Instrumentation, Controls & Automation Technician (ICA) - Bourne End, Hertfordshire in High Wycombe

Instrumentation, Controls & Automation Technician (ICA) - Bourne End, Hertfordshire in High Wycombe

High Wycombe Full-Time 41000 - 57000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Thames Water

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our team to maintain and optimise water production systems across the East Thames Valley.
  • Company: Thames Water, the UK's largest water and wastewater company.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, health perks, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and community support.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on water quality and sustainability while developing your technical skills.
  • Qualifications: HNC or NVQ level 3 in instrumentation, control, and automation; PLC experience required.

The predicted salary is between 41000 - 57000 £ per year.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for an Instrumentation, Control & Automation (ICA) or Control and Instrumentation (C&I) technician to join our Water Production team in Bourne End. This is a mobile role, where you would be required to work on various water treatment works around the East Thames Valley area.

We are looking for someone who can work in a safe, efficient, timely and effective manner with minimum supervision while maintaining the required standards to ensure that our statutory obligations are met and that asset availability and the associated performance measures are maintained to manufacturers' standards. An ICA Technician may also operate and optimise processes and on-site equipment to ensure delivery of water quality compliance, safety, and operational efficiencies both in and out of normal hours.

The role would include installations, commissioning, maintenance, and repairs of water production assets, including level instrumentation, flow meters, and Tand VMs turbidity monitors. Working with technology, including SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, associated PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), and Process control networks. Liaise with and supervise contractors and suppliers where necessary. This vital role also involves the investigation into asset failures and the implementation of subsequent repairs as quickly and efficiently as possible to avoid interruptions to the water supply process. You will be responsible for providing specialist technical advice where appropriate, with up-to-date technical knowledge, and providing training support for technical apprentices.

Due to the nature of this role, travel between various sites will be required. You would be contractually based at Bourne End WTW, Wendover Road, Bourne End, SL8 5NT.

Working Pattern: 38 hours per week, Monday - Friday. 7:30 am - 3:36 pm Plus standby & overtime opportunity upon completion of essential company training.

Equipment: All PPE, tools, a company van and a fuel card are provided.

You must have knowledge and experience working with relay logic and PLCs (Rockwell & Allen-Bradley), which will include management and programming.

To thrive in this role, the essential criteria you'll need are:

  • Ideally, you will be qualified to HNC level or otherwise NVQ level 3 (or equivalent) in an instrumentation, control and automation discipline.
  • Preferably, for you to have an 18th Edition (BS7671) qualification.
  • A good, practical understanding of operational plant and control systems is essential.
  • An understanding of Wonderware and ClearSCADA is desirable.
  • Good foundational knowledge of Low Voltage (LV) systems.
  • Knowledge and experience working with relay logic and PLCs (Rockwell & Alan Bradley), which will include management and programming.
  • The ideal candidate will have the ability to read and fault-find from circuit diagrams, as well as have previous experience with inverter drives.
  • We are looking for someone with experience in calibration and maintenance of front-line instrumentation.
  • A problem solver, able to identify potential issues and implement solutions, or escalate if required.
  • An excellent communicator, providing technical expertise to Internal and External staff and contractors.
  • Resilient, adapting to the pressures of work and working in a constantly changing environment.
  • Ability to work with minimum supervision, under own initiative to design and standards.
  • Knowledge and awareness of Health and Safety issues relevant to the industry.
  • Team player who can work in many different teams, showing respect for others, providing helpful feedback and supporting the development of others.
  • Full UK driving licence.

Whats in it for you?

  • Competitive salary offering between 41,000 - 57,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience.
  • Contributory pension Defined Contribution - Maximum of 12% - 2x employee contribution.
  • Annual Leave: 24 days holiday per year, increasing to 28 with the length of service. (plus bank holidays)
  • Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
  • Generous Paternity Leave, including 4 weeks paid and an optional 2 weeks unpaid.
  • Enhanced Maternity Leave, 26 weeks full pay and 13 weeks half pay!
  • 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.
  • Personal Medical Assessments Open to all once a year.
  • Wider benefits scheme, including our benefits hub, which is packed full of offers and information to save you money and support your well-being.

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 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.

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.

Instrumentation, Controls & Automation Technician (ICA) - Bourne End, Hertfordshire in High Wycombe employer: Thames Water

Thames Water is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a tangible impact on the lives of millions while contributing to sustainable water management. With competitive salaries, generous leave policies, and a strong commitment to employee well-being, we foster a culture of growth and inclusivity, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to thrive in their career. Join us in Bourne End, where your skills as an Instrumentation, Controls & Automation Technician will be valued and supported through ongoing training and development.

Thames Water

Contact Details:

Thames Water Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Instrumentation, Controls & Automation Technician (ICA) - Bourne End, Hertfordshire in High Wycombe

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend local meetups, or join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Be ready to discuss how your skills in instrumentation and controls align with their mission. Show them you're not just looking for any job, but that you want to be part of their team!

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on showcasing your problem-solving skills and technical expertise, especially around PLCs and SCADA systems.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Thames Water. Let’s make a splash together!

We think you need these skills to ace Instrumentation, Controls & Automation Technician (ICA) - Bourne End, Hertfordshire in High Wycombe

Instrumentation and Control Systems
PLC Programming (Rockwell & Allen-Bradley)
Relay Logic
SCADA Systems (Wonderware, ClearSCADA)
Low Voltage (LV) Systems
Circuit Diagram Interpretation
Inverter Drives

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the ICA role. Highlight your experience with PLCs, SCADA systems, and any relevant qualifications like HNC or NVQ level 3. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background makes you a great fit. Don’t forget to mention your problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.

Showcase Your Technical Skills:Be specific about your technical expertise in instrumentation and automation. Mention any experience with calibration, maintenance, and fault-finding from circuit diagrams. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their hands-on experience!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Water

Know Your Tech

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of PLCs, SCADA systems, and relay logic. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with these technologies, as well as any specific projects you've worked on that involved them.

Safety First

Since this role involves working in various water treatment facilities, be prepared to talk about your understanding of health and safety regulations. Share examples of how you've prioritised safety in past roles, especially when working with electrical systems.

Problem-Solving Skills

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of specific instances where you've identified issues with instrumentation or control systems and how you resolved them efficiently. Highlight your analytical skills and ability to work under pressure.

Communication is Key

As an ICA Technician, you'll need to liaise with contractors and team members. Prepare to demonstrate your communication skills by discussing how you've effectively shared technical information with non-technical staff or trained apprentices in the past.