Network Operations Technician in Blackburn

We offer a competitive salary, from £28,270 to £35,039 (working 37 hours). Annual incentive related bonus (£1,000 maximum bonus opportunity for the performance year). Attractive pension scheme (up to 12% company contribution). Development opportunities in line with the Network Operations Technician progression plan. 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays – plus an extra wellness day (additional days in lieu of working any bank holidays). Life assurance cover of 4 times pensionable salary. A great benefits package – choose from health cash plan scheme, critical illness insurance, dental insurance, life assurance flex and partner cover. Retail savings scheme. Online GP service, cycle to work scheme, gym membership discounts and many more!

We currently have a vacancy for a Network Operation Technician to join our Customer Field Services department working in the Wastewater industry. You will need to be approximately 30 to 40 minutes away from our Blackburn Meadows wastewater site where you will be a part of helping Yorkshire Water to provide the best service to our customers.

The permanent opportunities are working Monday to Friday 37 hour week plus standby which will include late, early and weekend work.

As our Network Operation Technician, you will deliver a “first time fix” and same day solution to our customer and environmental problems and to deliver the asset plan for network maintenance to eliminate escapes. As a field-based technician within a geographical team working to improve customer service and waste network performance, you will be responsible for ensuring a first-time fix solution for customers and the environment whilst ensuring quality follow-on work is raised in accordance with our standards and specifications.

You will always ensure the correct site set up is in place and POWRA are completed prior and during Jobs to ensure all risks are identified and corrective preventive activity undertaken to stay safe at all times. To safely proactively and reactively maintain the sewerage network to promote and implement solutions which resolve and/or prevent a sewage escape (flooding and pollution) from occurring from the wastewater network and to ensure no repeats take place.

You will need to work closely with other Yorkshire Water teams and our contracted partners on site to resolve and manage operational issues on the sewer network. Requirement to operate different vehicle types to complete work, dependent on availability of vehicle and the type of work attending. You will undertake thorough and timely investigations on our sewerage system to resolve issues and prevent repeat customer contacts and support other operational teams with investigations into sewer asset problems.

You will need to be able to utilise IT systems to collate information and relay feedback. You will also be required to collate data and information for evidence capturing. This also includes assessing photographs, plans and reporting on any escape/issues from the sewer network. You may be required to maintain and install Customer Sewer Alarms on the network & work with third party providers where support is required. You will ensure Health and Safety working practices & procedures are always complied with.

When making day to day business decisions you will be required to demonstrate financial awareness and provide technical support and first line response to customer contacts to ensure a fix first time resolution & ensuring that the most cost-effective resolution is promoted.

Skills & qualifications you will need:

• It is essential that you have a practical mindset, enjoy working outdoors in all weathers and be comfortable taking a hands‑on approach to work tasks.
• Previous experience in a customer service‑related role with face‑to‑face communication with customers is an essential requirement of this role.
• The successful candidate will be able to develop and maintain effective internal and external working relationships with colleagues across the business and the ability to influence outcomes and make decisions.
• You should be prepared to question unsafe working practices and be confident in reporting these to management.
• Excellent communication skills are essential as you will need to capture, evidence and feedback information.
• You will also need to be able to influence outcomes and make decisions and have experience of delivering against challenging business targets.
• You will have the ability to find faults and diagnose the root cause of an issue.
• You will also have rational problem‑solving skills and have basic IT skills as you will be using various internal IT systems to capture necessary site information on a “Toughbook”.
• You will be working a variety of rotas in the role to cover our working window. In addition, once fully trained in the role you will need to take part in an out of hour’s standby rota, therefore flexibility is an essential requirement of this role.
• As part of this role, you will be required to work within confined spaces, any successful candidate must pass strict medical criteria including BMI, vision, blood pressure, hearing, and Spirometry tests to ensure your full safety when working in hazardous environments.
• A full valid driving licence is a requirement of this role (with no more than 6 points).
• You will also benefit from having an understanding of the sewerage system and performance issues.
• Competent in the use of IT systems applicable to Yorkshire Water.
• It would be beneficial if you had previous experience within the water or wastewater sectors or within the broader utilities, process or manufacturing industry sectors or an understanding of drainage and sewerage systems.

Although we operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, it’s important to us that we support flexible working patterns and job share options (when we can), to help you make the best of both your work and home life. We know that juggling childcare responsibilities or getting that ideal work/life balance isn’t always easy!

If you’ve got experience in front line operations and want to help us deliver great service for our customers whilst looking after the environment, then be sure to apply today to find out what a career with Yorkshire Water can offer you.

Closing date: 25th February 2026. Interview dates will be ongoing from now until the middle of March 2026. If successful for the role, you will be required to undergo pre‑employment checks that will include a Basic Disclosure Check, carried out through a Third‑Party Company, prior to commencing employment. Depending on the role, you may also be required to go through the security vetting process for either a Counter Terrorist Check or Security Check clearance. All our roles are subject to a medical questionnaire, and further medicals when required.

We are proud to serve the Yorkshire region and are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment that is reflective of the communities we serve. We strongly encourage candidates of all different backgrounds to apply.

Kelda Group reserve the right to close this position before the published closing date, should the need occur. We therefore advise that you complete and submit your application as soon as possible.