At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive wastewater compliance and investigate pollution incidents to protect the environment.
- Company: Join Southern Water, a leader in environmental sustainability.
- Benefits: Hybrid role with competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; engage with us to explore this opportunity!
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental protection while developing your scientific skills.
- Qualifications: A Levels or degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline required.
The predicted salary is between 34100 - 34100 £ per year.
The role of the Process Scientist is to be the technical expert that drives Wastewater compliance at Southern Water, mitigating the risk of future compliance breaches. You will investigate pollution incidents at Wastewater Treatment Works and collaborate with operators to protect the environment and liaise with field performance managers, area operational managers and the pollution team to minimise and prevent any future pollutions. The role involves reviewing and anticipating compliance risks, protecting the environment and driving capex investment at the Wastewater Treatment Works.
The successful candidate will provide technical support on all aspects of wastewater, sludge treatment, waste management and R&D and is responsible for optimisation of chemicals, power, manpower whilst ensuring best possible compliance. This role comes with the requirement to be part of a standby rota, and you will also need a clean driving license and access to a vehicle.
Accountabilities:- To provide technical advice to Operations on the operation of Wastewater Treatment processes including setting individual site Operating Plans, Site Process Activity Manual, monitoring of compliance, power and chemical costs, investigating and advising of corrective actions.
- To carry out Pollution investigations and inform stakeholders of the outcome of the investigations and liaise with EA.
- To carry out professional reviews of exceptional data and wastewater trends, taking appropriate action as required, to ensure any process problems/possible breaches are pre-empted and to proactively highlight early warning triggers to possible compliance breaches.
- To carry out full investigations with root cause analysis in the case of a breach, site investigation report or process audit; making recommendations and following up on any scientific actions required and flagging all other issues to the manager.
- To analyse samples and make recommendations as to solutions to mitigate risks and issues.
- To review UV data for EA submission.
- To carry out Critical and Risk site visit reports and feed recommendations to Area Operational Managers for decisions on action.
- To identify key capital investment requirements for Southern Water in order to ensure that Wastewater Treatment works remain compliant and so are a key role in ensuring Southern Water meets its serviceability requirements and targets. Attend HAZOP and ALM meetings for capital schemes.
- To provide technical and procedural expertise to on-site contractors and be an integral part of a Capital Scheme or remedial work on any Southern Water wastewater treatment works and to be responsible for ensuring the site remains compliant whilst work is implemented and carried out by Contractors. Attend commissioning meetings.
- To review and advise on Operator schedules and Tankering.
- To carry out yearly Descriptive Site Assessments according to the EA procedures and provide report.
- To train plant operators on theory or practice of technical aspects of plant and laboratory processes to ensure they have the knowledge and understanding to perform their role effectively.
- Technical: Requires an understanding of relevant area of specialism (wastewater, sludge, R&D, trade and waste).
- Investigative skills: Scientific testing skills incorporating the use of specialist equipment and procedures; experienced user of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint; ability to utilise company specific information systems (e.g. Pi Process Book, process management system).
- Business Skills: To train plant operators on theory or practice of technical aspects of plant and laboratory processes to ensure they have the knowledge and understanding to perform their role effectively.
- Personal and Interpersonal Skills: Good communication skills – must be able to translate technical requirements into layman’s terms primarily for plant operators but also for other parts of the business as required; ability to influence and persuade others.
Process Scientist in Tonbridge employer: Southern Water group
Southern Water is an exceptional employer that prioritises environmental protection and compliance, offering a dynamic work culture where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a focus on employee growth, we provide comprehensive training opportunities and support for career advancement, all while working in the beautiful locations of Falmer, Uckfield, Tonbridge, and Hastings. Join us to make a meaningful impact in wastewater management and enjoy the benefits of a hybrid work model that promotes work-life balance.
