At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to maintain historic watercourses and ensure safe, reliable water services.
- Company: Join South West Water, part of Pennon Group, committed to a greener future.
- Benefits: Enjoy 23 days annual leave, competitive pension, and wellness support.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing operational teams and knowledge of watercourse maintenance.
The predicted salary is between 33075 - 40425 £ 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.
About the Role At South West Water, we're committed to delivering high-quality, reliable water services while protecting the environment and supporting the communities we serve. We're looking for an experienced Watercourse Maintenance Manager to lead our specialist watercourse maintenance team responsible for the upkeep and operation of the historic leats and canals that support both drinking water supplies and hydroelectric generation across Devon and Cornwall. This is a varied leadership role that combines operational management, environmental stewardship, asset maintenance, stakeholder engagement, and health and safety leadership. You'll play a key role in ensuring our watercourse network continues to perform effectively while protecting public safety and regulatory compliance.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Lead and manage the Watercourse Maintenance Team, ensuring the safe and effective delivery of maintenance activities across our watercourse network.
- Plan, organise and supervise routine and complex maintenance programmes to support water supply and hydroelectric generation.
- Manage team resources, equipment, materials, contractors and specialist plant to ensure efficient work delivery.
- Champion health, safety and wellbeing, ensuring full compliance with company policies and safe systems of work.
- Ensure maintenance activities meet environmental, water quality and regulatory requirements.
- Oversee seasonal maintenance programmes and ensure operational objectives are delivered.
- Manage budgets and support the development of business cases for capital investment projects.
- Build strong relationships with landowners, local communities, environmental bodies and external partners, including South West Lakes Trust and the Dartmoor National Park Authority.
- Work closely with biodiversity teams to identify and manage invasive non-native species.
- Support public safety through the management of assets and infrastructure within the operating area.
- Deputise for the Hydro Team Maintenance Manager when required.
What We're Looking For:
We're seeking a practical and experienced leader who is passionate about environmental management, operational excellence and team development.
Essential Experience & Skills:
- Proven experience leading and managing operational teams.
- Experience in the maintenance, repair and management of watercourses, drainage systems, waterways or similar infrastructure.
- Strong understanding of health and safety legislation and safe working practices.
- Ability to plan workloads, manage priorities and drive performance.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Experience using computer systems and software packages for planning and reporting.
- Full UK Driving Licence, including towing entitlement.
Desirable Qualifications & Knowledge:
- IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent.
- NVQ Level 2 in Estates, Building Maintenance or a related discipline.
- Knowledge of countryside, environmental or land management.
- Understanding of environmental legislation, abstraction licensing and water resource management.
- Experience operating plant, machinery and power tools.
- Aware of COSHH regulations and environmental risk management.
Why Join South West Water?
At South West Water, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in creating an environment where everyone can thrive, bring their best every day and feel truly valued. Our benefits package is designed not just to reward you, but to support your wellbeing, financial future and lifestyle:
- 23 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), increasing with service.
- Holiday Buy & Sell Scheme.
- Competitive Pension Scheme with company contribution matching.
- Life Assurance.
- Group Income Protection.
- Enhanced Family Leave including maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave.
- Share Schemes including discounted shares and share matching opportunities.
- Health Cash Plan.
- Free Flu Vaccination.
- Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 support).
- Free On-Site Parking at Headquarters.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Car Share Scheme.
- Give As You Earn Scheme.
- Paid Volunteering Day.
- Retail Discounts and Employee Savings Platform.
Closing Date: 16th November 2026. We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
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.
Watercourse Maintenance Manager South West Water · Operations and Field Work · Tavistock employer: South West Water Limited
At South West Water, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a CREWW Funding Bid Specialist, you'll have the unique opportunity to influence sustainable water management while working alongside leading experts from both industry and academia. With competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and a strong commitment to employee development, we empower our team members to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the beautiful South West region.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Watercourse Maintenance Manager South West Water · Operations and Field Work · Tavistock
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We think you need these skills to ace Watercourse Maintenance Manager South West Water · Operations and Field Work · Tavistock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at South West Water Limited.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. South West Water Limited will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
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How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water Limited
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at South West Water Limited, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
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✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
