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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse water quality data and ensure safe, reliable water for customers.
- Company: Join South Staffs Water, a leader in clean water supply.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension, and health support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public health and water quality every day.
- Qualifications: Degree in a scientific discipline and strong analytical skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Make a real impact on public health and water quality. As a Water Quality Network Scientist, you'll analyse network performance, spot emerging risks, and help keep our customers' water safe and reliable. You'll work across teams, support investigations, contribute to Drinking Water Safety Plans, and play a key role in maintaining regulatory compliance. If you're looking for a meaningful scientific role with variety, responsibility, and the chance to shape real-world outcomes, this is an opportunity to grow your expertise and make a difference every day.
About Us
At South Staffs Water, we deliver clean and reliable water supplies to around 1.7 million customers within the South Staffs and Cambridge regions. As a water only Company, providing clean, healthy water 24 hours a day, 365 days a year is at the very heart of what we do.
The Role
The Water Quality Network Scientist is responsible for ensuring that water quality risks within the distribution network are identified, assessed, and effectively managed. You will analyse performance data, carry out investigations, complete audits, and provide clear reporting to internal and external stakeholders. The role requires close working relationships with operational teams, capital delivery, asset management, and regulatory bodies to maintain compliance and drive improvements.
Key Responsibilities
- Analyse distribution network and operational data to identify water quality issues and performance trends.
- Provide timely advice to operational teams and track the effectiveness of corrective actions.
- Complete regulatory investigations and produce high quality reports for water quality standard breaches or areas of concern.
- Conduct scheduled audits of distribution networks, storage sites, and contractor activities.
- Produce monthly audit reports and ensure actions are completed by responsible teams.
- Support compliance with internal standards and regulatory expectations.
- Maintain and update risk assessments for storage and distribution assets.
- Work with the DWSP and Capital Delivery teams to ensure risks are accurately reflected in Drinking Water Safety Plans and investment planning.
- Ensure risk changes are documented and communicated effectively.
- Represent the water quality function in cross departmental meetings and operational forums.
- Deliver targeted training and guidance to strengthen water quality awareness across teams.
- Build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders and external bodies such as DWI, NAVs, and UKHSA.
- Participate in the out of hours standby rota, providing expert advice during incidents and supporting operational response.
- Demonstrate South Staffs Water values: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Excellence in Service, Responsibility, Trust, and Respect.
- Ensure adherence to compliance standards and operate with integrity at all times.
What You'll Need
Competencies / Experience / Knowledge
- Experience within the water industry, ideally in water quality, operations, or compliance.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and identify performance issues.
- Experience conducting risk assessments and supporting DWSP processes.
- Practical experience carrying out audits and ensuring follow up actions are completed.
- Exposure to regulatory reporting or incident investigation.
- Comfortable working with operational field teams and cross functional colleagues.
Education / Qualifications
Essential
- Graduate/HND level qualification in a relevant scientific discipline.
- Strong PC literacy and ability to use data systems effectively.
- Excellent communication skills across all levels.
- Knowledge of risk assessment processes.
- Full valid driving licence.
Desirable
- Previous experience in the water industry.
- Ability to conduct site audits.
- Knowledge of water industry and water quality regulations.
- Understanding of water fitting regulations.
What You'll Get in Return:
- A competitive salary plus benefits.
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays.
- Company pension with employer contributions.
- 24-hour helpline providing free and confidential advice to you and your family on financial, legal, marital, and health matters.
- Eyecare vouchers - via Specsavers.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
- 24/7 remote GP access.
Water Quality Network Scientist employer: South Staffs Water
Contact Detail:
South Staffs Water Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Water Quality Network Scientist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, webinars, or local meet-ups related to water quality and environmental science. It's a great way to meet potential employers and learn about job openings that might not be advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t underestimate the power of LinkedIn! Make sure your profile is up-to-date and showcases your skills in water quality and analysis. Connect with professionals in the field and engage with their content to get noticed.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of regulatory compliance and risk assessment processes. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to maintaining water quality standards and improving network performance.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at South Staffs Water.
We think you need these skills to ace Water Quality Network Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Water Quality Network Scientist role. Highlight relevant experience in water quality, operations, or compliance, and don’t forget to showcase your analytical skills and any regulatory reporting experience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about water quality and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Be sure to mention specific examples of your work that align with the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As this role involves working with various teams and stakeholders, it’s crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Whether it’s in your CV, cover letter, or any additional documents, make sure to highlight how you’ve effectively communicated complex information in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s straightforward, and you’ll be able to submit all your documents in one go. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application more efficiently!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Staffs Water
✨Know Your Water Quality Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of water quality standards and regulations. Familiarise yourself with key terms and concepts related to water safety and compliance, as this will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer technical questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully analysed data or conducted risk assessments. Be ready to discuss how you identified issues and implemented solutions, as this will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and analytical mindset.
✨Build Relationships in Your Answers
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, think of examples that highlight your teamwork and communication skills. Share stories about how you've collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, which will illustrate your ability to build strong working relationships.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewers. This could be about their current projects, team dynamics, or future challenges in water quality management. It shows you're engaged and eager to contribute to their mission.