Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and improve control systems in wastewater treatment across multiple sites.
- Company: Join Southern Water, a leader in transforming the water industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company van, health care plan, and pension contributions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: NVQ3 in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or equivalent, with strong problem-solving skills.
- Other info: Exciting career progression opportunities and a commitment to diversity.
The predicted salary is between 31000 - 43000 £ per year.
Location: Kent - Geographically based within location area (negotiable), with travel to multiple sites.
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 38 hours
Salary: Base salary £37,260 up to £53,820 per annum (depending on skills and experience). Overtime and on-call payments available.
Benefits: A company van (for business use only) which you can take home, and a fuel card. Health Care cash plan cover (with options to upgrade for family coverage). Pension contributions up to 11% (depending on your contribution).
About the role:
Join our Wastewater Treatment Team to maintain and improve ICA systems across multiple sites. You will ensure compliance, reliability, and efficiency of control systems while supporting continuous improvement. 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.
What you will be responsible for:
- 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.
Additional Requirements:
Travel across multiple sites with a company van provided.
What you’ll bring to the role:
Essential:
- NVQ3 in Electrical or Electronic Engineering OR a time-served apprenticeship.
- An ONC or HNC in Instrumentation, Electronics, Control or equivalent.
- 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 license.
Desirable:
- Experience within a process orientated industry such as water utility, petrochemical, electricity, manufacturing or similar.
Progression opportunities:
Southern Water offers monitored career paths, training, and development opportunities.
About Southern Water:
Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed.
At Southern Water, we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact and think you can bring value to our team, we’d love to hear from you—even if you don’t tick every box. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
Instrumentation, Control and Automation Technician in Kent employer: Southern Water
Contact Detail:
Southern Water Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Instrumentation, Control and Automation Technician in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local meetups, or join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching common questions and practising your answers. Focus on showcasing your problem-solving skills and experience with instrumentation and control systems—this is your time to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply and wait! Follow up on your applications after a week or so. A quick email expressing your continued interest can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities there.
We think you need these skills to ace Instrumentation, Control and Automation Technician in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight the skills and experiences that match the job description. We want to see how your background fits with the role of Instrumentation, Control and Automation Technician.
Show Your Enthusiasm: Let your passion for learning and growth shine through in your application. We love candidates who are eager to develop their skills and contribute to our Wastewater Treatment Team!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and achievements, as we appreciate well-organised and easy-to-read applications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our careers page! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you started on your journey with Southern Water.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southern Water
✨Know Your ICA Systems
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of instrumentation, control, and automation systems. Familiarise yourself with the specific equipment mentioned in the job description, like telemetry systems and PLCs. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled faults or issues in previous roles. Think about specific instances where you diagnosed a problem and implemented a solution, especially in a process-oriented environment. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and analytical skills.
✨Emphasise Documentation Skills
Since strong documentation skills are essential for regulatory compliance, be ready to discuss your experience with maintaining accurate records. Bring examples of how you've ensured compliance in past roles, as this will highlight your attention to detail and organisational abilities.
✨Express Your Enthusiasm for Learning
Southern Water values candidates who are eager to grow and learn. Be prepared to talk about your career aspirations and how you plan to develop your skills in instrumentation and control. Showing that you're proactive about your professional development can set you apart from other candidates.
