At a Glance
- Tasks: Monitor and optimise water treatment processes using advanced technologies.
- Company: Join South West Water, a leader in the UK water sector committed to sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, shift patterns, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent teamwork and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on water quality and environmental sustainability.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths, English, and Science; strong IT and data analysis skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ 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.
About the Role
As a Process Control Technician, you will play a vital role in ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient delivery of drinking water to our customers. Working within the Central Process Control Team, you will remotely monitor, manage, and optimise water treatment works and the strategic distribution network using advanced control and monitoring technologies. This is a dynamic operational role where you will analyse data, respond to alarms and incidents, coordinate network operations, and work closely with field teams to maintain water quality, supply resilience, and operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor and control water treatment and distribution assets through SCADA and associated systems.
- Coordinate water production and network operations to maintain customer service, water quality, and supply standards.
- Respond to operational alarms and incidents, ensuring timely escalation and coordination with field-based teams.
- Analyse process and network performance data to identify optimisation opportunities and mitigate operational risks.
- Support incident management by providing technical information and operational guidance.
- Ensure operational reports, logs, and handover documentation are completed accurately and on time.
- Work collaboratively with production, network, strategy, energy, and asset performance teams to optimise system performance.
- Support abstraction planning and resource management to ensure adequate raw water availability.
- Coordinate operational activities in line with company procedures and authorisation protocols.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of control room processes, technologies, and ways of working.
- Participate in shift rotas and provide additional operational cover where required.
What We're Looking For
Essential Qualifications
- GCSEs (or equivalent), including Maths, English, and a Science subject.
- Strong IT and data analysis skills.
- Ability to interpret technical information and make informed operational decisions.
Desirable Qualifications
- HND or equivalent technical qualification in: Water treatment operations, Network operations, Engineering, or a similar technical discipline.
Essential Experience
- Experience within a technically demanding operational environment.
- Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
- Experience working with operational systems, process monitoring, or control technologies.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and respond to changing priorities.
Desirable Experience
- Water treatment operations.
- Water distribution network operations.
- Utility, industrial process, or infrastructure environments.
- SCADA or remote monitoring systems.
Key Skills & Behaviours
- Communicates effectively with colleagues, customers, and stakeholders at all levels.
- Can prioritise workload and make sound decisions in a fast-paced operational environment.
- Demonstrates strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Remains calm, focused, and resilient during incidents and operational events.
- Takes ownership and accountability for delivering results.
- Works effectively with minimal supervision.
- Embraces change and contributes positively to continuous improvement.
- Supports a collaborative and inclusive team culture.
- Is committed to ongoing learning and professional development.
Shift patterns are required for this position, the shift times would be:
- 2x morning shifts: 06:30 - 15:00
- 2x afternoon shifts: 14:30 - 23:00
- 2x night shifts: 22:30 - 07:00
This would consist of 6 days on and then 4 days off.
Closing Date: 13th Aug 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.
Process Technician (Electrical) in Exeter employer: South West Water
At South West Water, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and sustainability. Our employees benefit from opportunities for personal and professional growth, alongside the chance to contribute to meaningful environmental initiatives in one of the UK's most beautiful regions. Join us in making a difference while enjoying a fulfilling career in the water sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Process Technician (Electrical) in Exeter
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Process Technician (Electrical) role you’re after at South West Water.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at South West Water a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at South West Water.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Process Technician (Electrical) at South West Water, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Process Technician (Electrical) in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Process Technician (Electrical), it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at South West Water a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to South West Water specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with South West Water, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like South West Water want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
