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- Tasks: Support wastewater operations with scientific expertise and drive improvements for a sustainable future.
- Company: Join South West Water, committed to reaching net-zero by 2030.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, health benefits, and a competitive pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental sustainability while working with innovative technologies.
- Qualifications: Degree in a scientific discipline and experience in wastewater operations required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 37000 £ per year.
Overview
Waste Water Process Scientist position in Bodmin, Cornwall. 12 month Fixed Term Contract. Salary £27,000 – £37,000 per annum plus excellent benefits. South West Water aims to reach net-zero by 2030 and partners with Wildlife Trusts, National Parks and local partners to ensure a better future. Join a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed.
What you’ll be doing
- Providing planned and reactive scientific and technical support to the waste water operational teams to ensure regulatory compliance at the best cost. This includes conducting site visits to sewage treatment works to assess operational performance, identify problems and propose improvements.
- Delivering in-house optimisation projects such as energy and chemical efficiencies.
- Participating in an out-of-hours pollution response standby rota enabling immediate environmental assessment of a potential pollution; assisting with reviews of pollutions and environmental events to aid learning and process improvements.
- Implementing Trade Effluent control policy to ensure the health and safety of downstream staff, the sewerage network and the receiving sewage treatment works are not compromised.
- Undertaking Trade Effluent regulatory sampling and monitoring to ensure compliance with discharge permits.
- Preparing reports on various aspects including operational performance and cost-saving opportunities.
- Assisting with investigations into non-trade illicit discharges with area catchment teams.
- Supporting capital investment projects on sewage treatment works.
- Providing scientific support to the wastewater treatment managers regarding receipt of inter-works sludges and external commercial wastes.
- Assisting with trialling of new technologies and innovations.
- Supporting area teams with investigations associated with odour complaints and the optimisation of odour control systems.
What we are looking for
- Minimum of a degree or equivalent in a scientific discipline
- Full UK Driving License
- Experience providing planned and reactive scientific and technical support to wastewater operations to ensure regulatory compliance and identify improvements; ability to visit sites and assess performance
- Experience delivering energy and chemical efficiency optimisation projects
- Willingness to participate in out-of-hours pollution response standby rota
- Understanding of Trade Effluent control and discharge permit compliance
- Experience in regulatory sampling and monitoring
- Ability to prepare reports on operational performance and cost-saving opportunities
- Experience investigating non-trade illicit discharges with area teams
- Support for capital investment projects on sewage treatment works
- Ability to provide scientific support on receipt of inter-works sludges and external wastes
- Willingness to trial new technologies and innovations
- Experience supporting odour investigations and odour control optimisation
What’s in it for you
- 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
Closing Date
Tuesday 23rd September 2025
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Wastewater Process Scientist 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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at South West Water on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost our chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of wastewater processes and recent innovations in the field. We want to show that we’re not just interested but genuinely passionate about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to regulatory compliance and operational performance. We can even do mock interviews with friends to get comfortable talking about our experiences and skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team at South West Water.
We think you need these skills to ace Wastewater Process Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Wastewater Process Scientist role. Highlight your relevant experience in scientific support and regulatory compliance, and don’t forget to mention any specific projects you've worked on that align with our goals at South West Water.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about wastewater management and how your skills can help us reach our net-zero target by 2030. Keep it engaging and personal – we want to see your personality!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, be sure to include examples of how you've identified problems and proposed improvements in past roles. We love candidates who can think on their feet and come up with innovative solutions, especially when it comes to energy and chemical efficiencies.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and you’ll get to see all the details about the role and our amazing benefits. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water
✨Know Your Wastewater Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of wastewater processes and regulations. Familiarise yourself with the latest technologies and innovations in the field, as well as the specific challenges faced by South West Water. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you’re genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully identified problems and implemented solutions in wastewater operations. Be ready to discuss how you’ve optimised energy and chemical efficiencies or tackled compliance issues. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and act decisively.
✨Be Ready for Site Visit Scenarios
Since the role involves site visits, think about how you would assess operational performance at sewage treatment works. Prepare to discuss what factors you would consider and how you would approach identifying areas for improvement. This will highlight your practical understanding of the job.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
The position requires collaboration with various teams, so be prepared to talk about your experience working in diverse groups. Share examples of how you’ve communicated effectively with colleagues and stakeholders, especially in high-pressure situations like pollution responses. This will show that you can work well within their team-oriented culture.
