Closing Date
2026-03-13
Job Title: Process Scientist - Waste Water
Location: Flexible - (Sandown - IOW, Slowhill Copse, Budds Farm and Chichester)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37
Salary: From £34,100 based on skills and experience
About the role:
Your role will be key to provide technical support on all aspects & operational processes of Wastewater, sludge treatment, waste management and R&D.
You will monitor and oversee the operation of Wastewater Treatment processes, including setting individual site Operating Plans, Site Process Activity Manual, optimisation of chemicals, power, all whilst ensuring best possible compliance.
What you will be responsible for:
1. Implement operating methods to ensure final effluent compliance at the WTW, suggesting and delivering optimisation to help the business meet its challenging budget needs. You will review and anticipate compliance risks, protect the environment and assist delivery of capex investment.
2. Fully investigate pollution incidents across the Wastewater Treatments Works, taking a collaborative approach with your colleagues and the external regulators to protect the environment, minimise, and prevent future pollutions. Investigations will be followed up with a site investigation report or process audit, making recommendations on scientific actions required.
3. Review and analyse exceptional data and wastewater trends, taking the appropriate action as required, pre-empting any potential process issues and highlighting early warning triggers to possible compliance breaches.
The successful candidate will be responsible for making decisions affecting plant and processes to improve operations at sites for which they are responsible, or to mitigate risks and issues. You will provide technical expertise and support to your colleagues and on-site contractors, taking a key role of a Capital Scheme or remedial work on any Southern Water wastewater treatment works.
You will be involved in Asset Management planning, and construction related issues, which may include the delivery of innovative processes or designs, and / or changes to Operational practices. You will be the key contact to the Field Performance Managers about advice on the operation of site(s) and any risks or changes required.
What you’ll bring to the role:
To be considered for this role you will be able to manage your work fully empowered and equally be able to work as part of a team. Being a confident communicator, you will be able to work with stakeholders at all levels. Problem solving, thinking on the go and prioritising skills are vital to this role. Degree in relevant scientific discipline is desirable however we You must also hold A Levels, HND or preferably first degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline.
4. Wastewater treatment experience preferable but not essential
5. You will also be expected to be on a stand-by rota.
Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025-30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed.
You will be joining at a time of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long-term value creation
"At Southern Water, we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact and think you can bring value to our team, we’d love to hear from you—even if you don’t tick every box. Your unique skills and experiences could be exactly what we need."
If this role isn’t quite what you’re looking for but are keen to be contacted about opportunities at Southern Water, you can register your details here: Introduce Yourself (myworkdaysite.com- Introduce Yourself)
Our Commitment to Diversity
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.