Systems Administrator

Systems Administrator

Full-Time 37815 - 48395 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Scottish Water

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support and maintain our LabWare LIMS application, ensuring it meets business needs.
  • Company: Join Scottish Water, a trusted organisation dedicated to protecting Scotland's water resources.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of holiday, flexible working, and an annual bonus.
  • Other info: Embrace a supportive culture that values work-life balance and continuous improvement.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on Scotland's environment while developing your technical skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in application support, programming, and knowledge of SQL required.

The predicted salary is between 37815 - 48395 £ per year.

Together we are Trusted to Serve Scotland. At Scottish Water we look after Scotland's most precious natural resource. From source to tap, we’re guarding Scotland’s reputation for refreshingly pure water, and caring for our environment at the same time. We’re looking for a LIMS Administrator to join our Scientific Services Business Systems Improvement Team. You’ll be part of a small, experienced group that looks after one of our most important tools – the LabWare Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). This system keeps track of everything from scheduling and sampling to analysis and reporting, helping us deliver accurate results across the business and meet our regulatory and financial targets in a UKAS-accredited environment.

What you’ll do:

  • You’ll support and maintain our corporate LIMS application, making sure it continues to meet the changing needs of the business.
  • You’ll work on everything from day-to-day fixes to longer-term enhancements, often collaborating closely with other teams – including IT when urgent issues arise.
  • You’ll use tools like Crystal Reports and SQL Server Management Studio to develop and maintain information delivery tools for reporting.
  • You’ll interpret customer needs, document requirements, and deliver tested, user-friendly solutions.
  • You’ll produce system configuration and end-user documentation, contribute to Agile team activities, support user testing and training, and help keep everyone informed with clear, practical communications.

What you’ll need:

  • You’ll bring experience of application support and programming, along with a working knowledge of SQL.
  • You’re someone who enjoys problem solving and can work just as effectively on your own as you can in a team.
  • You’ll be confident gathering requirements, supporting users, and contributing to continuous improvement.
  • If you’ve worked with Crystal Reports, Power Apps or have experience in database design, that’s a bonus – as is any knowledge of ISO 17025, our Scientific Services processes or the LabWare LIMS application.
  • Above all, you’re a people-focused problem-solver with great communication skills and a natural curiosity for how things work – and how they can be made even better.

Looking out for you:

While the work we do is important, we know it’s not the only thing that matters. That’s why we make sure you have everything you need to find a good work-life balance. This is a full time (35 hours per week) role, but you’ll get plenty of time to recharge with 38 days of holiday every year (including public holidays). And you can even buy five more if you need a little extra time. You can also take paid time off to volunteer in your community. When it comes to major life events we have family-friendly policies around adoption, maternity, and parental leave. And for the everyday? We embrace flexible working. For your future, there’s our pension (the ‘know-what-you’ll-get-when-you-retire’ kind), as well as life assurance. As for some nice extras? You can expect an annual company bonus. Not to mention access to SW Splash – handy rewards that can save you money on holidays, bills, and shopping.

This role will be a Grade 6. If you’re new to Scottish Water, you’ll join us on a starting salary of £37,815. Performance-driven pay progression would then allow you to move through the range to a maximum of £48,395.

If you’re interested in this role – or know someone else who might be - we’ll be accepting applications until midnight on 19th June 2026.

Job offers at Scottish Water are conditional, and will be confirmed on completion of our pre-employment screening, e.g. referencing, criminal record checks, license checks, etc. These checks are conducted on our behalf by a third party. Don’t worry - we’ll ask your permission before starting these checks.

A few final things worth knowing… Research shows that some people avoid applying for jobs unless they can meet every single criteria. If you’re interested in this job, but don’t tick all the boxes, apply anyway! We hardly ever hire people who can do every part of a job from Day One. Everyone has a learning curve. So don’t rule yourself out! Let us know if there are any changes we can make to our recruitment process to help you perform at your best. Lots of our people have disabilities or neurodiverse conditions (including some of our recruiters!). We're also aware that some people might be experiencing temporary challenges because of life events, like menopause. We’re very used to making adjustments, so please don’t be afraid to ask.

As part of our commitment to developing a flourishing Scotland, it’s important that all our employees are Scottish taxpayers. If you join us, your home address will need to be in Scotland. If you don’t already live here, you'll need to commit to moving here within your first three months.

Please note, Scottish Water takes the safety, health and wellbeing of our employees, colleagues and customers very seriously and as such you may be subject to Drug & Alcohol testing in line with our policy.

Finally, candidates who haven’t submitted an application in the last 12 months will have their records removed from our recruitment database. You won’t need to do anything. Your data will be automatically deleted. We’re here to help. Ask us anything at SWRecruitment@ScottishWater.co.uk

Systems Administrator employer: Scottish Water

Scottish Water is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees while safeguarding Scotland's vital water resources. With a strong commitment to work-life balance, generous holiday allowances, and family-friendly policies, employees can thrive both personally and professionally. The collaborative work culture fosters continuous improvement and innovation, making it a rewarding environment for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in their community.

Scottish Water

Contact Details:

Scottish Water Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Systems Administrator

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Scottish Water on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to LIMS and SQL. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. It’ll help you showcase your problem-solving skills effectively!

Tip Number 3

Show off your curiosity! During the interview, ask insightful questions about the LabWare LIMS system and how it’s used at Scottish Water. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their mission.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.

We think you need these skills to ace Systems Administrator

LIMS Administration
SQL
Crystal Reports
Application Support
Problem-Solving Skills
User Requirements Gathering
Documentation Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a LIMS Administrator. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission of providing pure water to Scotland!

Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills:Since this role involves a lot of troubleshooting, don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past. We love a good story about overcoming obstacles!

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your communication reflects that – it’s a key part of the job!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Water

Know Your LIMS Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of LabWare LIMS and its functionalities. Familiarise yourself with how it tracks scheduling, sampling, analysis, and reporting. This will help you demonstrate your technical knowledge and show that you're ready to support and maintain the application effectively.

Brush Up on SQL and Reporting Tools

Since you'll be using SQL Server Management Studio and Crystal Reports, it's crucial to showcase your skills in these areas. Prepare examples of how you've used SQL to solve problems or generate reports in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to deliver user-friendly solutions and meet business needs.

Communicate Clearly and Confidently

As a Systems Administrator, you'll need to interpret customer needs and document requirements. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. During the interview, focus on your communication skills and how you can keep everyone informed with clear, practical updates.

Show Your Problem-Solving Skills

Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced in application support and how you resolved them. Think of examples where you collaborated with other teams to enhance systems or fix urgent issues. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.