence (driver assessment required).
• Previous laboratory experience and understanding of water treatment processes or water industry exposure desirable.
• Full membership of a relevant professional body desirable.

What can Portsmouth Water offer you?

• 25 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays.
• Generous pension scheme contributing up to 15%.
• Non‑contractual bonus up to 6% of basic salary.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave and pay.
• All‑expenses covered summer and winter social events.
• Life assurance scheme with a 4× salary lump sum benefit.
• Confidential mental health and wellbeing advice 24/7 via Employee Assistance Programme.
• Physical health support via Virtual GP service (8 am–10 pm, 7 days a week) for you and your immediate family via the HealthHero app.
• Discounts at thousands of retailers.
• Electric Vehicle Scheme after 1 year.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Health Cash Plan.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we actively encourage applications from all sections of society. All employees must be eligible to live and work in the UK.