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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 work environment with opportunities for growth and mentoring.
- Why this job: Make a real environmental impact and apply your scientific skills in a hands-on role.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including Maths, English, Science, and a relevant Bachelor's 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.
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...
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 employees at South West Water on LinkedIn or through 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 or technical context.
✨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 Wastewater Process Scientist
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 the role and how your expertise can help us achieve our goals at South West Water. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. We want to see your analytical thinking and how you approach problem-solving, especially in a scientific context.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
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 not only understand the theory but can also 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. Highlighting your analytical skills and ability to optimise processes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand Regulatory Compliance
Familiarise yourself with the regulatory requirements relevant to wastewater treatment. Being able to discuss how you ensure compliance in your work will demonstrate your commitment to safety and environmental protection.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex scientific concepts. Remember, you'll be working with various stakeholders, so showing that you can communicate effectively is key to success in this role.