Shift Control Room Operator - Reading, Berkshire in Essex

Contract: Permanent

Salary: This role will be paid up to £45,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience.

As a Control Room Operator, you’ll be part of the Wastewater Control team, acting as the first line of defence in identifying and responding to operational issues across our network. This is a key role in helping protect customers from flooding and safeguarding the environment from pollution. Working within our System Operations team, you’ll oversee the performance of more than 366 sewage treatment works and over 7,000 pumping stations across London and the Thames Valley. Using advanced monitoring systems, you’ll work closely with field teams to respond to alarms, prioritise risks, and coordinate urgent operational responses.

Please note, we have 2 fixed-term/secondment contracts for 6 months.

What you’ll be doing as a Shift Control Room Operator:

• Monitoring alarms and system data to identify issues across pumping stations, sewer networks, and treatment works.
• Coordinating urgent field responses to minimise the risk of flooding and environmental impact.
• Accurately logging decisions, actions, and safety updates.
• Escalating high-risk incidents to the appropriate teams and managers.
• Supporting colleagues during busy periods and ensuring smooth shift handover.
• Using safety systems and emergency procedures to protect field teams.

Base location: Reading – Kemble Court, RG2 6AD

Working hours: You’ll work a 6-week rolling shift pattern with 12-hour day and night shifts, including weekends. The pattern includes both a full week and a full 2 weeks off, with annual leave built into the rota.

What you should bring to the role:

• Experience using SCADA systems.
• Knowledge of pumping stations, wastewater treatment works, or network operations.
• Operational experience with an understanding of quality management standards.
• A proactive and methodical approach to managing a high volume of work.
• Strong analytical skills and good numeracy.
• Ability to work under pressure and make quick, sound decisions.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office, and a full UK driving licence to support work from disaster recovery sites.

What’s in it for you:

• This is a chance to be part of a team that makes a real difference every day.
• You’ll help protect public health and the environment while building your skills in a fast-paced, operational setting.
• The shift pattern also offers extended time off, including a 2-week break every 6 weeks.
• Competitive salary up to £45,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience.
• Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Who are we?

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.

Learn more about our purpose and values.

Working at Thames Water:

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 meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

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?

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else, just let us know. 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.