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- Tasks: Support wastewater operations and protect the environment through scientific expertise.
- Company: Join South West Water, part of Pennon Group, committed to a greener future.
- Benefits: Generous leave, competitive salary, pension, and wellness support.
- Other info: Dynamic role with structured progression and ongoing development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real environmental impact while advancing your scientific career.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including Maths, English, and Science; relevant degree required.
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.
Make a real environmental impact in a scientific role that matters. We have an exciting opportunity for a Wastewater Process Scientist to join our team in Plymouth. This is a hands-on, impactful role where your scientific expertise will support wastewater operations, protect the environment, and help drive efficiency across our treatment processes.
You’ll work closely with operational and delivery teams, combining office-based analysis with site and field-based activity, ensuring wastewater treatment works operate safely, efficiently, and in line with regulatory requirements. Development and progression are integral to this role. The position operates within a structured progression scheme, with the level of responsibility, technical complexity and autonomy increasing as your experience, capability and confidence grow. You’ll receive ongoing support, mentoring and development opportunities, enabling you to advance through defined stages as you build operational knowledge and scientific expertise.
What you’ll be doing:
- Providing scientific and technical support to wastewater operational teams to ensure regulatory compliance at best cost
- Visiting sewage treatment works to assess performance, identify issues and recommend improvements
- Delivering performance optimisation projects focused on chemical and energy efficiency
- Supporting environmental risk management, including participation in an out-of-hours pollution response rota
- Implementing and monitoring Trade Effluent control policies and undertaking regulatory sampling
- Investigating pollution incidents, illicit discharges and odour complaints
- Preparing technical reports on operational performance and cost-saving opportunities
- Supporting capital investment projects, innovation trials and new technologies
- Providing scientific advice on sludge imports and external waste streams
This role offers genuine variety, responsibility and the opportunity to apply scientific theory in real-world scenarios.
What we’re looking for:
- A minimum of 5 GCSEs (grade 5 or above), including Maths, English and Science
- A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a scientific discipline
- Experience working in a scientific or technical environment
- Full UK driving licence
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders
- Comfortable working independently and as part of a team
- Able to prioritise effectively in a reactive, fast-paced environment
What’s in it for you? We offer far more than just a competitive salary. Our benefits include:
- Wastewater Process Scientist progression scheme
- Generous annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell leave
- Company van for work-related travel
- Competitive contributory pension
- Discretionary bonus
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Enhanced family-friendly policies, including shared parental leave
- Employee share schemes (Pennon Group)
- Health & wellbeing support, including Employee Assistance Programme and Champion Health
- Free eye tests and retail discounts
- Access to thousands of lifestyle and retail discounts through Pennon Perks
- Free parking at many sites
Closing Date: 22nd May 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.
Locations
Water Quality Scientist (Permanent) 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 Water Quality Scientist (Permanent) in Devon, Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at South West Water on LinkedIn or through industry events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of wastewater processes and environmental regulations. Show us you’re passionate about making a real impact in the field!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just focus on your qualifications; highlight your hands-on experience too! Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially in scientific settings.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! 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!
We think you need these skills to ace Water Quality Scientist (Permanent) in Devon, Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Water Quality: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for water quality and environmental impact shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission at South West Water!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Water Quality Scientist role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description, so we can see why you're the perfect fit!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, so we can easily understand your qualifications and experiences without getting lost in the details.
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 this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water
✨Know Your Science
Brush up on your scientific knowledge related to wastewater processes. Be prepared to discuss specific techniques and technologies you've used in previous roles, as well as how they can apply to the position at South West Water.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Think of examples where you've identified issues in a scientific or technical environment and successfully implemented solutions. This role requires a proactive approach, so highlight your ability to optimise performance and manage environmental risks.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since you'll be working with various stakeholders, practice articulating complex scientific concepts in simple terms. Demonstrating strong communication skills will show that you can collaborate effectively with operational teams.
✨Embrace the Company Values
Familiarise yourself with South West Water's core values: Be Rock Solid, Be You, and Be the Future. Prepare to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of creating a greener future.