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- Tasks: Maintain and deploy emergency water supply equipment to keep communities flowing.
- Company: Join South West Water, a leader in the UK water sector with a green mission.
- Benefits: Hands-on work, ongoing training, standby allowance, and a strong benefits package.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring safe water supply during emergencies.
- Qualifications: Experience in water networks or mechanical environments; practical skills required.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and build a culture of belonging while shaping your career.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes. We’re proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we’re working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and support farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife. Whether you’re starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career. Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.
Field-based Operational & standby role Keep water flowing when it matters most. When supply is at risk, this is the team that steps in. As an Alternative Water Supply Technician, you’ll play a critical frontline role ensuring our emergency water supply equipment is always ready, deployable and working when our customers need it most. This isn’t a desk job. It’s hands‑on, varied, and vital to protecting service across the South West.
What you’ll be doing:
- Maintaining, repairing and exercising alternative water supply (AWS) equipment to ensure 24/7 readiness
- Deploying and operating AWS kit during planned and emergency supply interruptions
- Managing assets including tankers, bowsers, pumps, hoses and support vehicles
- Supporting supply interruption mitigation through overland hose design, tanker connections and valve installations
- Carrying out operational activities such as flushing, leak detection and trunk main walking
- Ensuring all work is delivered safely and in line with health, safety, hygiene and environmental standards
- Keeping accurate records, completing audits and maintaining compliance with company procedures
- Working collaboratively with operational teams to minimise customer impact and maintain service levels
- Taking part in standby and call‑out rotas, responding quickly when incidents occur
What we’re looking for:
- Experience working in a water network or mechanical/operational environment
- Practical skills in maintaining equipment such as pumps, valves or tankers
- Ability to work independently, prioritise tasks and stay organised under pressure
- Strong communication skills with a customer‑focused mindset
- Comfortable working outdoors, in all conditions, and responding to incidents
Essential:
- Full UK driving licence
- EUSR Water Hygiene
- Good level of education (Maths, English, Science)
Desirable:
- LGV (C+E), CPC or HIAB
- NVQ / City & Guilds in water or relevant discipline
- Experience in water distribution or supply interruption management
What’s in it for you:
- A role with real purpose and visible impact - keeping communities supplied when it matters most
- Hands‑on, varied work across the South West - no two days are the same
- Opportunity to build specialist expertise in network operations and emergency response
- Ongoing training and development, including technical certifications
- Standby allowance and a strong benefits package
Closing Date: 9th April. Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
We’re creating a culture of belonging. Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness. Our core values, which are essential to our success, are: Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on. Be You - We want you to bring your best every day. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way. Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
Alternative Water Supply Technician South West Water · Operations and Field Work · Plymouth employer: South West Water Limited
Contact Detail:
South West Water Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Alternative Water Supply Technician South West Water · Operations and Field Work · Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research South West Water and their values. When you understand what drives them, you can tailor your conversations to show how you fit into their mission of keeping the South West flowing.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might just land you a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for hands-on assessments! Since this role is all about practical skills, brush up on your knowledge of AWS equipment and be ready to demonstrate your abilities during interviews or assessments.
✨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 West Water.
We think you need these skills to ace Alternative Water Supply Technician South West Water · Operations and Field Work · Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Water: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for water supply and environmental sustainability shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about keeping our communities flowing with safe drinking water.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase any hands-on experience you have in mechanical or operational environments. Whether it’s maintaining pumps or working in water distribution, we want to know how your skills align with the role of Alternative Water Supply Technician.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, and don’t forget to mention your full UK driving licence and any relevant qualifications like EUSR Water Hygiene. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water Limited
✨Know Your Equipment
Familiarise yourself with the types of alternative water supply equipment you'll be working with. Be ready to discuss your experience with pumps, valves, and tankers, as well as any relevant maintenance practices you've performed.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially in high-pressure situations. Highlight your ability to think on your feet and respond effectively to emergencies, as this role requires quick decision-making.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Understand the health, safety, hygiene, and environmental standards relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your work and share any experiences where you prioritised safety in operational tasks.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Communication
This role involves working closely with operational teams, so be ready to talk about your communication style and how you collaborate with others. Share specific instances where your teamwork made a positive impact on service delivery.