Waste Network Engineer - Abbey Wood, Greater London in Plaistow

We are seeking a Waste Network Engineer to join the South London Waste Network team. You will be working primarily in the South region which includes the whole of South London, Dartford, Kingston Upon Thames, and Sevenoaks.

The role will require you to investigate, take ownership of, and resolve issues such as pollution and flooding throughout the South London sewerage network. Working within the Operations area, this is a fantastic opportunity for a self-motivated individual who can make quick, accurate assessments when unexpected issues occur. Often working alone, you will develop cost-effective service recovery solutions and always provide excellent customer service. This is a challenging position that will quickly develop your technical knowledge.

What you will be doing as a Waste Network Engineer:

• Putting the customer at the heart of your work; meeting with customers and stakeholders, resolving issues or disputes over ownership.
• Providing technical expertise and raising the required repair or maintenance work to resolve the customer's issue.
• Liaising closely with customer and stakeholder representatives.
• Working in accordance with Thames Water processes and procedures including operational standards, health and safety, and street works legislation.
• Attending reactive emergencies (e.g. sewer flooding/pollution), managing our customers and prioritising work on site to mitigate and subsequently resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
• Completing ancillary inspections on a range of assets including manhole covers, balancing ponds, outfalls, vent pipes, and pumped main air valves.
• Acting as a local network expert, sharing information regarding network, safety, health and environmental issues as well as high-value repair works.
• Working with the Asset Damage Investigator to collate evidence of third-party damage to our sewer networks, aiding with the subsequent recharges.
• Attending meetings with external stakeholders to discuss planned works and how best Thames Water can support these.
• Overseeing contractors to ensure they are adhering to company policies and procedures.
• Taking personal ownership of customer concerns including customer visits, working closely with stakeholder liaisons, responding to queries, and providing a scope of works to resolve issues, with the support of senior technical staff.
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and standards including safety, health, and environmental legislation, supporting our contractors carrying out repair and maintenance of the sewerage network.
• Acting as a local network expert for a specific geographical area within the South London Waste region but will be expected to travel across the area.
• Working on a six-week rotating pattern that includes working weekends (one weekend in six) and one week of 24-hour standby.

What should you bring to the role?

• Proven experience in the Waste Water industry or a strong interest in the industry, as the technical skills can be taught.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A proactive attitude with good problem-solving skills, a flexible approach to working, and the ability to prioritise effectively in a reactive environment.
• Living within the geographical area in which you will be working or being willing to commute to that area for your allocated start time each day.
• A Full UK Driving Licence.

What’s in it for you?

• Offering a salary up to £32,000 per annum depending on skills and experience + overtime and a van and a fuel card.
• 24 days holiday per year increasing to 28 with the length of service (plus bank holidays).
• WeCare, a variety of health and wellbeing services for you and your family including up to 10 specialist counselling sessions, 24/7 access to a virtual GP, get fit programmes, and access to a nutritionist.
• Benefits on Tap, access to discounts, cashback, and instant vouchers.
• 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!
• Ongoing performance development reviews to help you be your best and identify growth opportunities.

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.

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.

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.