At a Glance
- Tasks: Support wastewater operations and drive efficiency while protecting the environment.
- Company: Join South West Water, a leader in the UK water sector with a green mission.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, and a structured progression scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic role with hands-on experience and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real environmental impact and grow your scientific expertise.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including Maths, English, Science, and a relevant degree.
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.
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...
Regulatory Scientist (Permanent) in Exeter employer: South West Water
At South West Water, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters environmental stewardship and personal growth. Located in the picturesque Plymouth, our team enjoys a structured progression scheme, ongoing mentoring, and the chance to make a tangible impact on water quality and sustainability. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values your contributions and supports your career development in the vital field of wastewater management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Regulatory Scientist (Permanent) in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at South West Water on LinkedIn or attend industry events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company’s recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role, but also in making a real impact on the environment with your scientific expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to regulatory compliance and wastewater processes. We want to see how you think on your feet, so consider doing mock interviews with friends or mentors.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Regulatory Scientist (Permanent) in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Regulatory Scientist role. Highlight any relevant scientific background and experience in wastewater operations to show us you’re the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about environmental impact and how your expertise can help us achieve our goals at South West Water.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since you'll be working with various stakeholders, it's important to demonstrate your strong communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to show us you can convey complex information effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
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. This will show that you’re not just a candidate, but someone who understands the intricacies of the job.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Think of examples where you've identified issues and implemented solutions in a scientific or technical environment. Be ready to explain your thought process and the impact of your actions. This is crucial for a role that involves performance optimisation and environmental risk management.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since this role requires working with various stakeholders, practice articulating complex scientific concepts in simple terms. Prepare to demonstrate your communication skills during the interview, as they are key to collaborating with operational teams and preparing technical reports.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for the Environment
South West Water is all about making a positive environmental impact. Share your enthusiasm for sustainability and any relevant projects or initiatives you've been involved in. This will resonate well with the company's mission and values.
