Slow Sand Filter Operator

Slow Sand Filter Operator

Full-Time 22800 - 34200 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a dedicated team maintaining Slow Sand Filters for clean drinking water.
  • Company: Thames Water is the UK's largest water and wastewater company, serving over 16 million customers.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a salary from £28,500, flexible hours, training, and health perks.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a diverse and supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Previous machinery or manual labour experience is preferred; a can-do attitude is essential.
  • Other info: Full training provided, with opportunities for career growth and community support.

The predicted salary is between 22800 - 34200 £ per year.

Ashford Common – TW15 1RU, Kempton Park – TW13 6XH

Job title Slow Sand Filter Operator Ref 41482 Division Asset Operations & Capital Delivery Location Ashford Common – TW15 1RU, Kempton Park – TW13 6XH Contract type Permanent Full/Part-time Full-time Hours 38 hours per week Salary Salary from £28,500 depending on skills and experience. Job grade A Closing date 11/07/2025

We currently have a great opportunity to join Thames Water as a Slow Sand Filter Operator. This will be working out of our Water Production Sites at Ashford Common and Kempton Park.

You will be working in a small, dedicated team responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of the Slow Sand Filters (SSF) at our Water Treatment Works, to ensure the highest levels of clean drinking water to supply our customers.

  • Base Location: West London – Ashford Common (TW151RU) & Kempton Park (TW136XH)
  • Working pattern: 38 hours per week, Monday – Thursday/Friday 07:30- 16:17 on a 9-day working fortnight, which means you will get Friday off every 2 weeks.
  • A full UK driving license is required.

What you’ll be doing as the Slow Sand Filter Water Production Operator

  • Routine checks, maintenance, and operating mobile plant to ensure that services are delivered to time, cost, and quality standards.
  • The three key areas are skimming filters, the removal/ relaying of granular activated carbon (GAC), and the resanding of SSFs.
  • Use of specialist mobile plants, including sand skimmers, loading shovels, dumpers, and excavators. Slow Sand Filter Technicians also operate the Floatex plant (Sand Washer) and GAC separation plants, as well as the mobile crane.
  • General site housekeeping, plant checks, and maintenance.
  • Adherence to legal and company health, safety, and hygiene regulations.

What you should bring to the role

  • Previous experience in a similar machinery-based or manual labour role is highly desirable.
  • Be a self-motivated person who can immerse themselves into the team around them, you need to be very disciplined, have the desire to learn from those around you and have a can-do attitude. This role can be demanding at times, but very rewarding too.
  • Take Ownership of responding quickly to faults, being curious to fully understand the problem, and identifying the best solution to resolve it the first time.
  • Be motivated and always striving for the highest possible standards.
  • Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with the team.
  • Basic literacy, numeracy and digital skills.
  • Ready to be trained in safety procedures.
  • Preferably, have a 7-tonne dumper licence or be prepared to obtain it.
  • 360 Excavator, Loading Shovel, and Sand Skimmer experience would be an advantage, but be prepared to obtain it.

What’s in it for you?

  • Offering a salary from £28,500 per annum, depending on skills and experience.
  • Full training package and PPE are provided.
  • Annual Leave: 24 days holiday per year, increasing to 28 with the length of service. (plus bank holidays)
  • Performance Related Pay Plan (PRPP): Max (of salary) = 6%. On target (of salary) = 3%.
  • Pension: Maximum of 12% – 2x employee contribution.
  • Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of your and your family’s health and well-being, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy fast-tracked career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

Whether you’re interested in a role in one of our call centres or science labs, we’re looking for people like you with real passion and a burning desire to make things better.

So, if you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

Our overarching aim is to ensure that Thames Water is great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and offer extra support for those who need it throughout the recruitment process . Our aim is to remove any real or perceived barriers to success, so if you need assistance, we’re here to help and support .

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

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Slow Sand Filter Operator employer: Thames Water Utilities Limited

Thames Water is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work as a Slow Sand Filter Operator in the vibrant locations of Ashford Common and Kempton Park. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will benefit from comprehensive training, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion. Join us to make a meaningful impact on millions of lives while enjoying competitive benefits and a rewarding career path in the UK's largest water and wastewater company.
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Contact Detail:

Thames Water Utilities Limited Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Slow Sand Filter Operator

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific machinery and processes mentioned in the job description, such as sand skimmers and GAC separation plants. Understanding how these operate will not only boost your confidence but also show your genuine interest in the role during any discussions.

✨Tip Number 2

Highlight any previous experience you have in manual labour or machinery-based roles when networking or speaking to current employees. This can help you make connections and get insights into the company culture and expectations.

✨Tip Number 3

Demonstrate your commitment to safety and teamwork by discussing relevant experiences where you’ve successfully worked in a team or adhered to safety protocols. This is crucial for a role that involves operating heavy machinery and maintaining high standards.

✨Tip Number 4

Consider obtaining any additional certifications, like the 7-tonne dumper licence or training for a 360 excavator. Mentioning your willingness to learn and grow in these areas can set you apart from other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Slow Sand Filter Operator

Experience with mobile plant operation
Knowledge of water treatment processes
Ability to perform routine maintenance and checks
Understanding of health and safety regulations
Strong problem-solving skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Self-motivation and discipline
Basic literacy and numeracy skills
Digital skills for operating machinery
Ability to work effectively in a team
Adaptability to learn new skills and procedures
Experience with sand skimmers, loading shovels, and excavators
Ownership and accountability in fault response
Preparedness to obtain necessary licences

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Slow Sand Filter Operator. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks mentioned in the job description, such as maintenance and operation of mobile plant equipment.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in machinery-based or manual labour roles. Emphasise any specific skills related to operating mobile plants, as well as your ability to work in a team and your commitment to safety standards.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your motivation for the role. Mention your self-motivation, discipline, and eagerness to learn, as these traits are highly valued by Thames Water.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.

How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Water Utilities Limited

✨Know Your Equipment

Familiarise yourself with the types of machinery and mobile plants you'll be using, such as sand skimmers and excavators. Being able to discuss your experience or knowledge about these tools will show your readiness for the role.

✨Demonstrate Team Spirit

Emphasise your ability to work well in a team. Share examples from past experiences where you collaborated effectively with others, as this role requires a strong team dynamic.

✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare to discuss how you've handled faults or issues in previous roles. Highlight your curiosity and proactive approach to finding solutions, which is crucial for maintaining high standards in water production.

✨Understand Health and Safety Regulations

Brush up on relevant health, safety, and hygiene regulations. Being knowledgeable about these will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a safe working environment, which is essential in this role.

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