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- Tasks: Join our team to maintain and improve wastewater treatment systems across multiple sites.
- Company: Southern Water is a diverse employer committed to sustainability and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company van, 25 days leave, and various perks like discounts and health plans.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the environment while developing your skills in a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: NVQ3 in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or equivalent experience in a process-oriented industry required.
- Other info: Flexible working options and study support available for career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 31000 - 44000 £ per year.
This job is with Southern Water, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
Closing Date: 2025-07-08
Location: Kent
Time type: Full Time
Base location: Geographically based within Location area (Negotiable).
Travel: Multiple sites within Location area with a company supplied van.
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 38 Hrs
Salary: £37,260 - £53,820
Are you ready to make a difference in the wastewater industry? With every day showing a new challenge! With our sites located across the beautiful South Coast, you can enjoy the security of full-time employment while tackling the interesting assignments that keep you engaged and growing.
Southern Water is recruiting for an Instrumentation, Control and Automation Technician to support the processing of wastewater for safe return to the environment. Join our Wastewater Treatment Team and see how far your career could progress with a company committed to career progression, training and development opportunities, our customers, and the environment. We offer a monitored career path and training to get you where you want to be. If you only have some of the skillsets listed below, please still apply and start your learning journey within ICA at Southern Water. If you have more of the skillsets listed, you will automatically be set towards the higher end of the salary scale listed below.
Your responsibilities are to include:
- Planned, Reactive & Proactive maintenance including Fault Finding, Calibration, Testing, Investigation and Programming on such equipment sets as; Telemetry Systems, Instrumentation (Flowmeters, Level transmitters, Pressure transducers, Temperature probes, etc...).
- Analysers (Dissolved Oxygen, MLSS, Turbidity, etc...).
- MCC & LVA (Low Voltage Assemblies) with PLC Control.
- Control (Networks, MCC/LVA components, PID controllers).
- Dosing Equipment.
- Automation (PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems).
- Implement complex process improvements and diagnose control system faults on PLC types such as; Rockwell, Mitsubishi and a range of package plant PLC's.
- PLC Software Control via backups and routine verification.
- Maintaining a change control system when software is requested.
- HMI & SCADA system backups and modifications.
- Setup and maintenance of site control networks (Ethernet, DH+, Profibus, Profinet, RS232, etc..), including managed switch configuration.
- Conduct planned maintenance and/or calibrate instrumentation to Southern Water standards to ensure reliability and accuracy.
- Respond to faults/ alarms as guided by the Regional Control Centre.
- Undertake investigative work on instruments and process issues at wastewater plants, identifying any faults and implementing remedial action.
- Calibration of wastewater equipment to external national standards such as HACCP and MCerts.
- Complete documentation accurately and in a timely manner to maintain internal change control standards.
- Implement system modifications from Operational Team requests to help improve process control or compliance.
- Gather evidence to help with Root Cause Analysis and implement changes as required.
- To coach and train team members to develop their skills.
Skills and experience needed:
- NVQ3 in Electrical or Electronic Engineering OR a time-served apprenticeship.
- An ONC or HNC in Instrumentation, Electronics, Control or equivalent.
- Experience within a process orientated industry such as water utility, petrochemical, electricity, manufacturing or similar.
- Excellent problem solving and fault-finding skills.
- Experience within Instrumentation OR Control OR Automation.
- Strong documentation skills for regulatory compliance reporting.
- Collaborative, with good communication skills.
- Enthusiasm for learning and growth.
- Full, current UK driving licence.
What Do We Offer?
- We offer a comprehensive package, with a salary range of £37,260 to £53,820 depending on skills and experience plus overtime and on-call payment.
- A company van (for business use only) which you can take home, and a fuel card.
- All necessary PPE, tools, uniform and training to excel in your career at Southern Water.
- 25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays.
- Free annual flu jab and eye test vouchers.
- Pension contributions up to 11% (depending on your contribution).
- An employee assistance program.
- A network of sports and social clubs.
- Company and performance-related bonus.
- Life assurance equal to 4x salary.
- Salary sacrifice electric car scheme (after 6 months service).
- Health Cash Plan.
- Two paid volunteering days a year.
- Occupational health service.
- Discounts with over 800 popular retailers.
- Digital GP service.
- Study support may be available for job-related qualifications.
- Competitive maternity & paternity leave and flexible return to work options.
- Cycle to work scheme.
At Southern Water we are passionate about diversity and inclusion and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive, whatever their personal or professional background. If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align exactly with every part of the job description, we encourage you to apply as you may be the right candidate for this role or another role, and our Talent Acquisition team can help you see how your skills fit in.
Instrumentation, Control & Automation (ICA) Technician. Wastewater employer: Southern Water
Contact Detail:
Southern Water Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Instrumentation, Control & Automation (ICA) Technician. Wastewater
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific technologies mentioned in the job description, such as PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems. Having a solid understanding of these systems will not only boost your confidence but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the wastewater industry or join relevant online forums. Engaging with others in the field can provide insights into the company culture at Southern Water and may even lead to referrals, which can significantly enhance your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your problem-solving skills and experiences in detail. Since the role requires excellent fault-finding abilities, think of specific examples where you've successfully diagnosed and resolved technical issues in previous positions.
✨Tip Number 4
Show enthusiasm for continuous learning and development. Southern Water values growth, so be ready to express your eagerness to learn new skills and technologies that will help you excel in the role and contribute to the company's mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Instrumentation, Control & Automation (ICA) Technician. Wastewater
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure to customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job description for the Instrumentation, Control & Automation Technician role. Focus on your technical expertise in instrumentation, control systems, and automation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the wastewater industry and your enthusiasm for the role. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications such as NVQ3 in Electrical or Electronic Engineering, ONC or HNC in Instrumentation, and any relevant certifications. This will help the hiring team see that you meet the essential criteria.
Showcase Continuous Learning: Emphasise your eagerness to learn and grow within the field. Mention any additional training or courses you have undertaken, especially those related to PLCs, SCADA systems, or other relevant technologies.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southern Water
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of instrumentation, control, and automation systems. Be prepared to discuss specific equipment you've worked with, such as PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems, as well as any relevant calibration and maintenance experiences.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to share examples of how you've tackled complex issues in previous roles. Southern Water values excellent problem-solving abilities, so think of specific instances where you diagnosed faults or implemented process improvements.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Highlight your collaborative skills and ability to communicate effectively with team members. Southern Water is looking for someone who can coach and train others, so be prepared to discuss how you've supported colleagues in the past.
✨Express Your Enthusiasm for Learning
Southern Water appreciates candidates who are eager to grow and develop their skills. Share your passion for continuous learning and any relevant training or qualifications you’re pursuing, as this will show your commitment to the role.
