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- 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 ongoing support and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real environmental impact in a hands-on scientific role.
- 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. 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.
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...
Wastewater Process Scientist in Exeter employer: South West Water
Contact Detail:
South West Water Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Wastewater Process Scientist 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 brushing up on your scientific knowledge and understanding of wastewater processes. We want to see your passion for the environment and how you can contribute to our goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! Be ready to discuss past experiences where you identified issues and implemented solutions, especially in a scientific context. We love candidates who can think on their feet!
✨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 genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Wastewater Process Scientist in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Wastewater Process Scientist role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description, like your scientific background and any hands-on work you've done in wastewater or similar fields.
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 contribute to our goals at South West Water. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don’t forget to mention specific examples where you’ve tackled challenges in a scientific or technical environment. We love seeing how you approach problems and come up with innovative solutions!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company!
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 familiar with the theory but can apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Think of examples where you've identified issues in a scientific or technical environment and how you resolved them. This role involves optimising performance and addressing challenges, so demonstrating your analytical skills will be key.
✨Understand Regulatory Compliance
Familiarise yourself with the regulatory requirements relevant to wastewater treatment. Being able to discuss how you’ve ensured compliance in past roles will highlight your suitability for the position and your commitment to environmental standards.
✨Communicate Effectively
Prepare to demonstrate your communication skills by discussing how you’ve worked with diverse teams or stakeholders. This role requires collaboration, so showing that you can convey complex information clearly will set you apart.