At a Glance
- Tasks: Monitor and optimise water treatment processes to ensure high-quality drinking water.
- Company: Join South West Water, a leader in the UK water sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy 23 days annual leave, competitive pension, and health cash plan.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on water quality while developing your technical skills.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including Maths, English, and Science; strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 26100 - 31900 £ 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 supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.
Whether you're starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.
Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.
About the Role
Are you a technically minded problem solver who thrives in a fast-paced operational environment?
As a Process Control Technician, you'll play a critical role in the remote monitoring, control, and optimisation of South West Water's drinking water treatment and distribution network. Working within our Central Process Control Team, you'll help ensure customers receive a reliable supply of high-quality drinking water while supporting efficient operations through the use of advanced monitoring and control systems.
This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of our operational network, making real-time decisions, responding to alarms and incidents, and collaborating with operational teams across the business to maintain and improve service performance.
Shift Pattern
This is a 24/7 operational role working the following rotating shift pattern:
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2 × Morning Shifts: 06:30 - 15:00
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2 × Afternoon Shifts: 14:30 - 23:00
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2 × Night Shifts: 22:30 - 07:00
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Followed by 4 days off
Flexibility is essential as additional cover may occasionally be required to support operational demands and business continuity.
What You'll Be Doing
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Monitor and control water treatment works and strategic distribution networks to maintain customer water supplies.
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Proactively manage alarms and operational events using SCADA, iSCADA, MISER and other monitoring systems.
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Coordinate network and treatment operations to optimise water production, energy usage, chemical consumption and carbon efficiency.
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Provide technical support during operational incidents and major events.
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Produce operational reports and handover documentation for key stakeholders.
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Work closely with field teams to investigate and resolve process and network alarms.
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Support compliance with regulatory, operational and safety requirements.
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Assist with network optimisation and strategic water resource management activities.
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Drive continuous improvement within the Process Control function and contribute to change projects across the business.
What We're Looking For
Essential
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5 GCSEs (or equivalent), including Maths, English and a Science subject.
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Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with colleagues, customers and stakeholders.
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Ability to analyse data and use IT systems confidently.
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Sound judgement and decision-making skills, particularly in high-pressure situations.
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Ability to prioritise workloads and manage multiple activities simultaneously.
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Flexible approach to working hours and shift patterns.
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Calm, resilient and proactive approach to problem solving.
Desirable
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HND or equivalent technical qualification in water treatment, network operations, engineering or a related discipline.
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Experience in water treatment, network operations, utility operations or another technically challenging operational environment.
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Understanding of water supply networks and water treatment processes.
South West Water Benefits
At South West Water, our people are the heart of everything we do. We believe in creating an environment where everyone can thrive, bring their best every day, and feel truly valued. That's why we offer a diverse benefits package designed to support you both at work and beyond.
Our benefits include:
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From 23 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays), increasing with service.
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Holiday Buy & Sell Scheme.
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Competitive Pension Scheme with company contribution matching.
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Life Assurance.
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Group Income Protection.
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Competitive Family Leave policies.
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Health Cash Plan.
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Free Flu Vaccination.
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Employee Assistance Programme providing 24/7 support.
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Free On-Site Parking at our Exeter headquarters.
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Cycle to Work Scheme.
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Car Share Scheme.
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On-Site Canteen at our Exeter headquarters.
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Give As You Earn Scheme.
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Volunteering Day.
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Retail Discounts giving access to thousands of offers and savings.
Closing Date: 16th November 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.
Central Process Control Technician in Plymouth employer: South West Water
At South West Water, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee health and wellbeing. With a commitment to sustainability and community engagement, our Occupational Health and Wellbeing Lead will have the unique opportunity to shape impactful programmes while enjoying generous benefits, including 30 days of annual leave. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of our employees and the environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Central Process Control Technician in Plymouth
✨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 Central Process Control Technician 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 Central Process Control Technician 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 Central Process Control Technician in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Central Process Control Technician, 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.
