Do you want to use your technical expertise to protect drinking water quality and make a real difference to public health in Scotland?
The Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland is looking for a Technical Specialist to join the Drinking Water Quality Regulation Team to support the regulation of drinking water quality. This is a key role in protecting public health and maintaining confidence in drinking water through strong, effective regulation.
As the Drinking Water Specialist, you will assess compliance with regulatory requirements, provide expert technical advice, and carry out regulatory assessments and investigations. The focus of the role is to drive continual improvement in drinking water quality by shaping policy, guidance, and regulatory decisions that make a real impact.
Responsibilities
- Lead technical inspections of Scottish Water assets and activities, engaging with all levels of the organisation, recommending improvements and reporting on findings.
- Lead liaison and supervision of Local Authorities in their duties concerning private water supplies.
- Classify and investigate water quality incidents, reporting findings and initiating and managing enforcement action where appropriate.
- Provide expert specialist advice to assist with policy development and drinking water research, delivering technical leadership on key strategies.
- Act as a credible, independent source of advice on drinking water quality to Scottish ministers, industry stakeholders and members of the public.
- Assist with the management of the public profile of the DWQR, including website, correspondence and media relations.
Qualifications
You must have a Degree or equivalent in a relevant science or engineering subject (BSc (or MSc) within a scientific discipline such as biology, biological sciences, chemistry, biochemistry, medical microbiology, biomedical sciences, or various engineering disciplines). Candidates should (as minimum) be showing willingness to gain chartership with a relevant industry body (e.g. C.Si, Institute of Water).
You must also hold a valid licence which enables you to drive in the UK as many of the locations are not accessible by public transport.
Please confirm in your CV that you hold the qualifications required.
- Building and applying knowledge - Uses experience and expertise to assess Scottish Water’s performance against regulatory frameworks.
- Technical Oversight and Management - Investigates technical problems methodically to arrive at clear and defensible conclusions, with outcomes expressed succinctly and credibly.
- Previous experience in a similar role, including relevant operational experience in the water industry or supply chain.
- Communicating and influencing – Level 3
- Managing a quality service – Level 3
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Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available for this role. As a result, we are unable to appoint candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK.
In the event of a high volume of applications, candidates will have their applications initially assessed against the Building and applying knowledge criteria above. Candidates who pass this initial sift will have their applications fully assessed against the listed criteria.
In the event of a tied score at interview, performance in the Technical Oversight and Management criteria will be applied to determine merit order.
Recruitment Principles
As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.
Drinking Water Specialist in Edinburgh employer: Scottish Government
The Scottish Government offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, where you can make a significant impact on customer service and safeguarding across Scotland. With a strong focus on employee development and innovation, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities while working alongside a dedicated team committed to excellence in public service. Join us in shaping a high-performing organisation that values collaboration and strives for transformative results.
