Illegal Connections Technician

Location: (Field based) - across Sussex and Kent areas

Salary: £35,000

Contract Type: Full Time

Company Vehicle & Fuel Card Provided - must hold UK Driving License

Help Protect Our Environment and Coastal Waters

Are you passionate about protecting the environment and making a real difference in local communities? Southern Water is looking for an Illegal Connections Technician to join our team and play a vital role in reducing pollution incidents and protecting our rivers, streams, and bathing waters. This is a predominantly field-based role where you will proactively investigate pollution entering the environment via the surface water sewer network. Using a variety of investigative techniques, you will trace pollution to its source, work with customers and stakeholders to resolve issues, and support Southern Water's commitment to improving environmental performance.

What You'll Be Doing

• Monitor the surface water sewer network and identify signs of pollution.
• Investigate and trace pollution sources using a range of field techniques and technical knowledge.
• Collect and analyse samples to support investigations.
• Engage professionally and positively with customers responsible for illegal connections or misconnections.
• Follow Water UK guidelines to issue formal notifications and letters to offending properties.
• Work collaboratively with Local Authorities, the Environment Agency, and internal stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes.
• Escalate cases where necessary and support enforcement activities.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and case updates in line with GDPR requirements.
• Provide regular updates to internal stakeholders on investigation progress and key milestones.
• Support wider business projects aimed at reducing pollution and flooding incidents.
• Assist Bathing Water Management teams with investigations into high sample results and potential sources of contamination.
• Demonstrate Southern Water's values of Succeeding Together, Always Improving, Doing the Right Thing and Working with Care.

What We're Looking For

• Has a passion for environmental protection and water quality.
• Enjoys problem-solving and investigative work.
• Is confident working independently in a field-based environment.
• Has strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Can manage multiple investigations and prioritise workloads effectively.
• Has excellent attention to detail and record-keeping skills.
• Is comfortable engaging with customers, local authorities and regulatory bodies.
• Demonstrates professionalism, resilience and sound decision-making skills.
• Has good IT skills and experience producing reports and maintaining records.

Desirable Experience

• Experience within water, wastewater, environmental, drainage, utilities or related sectors.
• Knowledge of sewer networks, drainage systems or pollution investigations.
• Experience collecting environmental samples and interpreting results.
• Understanding of environmental legislation, water quality issues or enforcement processes.

What's in it for You?

• Opportunity to make a direct impact on environmental improvement and bathing water quality.
• Varied and rewarding field-based work.
• Company vehicle and fuel card provided.
• Collaboration with a range of internal and external environmental professionals.
• The chance to contribute to Southern Water's environmental commitments and long-term sustainability goals.
• Training and development opportunities to build technical expertise and environmental knowledge.

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. You will be joining at a time of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long-term value creation.

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.

If this role isn’t quite what you’re looking for but are keen to be contacted about opportunities at Southern Water, you can register your details here: Introduce Yourself (myworkdaysite.com)

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. Please note that if a candidate does not meet the required security standards or fails to pass the vetting process, Southern Water reserves the right to withdraw the offer of employment. Some positions may also require higher levels of security vetting, which may involve providing additional documentation.