Operator

Operator

Pontefract Full-Time 22000 - 29000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Yorkshire Water

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our team to ensure clean water and maintain essential services for Yorkshire communities.
  • Company: Yorkshire Water, dedicated to providing safe drinking water and wastewater services.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, generous leave, and a great benefits package.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while enjoying flexible working options.
  • Qualifications: Practical mindset, good problem-solving skills, and a valid UK driving licence required.
  • Other info: Full training provided, with opportunities for career development and progression.

The predicted salary is between 22000 - 29000 ÂŁ per year.

Benefits

  • Salary range of ÂŁ25,785 to ÂŁ32,739, depending on experience.
  • A company van (Mobile Worker).
  • Annual incentive related bonus (ÂŁ1,000 maximum bonus opportunity for the performance year).
  • Attractive pension scheme (currently up to 12% company contribution).
  • Development opportunities in line with the Process Operator 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 benefit 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!

Location

Process Operators will join the Process team at Yorkshire Water and help provide the best service to our customers. The roles cover sites in and around Castleford, Pontefract and North Leeds. Applicants should live within a reasonable commuting distance to these areas.

Work type

Permanent – 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday within a 07:00 to 18:00 working window. Out‑of‑hours, weekend working and bank holidays will be part of a structured work pattern. Once fully trained you will be assessed for working on your own and will participate in an on‑call rota that includes evenings, weekends and overnight callouts, scheduled in advance. You will also be expected to work some weekends; flexibility outside core hours is essential.

What we do!

Yorkshire Water delivers essential water and wastewater services to over 5.4 million residents and many visitors each year, ensuring clean drinking water and efficient wastewater removal. We look after communities, protect the environment and plan for Yorkshire’s water today, tomorrow 24/7, 365 days a year. New environmental legislation, investment and changing customer expectations mean exciting opportunities in the water industry. Process & Pumping plays a key role in meeting customer and regulator demands.

Where you fit in!

As a Process Operator you will work as part of an operational team to deliver outstanding performance against targets while ensuring regulatory compliance and customer satisfaction. You will undertake reactive and proactive site visits to keep critical assets compliant, protecting the environment from pollution and maintaining high service quality.

Your duties will include:

  • React to RTS alarms and pollution incidents.
  • Gather evidence at suspected pollution incidents.
  • Lift, check and unblock pumps.
  • Take samples, examine results and troubleshoot any issues affecting sample quality.
  • Raise follow‑on work for internal support services.

What skills, experience and training you will need

  • Full training on all mandatory courses – will be provided to work safely. A company van, tools, equipment, Toughbook, mobile phone, sat nav and all corporate clothing will also be provided.
  • Practical mindset, enjoy working outdoors in all weathers and a hands‑on approach to tasks.
  • Resilient self‑starter capable of working alone and in a team, good time‑management and efficient workload management.
  • Comfortable questioning unsafe practices and reporting them to management.
  • Problem‑solver, decision maker, communicator with a positive attitude and behaviours.
  • Previous experience using IT systems such as Word – you will capture site information on a Toughbook.
  • Full valid UK driving licence with no more than 6 points – required for daily site travel.
  • Medical clearance for occasional confined‑space work – must pass medical tests (BMI, vision, blood pressure, hearing, Spirometry) set by Occupational Health.

You will also benefit from having

  • Knowledge and/or previous experience of wastewater.

We support flexible working patterns and job share options to help you balance work and home life.

Do we sound like your cup of tea?

If you’ve got experience in operations and want to help deliver great service while protecting the environment, apply today to discover what a career with Yorkshire Water can offer you.

Recruitment Process

Advert closing 11th December 2025.
Interview to be held throughout December and into early January 2026.

If successful you will undergo pre‑employment checks: a Basic Disclosure Check via a third‑party company, and depending on the role, a Counter‑Terrorist Check or Security Check clearance. All roles are subject to a medical questionnaire and further medicals when required.

We are committed to removing barriers and ensuring the recruitment process is accessible to all. We offer a range of adjustments to make the application experience as comfortable and straightforward as possible. If you have an accessibility need, disability or condition that requires changes, please include this information in your application and we will discuss reasonable adjustments.

Kelda Group reserves the right to close this position before the published closing date.

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Operator employer: Yorkshire Water

Yorkshire Water is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and development, offering a competitive salary, generous benefits including a robust pension scheme and wellness days, and a supportive work culture that values flexibility. As a Process Operator, you will play a vital role in ensuring the delivery of essential water services while enjoying opportunities for personal growth and professional training in a dynamic environment that is committed to protecting the community and the environment.
Yorkshire Water

Contact Detail:

Yorkshire Water Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Operator

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the company! Research Yorkshire Water and understand their values, mission, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. This can give you insider info about the company culture and even lead to referrals, which can boost your chances of landing that Operator role.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to the Operator role. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the job description. We want you to shine and show off your problem-solving skills and hands-on approach!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.

We think you need these skills to ace Operator

Practical Mindset
Hands-on Approach
Time Management
Problem-Solving Skills
Decision-Making Skills
Communication Skills
Resilience
Ability to Work Independently
Teamwork
IT Proficiency
Driving Licence
Knowledge of Wastewater
Health and Safety Compliance
Adaptability to Weather Conditions

Some tips for your application 🫡

Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for the role and what makes you a great fit for our team.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Operator role. Mention specific tasks from the job description that you’re excited about and how you can contribute to our mission at Yorkshire Water.

Keep It Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Use straightforward language and keep your application focused. Avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out, so we can easily see why you’d be a fantastic addition to our team.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company there.

How to prepare for a job interview at Yorkshire Water

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you understand the role of a Process Operator and the key responsibilities involved. Familiarise yourself with Yorkshire Water's mission and values, as well as any recent news or developments in the water industry. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions more confidently.

✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully solved problems or made decisions under pressure. Think about situations that relate to health and safety, compliance, or teamwork, as these are crucial for the role. Be ready to discuss how you approach challenges and what steps you take to ensure safety and efficiency.

✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Resilience

Since the job requires working outdoors in various conditions and sometimes on weekends, be prepared to discuss your adaptability. Share experiences where you've had to adjust to changing circumstances or work outside your comfort zone. Highlight your ability to manage your time effectively and maintain a positive attitude.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready that show your interest in the role and the company. You might ask about the training process for new hires, opportunities for career progression, or how the team collaborates on projects. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.

Operator
Yorkshire Water
Location: Pontefract
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