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- Tasks: Inspect and maintain the sewerage network, responding to pollution and flooding events.
- Company: Join South West Water, a leader in providing quality water services in the beautiful South West.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, a competitive pension, and opportunities for ongoing training and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team committed to sustainability and making a positive impact on the environment.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including Maths, English, and Science; full UK driving licence required.
- Other info: Mandatory DBS check required; we celebrate diversity and encourage individuality.
The predicted salary is between 21500 - 29500 £ per year.
Job Description
At South West Water we believe that the strongest businesses are built on solid, stable foundations – with a vision and a culture that gives them the freedom to change, improve and innovate.
We're proud to be responsible for providing reliable, efficient and high-quality drinking water and wastewater services for the beautiful South West area.
And we have huge ambitions.
Not only are we committed to reaching net-zero by 2030, but we've also partnered with Wildlife Trusts, National Parks and local partners to help ensure a better future for generations to come.
So, if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed, #JustAddWater.
We are currently recruiting a Catchment Operator to join our Networks team in Bodmin.
Joining us on a full-time, permanent basis. You will receive a competitive salary of £25,299 per annum with the opportunity to enter our company progression scheme. Levels range from 1 to 5 with a salary of up to £33,102 at Level 5. In addition to this, you will also receive a salary uplift allowance for taking part in the standby rota.
Core hours are 37 per week with a 1 in 5 week standby and call out rota, once training is complete.
As Catchment Operator within our Wastewater Networks team, you will be responsible for inspecting, maintaining and improving the sewerage network. This role is customer facing.
Duties:
- Rapid response to and resolution of pollution and flooding events
- Blockage clearance and investigation of underlying causes
- CCTV survey of pipework and asset investigation
- Maintenance of small sewage pumping stations and CSOs
- Ensure Risk Assessments and Task Safety Instructions for work activity are adhered to and continually improved
- Using logic and initiative to assess on site problems and find an appropriate solution
- Ensuring all work completed provides the highest level of service to the customer, dealing with sensitive issues in a calm and reassuring manner and approaching all situations in a polite, friendly and approachable manner
- Provide resolution or escalate issues to management where appropriate
- Respond effectively to site conditions and monitoring information to ensure that compliance with environmental regulations is maintained
- Carry out first line maintenance on instruments & mechanical equipment
- Working independently using a single-man operated jetting vehicles, as well as working as an effective part of a team tackling larger issues support decision making and performance tracking across the team
What we are looking for:
- 5 GCSEs or equivalent in Maths, English and a Science subject
- Full UK Driving License
- Proficient in Microsoft packages
- Happy working outside in all conditions
What's in it for you:
- We know that the support and commitment of our staff is key to our success so you will receive the opportunity for ongoing development and training for a long-term career with us. We're one of the largest companies in the South West and are proud to have been awarded Investors in People recognition.
- Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
- A discretionary Bonus
- Competitive Contributory Pension
- Share-save Scheme
- Various health benefits
- Wellbeing support programmes
- A range of Group Discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Financial support services
In return, we offer an excellent range of benefits including:
Closing Date: Thursday 14th August 2025
If you are looking for a new challenge, please click apply now to be considered as a Catchment Operator – we look forward to receiving your application.
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 everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
Be the Future – Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
Wastewater Catchment Operator employer: South West Water
Contact Detail:
South West Water Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Wastewater Catchment Operator
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a Wastewater Catchment Operator. Understanding the technical aspects, such as CCTV surveys and maintenance of sewage systems, will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your problem-solving skills by preparing examples of how you've handled challenging situations in previous roles. This is crucial since the job involves rapid response to pollution and flooding events.
✨Tip Number 3
Research South West Water's commitment to sustainability and community partnerships. Being able to discuss their initiatives, like reaching net-zero by 2030, will show your alignment with their values and mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience working outdoors and in various weather conditions. Since the role requires outdoor work, demonstrating your adaptability and willingness to work in all conditions will be beneficial.
We think you need these skills to ace Wastewater Catchment Operator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Wastewater Catchment Operator position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with these duties.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience in wastewater management, environmental services, or customer-facing roles. Use specific examples to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and how you've handled similar situations.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to mention your proficiency in Microsoft packages and any technical skills related to maintenance and inspections. If you have a full UK driving licence, include this as it is a requirement for the role.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that reflects your personality and enthusiasm for the role. Address how you embody the company's core values, such as being trustworthy and embracing change, to show that you are a good cultural fit.
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Wastewater Catchment Operator. Familiarise yourself with tasks like pollution response, blockage clearance, and maintenance of sewage systems. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your knowledge.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you would handle on-site problems. Think of examples from your past experiences where you used logic and initiative to resolve issues. This role requires quick thinking, so highlight your ability to assess situations and find effective solutions.
✨Emphasise Customer Service
Since this position is customer-facing, it's crucial to show that you can deal with sensitive issues calmly and reassuringly. Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in previous roles, especially in challenging situations.
✨Align with Company Values
Familiarise yourself with South West Water's core values: being rock solid, being yourself, and being the future. During the interview, relate your personal values and experiences to these principles to show that you are a good cultural fit for the team.
