Catchment Scientist

South East Water is seeking a dedicated Catchment Scientist to lead vital investigations supporting our commitments to the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP). This role is central to our pledge to protect and enhance the natural environment by managing pollution risks within our drinking water production areas and safeguarded zones. Based in the Kent region, you will coordinate and execute monitoring programmes across groundwater and river catchments. This involves a dynamic mix of field-based data collection and desk-based analysis to identify pollution hotspots and build a clear picture of catchment health. You will work collaboratively with the Environment Agency, Natural England, and other water companies to ensure our water sources remain protected. We are looking for a highly organised, methodical professional with a sharp eye for detail. You will partner closely with Catchment Advisors to translate your scientific findings into effective environmental solutions and community engagement activities. If you are passionate about environmental stewardship and ready to turn data into action, we encourage you to apply.

Main responsibilities

• To collect samples from South East Water catchments including rivers and boreholes in line with all Water Industry National Environment Programme requirements.
• To download and manage hydrometric data from borehole loggers, rain gauges etc.
• To collate, analyse and interpret monitoring data to accurately determine sources of pollution.
• To represent South East Water at relevant external events and conferences.
• To help to produce reports on our catchment management activities.
• To represent the Environmental Team at meetings.

You’ll need:

• A relevant environment/scientific focused degree or relevant work experience and an interest in science.
• A good understanding and/or some experience either through work or study of environmental management factors contributing to the pollution of drinking water.
• An awareness of water quality standards and regulations.
• Methodical and conscientious in your approach.
• Being highly organised, you’ll be able to respond to change and show flexibility in managing your workload.

Employees are required to be flexible and to be prepared to perform duties and other tasks within their capabilities. The nature of our business is such that the contents of any job profile are subject to change from time to time. We want to be the water company people want to be supplied by and want to work for. We know the communities we serve are diverse. We recognise creativity comes from diversity not similarity. That’s why we are enthusiastic about creating inclusion across age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion and identity. You will experience our dedication to equal opportunities and fair treatment for all: through your recruitment, employment and career progression with South East Water.

Benefits package

• Excellent Stakeholder pension scheme, up to 10% employer contribution.
• 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays per annum, increasing to 6 weeks with length of service.
• Flexible annual leave policy to buy or sell holiday leave.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Health cash plan.
• Life assurance.
• Wellbeing related benefits.

What can you expect from your recruitment?

To apply for this position, please submit your CV on our career’s website. It is necessary for you to have the legal right to work in the UK when you begin employment with South East Water. Additionally, as part of the employment offer, you will need to pass background, identity, and employment referencing checks. If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been looking for, apply now!

South East Water kindly asks that recruitment agencies refrain from submitting CVs to our employees or associates without explicit invitation from our HR Resourcing team. CVs sent on a speculative basis will not be acknowledged and will not assume any responsibility for fees or commissions in the event that we hire a candidate who applied directly or subsequently introduced by an instructed agency.

Compensation package

up to £27,000 p.a. (dependent on experience)