At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Process Operator, managing wastewater operations and ensuring environmental compliance.
- Company: Southern Water is dedicated to building a greener future and tackling climate change.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, health plans, flexible working options, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: No prior wastewater experience needed; we welcome fresh perspectives and ideas!
- Why this job: Be part of a vital team, gain hands-on experience, and contribute to environmental sustainability.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths, English, and Science; valid UK Manual Driver's Licence required.
The predicted salary is between 22700 - 27500 £ per year.
Wastewater Process Operator
Closing Date: 2026-08-21
Location: Hastings - you will also need to be willing to travel across multiple sites and have a current full driving licence.
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 38 hours
Salary: £29,325 per annum, plus standby and overtime opportunities. Standby rota participation can increase earnings significantly.
Benefits
- Health Care cash plan cover (with options to upgrade for family coverage)
- Competitive Pension
For a full list of benefits, please visit our careers page or see below.
About The Role
Join our frontline operations team in Hastings to ensure wastewater treatment works and pumping stations run smoothly. This role is critical to maintaining compliance, protecting the environment, and delivering excellent service to our customers.
What You Will Be Responsible For
- Compliance testing and monitoring.
- Maintenance tasks including unblocking pumps, screens, and valves.
- Repair of alarm systems and fault resolution.
- Monitoring, collating, and reporting data for regulatory compliance.
- Carrying out regular sampling and maintaining sampling equipment.
- Receiving and handling chemical deliveries safely.
- Using IT systems to log maintenance tasks and ensure safety compliance.
Additional Requirements
There may be opportunities for you to join the standby rota.
Essential
What you’ll bring to the role:
- Valid UK manual driving licence.
- Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Adaptable, reliable, and self-motivated.
- Good time management and ability to work independently.
- Keen to learn and operate complex processes.
Desirable
- Experience in wastewater operations or similar process industries.
- Basic mechanical or electrical maintenance skills.
Progression opportunities
Southern Water offers career progression, 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 for 2025-30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed.
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.
"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. Your unique skills and experiences could be exactly what we need."
Our Commitment to Diversity
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.
Additional Information
In line with Southern Water’s security requirements, successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record check (DBS) and verification of their employment and/or education history for the past three years. Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of all pre-employment checks, including security vetting.
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Process Operator - Waste Water employer: Southern Water
Southern Water is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises environmental sustainability and compliance. With a focus on employee growth, the company provides opportunities for professional development in the utilities sector, all while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working model. Join us in making a meaningful impact on water management and environmental protection in a supportive and innovative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Process Operator - Waste Water
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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We think you need these skills to ace Process Operator - Waste Water
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
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Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Southern Water specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southern Water
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Southern Water, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
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Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Southern Water value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
