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- Tasks: Monitor pollution incidents and manage environmental impact in stunning landscapes.
- Company: Join South West Water, a leader in the UK water sector focused on sustainability.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, competitive pension, health benefits, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in environmental protection while building your career.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including Maths, English, and Science; IT literate with a full UK driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 28645 - 38917 £ 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.
We are currently recruiting a Pollution Technician to join our team in Plymouth. Joining us on a full-time permanent basis, you will receive a salary of £28,645 - £38,917 per annum plus. Core hours are 37 per week, with a 1 in 9 standby rota requirement.
As the Pollution Technician, you will be embedded with the Customer Service & Network team to provide specialised support around all pollution related matters. Working alongside the Flooding and Planned Work Technicians, the Pollution Technician will become an integral part of the area Network team, acting as a main point of contact for pollutions and flooding outside of property curtilages.
The Pollution Technician will take the lead at a local area level on pollution management, primarily focused on incident management, recording and reporting on internal systems and providing information to the asset manager for incident updates and impact evidence.
What you'll be doing:
- Monitor and keep track of all pollution incidents in the area and ensure all event information and impact evidence is captured in PIRS in line with the 28-day pollutions process.
- Track remedial actions to conclusion and ensure operational tasks post pollution are completed.
- Responsible for ensuring incident feedback has been provided to the Asset manager to answer regulator questions, seeking assistance and information from the area team where required.
- Preparation of Incident Summary Reports for submission by the Asset Manager to the Regulator covering 'no impact', 'third party' and non-event scenarios.
- Track and manage external flooding incidents (outside property curtilages) through to resolution, ensuring all data is entered onto FIRS in line with the business process timescales.
- Promote further work for asset failures that are outside property curtilages and track to completion.
- Share planned work required as a result of external flooding and pollution investigations with the Planned Work Technician to set up and monitor.
- Supporting operational teams with impact/third party investigations attending site if necessary and supporting the business in the event of environmental incidents.
- Build and maintain constructive relationships with the environmental regulator and provide internal advice and updates on EA guidance and regulations covering pollution incidents.
- Provide support to the Regional Operational Manager to ensure all RCA actions are completed in a timely manner and provide support to other areas of the business as required (Drinking Water Services).
- Take part in an OOH rota if required.
What we are looking for:
- 5 GCSEs at grades A-C or equivalent including Maths, English and a Science subject; or ONC / City and Guilds in relevant subject or NVQ Waste Water Process or Sewerage Control Level 2 standard of competence or HNC / Water Diploma.
- Technical outlook and ability to analyse and administer varied data sources to make decisions and/or present information for action.
- IT Literate, to include use of MS systems.
- Full UK Drivers Licence.
- Ability to undertake out of hours standby duties.
Benefits:
- Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays.
- A discretionary Bonus.
- Competitive Contributory Pension.
- Share-save Scheme.
- Various health benefits.
- Wellbeing support programmes.
- A range of Group Discounts.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Financial support services.
Closing Date: 27th May 2026. 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.
Locations
Pollution Technician in Devon, Exeter employer: South West Water
Contact Detail:
South West Water Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pollution Technician in Devon, Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, and connect with current employees at South West Water. You never know who might give you a heads-up about job openings or even refer you directly!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching common questions for Pollution Technicians. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role. Practise your answers with a friend or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the environment! When you get the chance to chat with recruiters or during interviews, share your thoughts on sustainability and how you can contribute to South West Water's goals. It’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at South West Water. Let’s make a splash together!
We think you need these skills to ace Pollution Technician in Devon, Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Pollution Technician role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially around pollution management and incident reporting.
Show Your Passion: Let us know why you’re excited about working with South West Water! Share your enthusiasm for environmental issues and how you can contribute to our mission of a greener future.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to see your qualifications and experiences without any fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget 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 South West Water
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge about pollution management and environmental regulations. Familiarise yourself with the specific processes mentioned in the job description, like the 28-day pollutions process and how to prepare Incident Summary Reports. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also understand its responsibilities.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss past experiences where you've successfully managed incidents or resolved issues. Think of examples that highlight your analytical skills and ability to work under pressure, especially in situations involving pollution or flooding. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the challenges of the Pollution Technician role.
✨Build Relationships
Since the role involves working closely with various teams and external regulators, be prepared to talk about how you’ve built and maintained professional relationships in the past. Highlight your communication skills and any experience you have in collaborating with different stakeholders to achieve common goals.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or how the company is tackling current environmental challenges. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company culture aligns with your values.