Closing Date 2026-04-22 Job Title: Process Scientist Location: Chatham, Kent Contract Type: Permanent Hours: 37 Salary: From £34,100 based on skills and experience About the role The role of the Process Scientist is to review and anticipate compliance risks, protect the environment and drive capex investment at the Wastewater Treatment Works. The Process Scientists are technical experts that drive Wastewater compliance at Southern Water, mitigating the risk of future compliance breaches. They investigate pollution incidents at Wastewater Treatment Works and collaborate with Operators to Protect the Environment, and with Field Performance Managers, Area Operational Managers and the Pollution Team to minimise and prevent any future pollutions. This role comes with the requirement to be part of a standby rota You will also need a clean driving license and access to a vehicle What you will be responsible for: Accountabilities : Identify and make recommendations for new ways of working. Continuous improvement at an operational level, flagging the need for change to manager. Key point of technical expertise, advice and recommendations for Field Performance Managers and Regional Operational Managers. Drive capital investment as output of recommendations. The role is critical to the Company’s compliance, with their activities having a potentially huge impact on Protect the Environment and Health and Safety issues. Complete Compliance Assessment programme and identify risks and resolve with managers. To provide technical advice to Operations on the operation of Wastewater Treatment processes including setting individual site Operating Plans, Site Process Activity Manual, monitoring of compliance, power and chemical costs, investigating and advising of corrective actions To carry out Pollution investigations and inform stakeholders the outcome of the investigations and liaise with EA To carry out professional reviews of exceptional data and wastewater trends, taking appropriate action as required, to ensure any process problems/possible breaches and pre-empted and to proactively highlight early warning triggers to possible compliance breaches. To carry out full investigations with root, cause, analysis in the case of a breach, site investigation report or process audit; making recommendations and following up on any scientific actions required and flagging all other issues to the manager To analyse samples and make recommendations as to solutions to mitigate risks and issues. To review UV data for EA submission To identify key capital investment requirements for Southern Water in order to ensure that Wastewater Treatment works remain compliant and so are a key role in ensuring Southern Water meets its serviceability requirements and targets. Attend HAZOP and ALM meetings for capital schemes To provide technical and procedural expertise to on-site contractors and be an integral part of a Capital Scheme or remedial work on any Southern Water wastewater treatment works and to be responsible for ensuring the site remains compliant whilst work is implemented and carried out by Contractors. Attend commissioning meetings To review and advise on Operator schedules and Tankering To carry out yearly Descriptive Site Assessments according to the EA procedures and provide report To train plant operators on theory or practice of technical aspects of plant and laboratory processes to ensure they have the knowledge and understanding to perform their role effectively. What you’ll bring to the role: Requires an understanding of relevant area of specialism (wastewater, sludge, R&D, trade and waste) Good communication skills – must be able to translate technical requirements into layman’s terms primarily for plant operators but also for other parts of the business as required Ability to influence and persuade others Experienced user of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint Ability to utilise company specific information systems (e.g. Pi Process Book, process management system) A Levels, HND or first degree in relevant scientific or engineering discipline 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 "We understand that great talent comes in many forms. If this role excites you and you share our commitment to delivering sustainable solutions for our communities, please apply—even if your experience doesn’t perfectly match every requirement. We’ll support your growth and development." 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. Additional information: In line with Southern Water’s security requirements, successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record check (DBS) and verification of their employment and/or education history for the past three years. Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of all pre‑employment checks, including security vetting. Please note that if a candidate does not meet the required security standards or fails to pass the vetting process, Southern Water reserves the right to withdraw the offer of employment. Some positions may also require higher levels of security vetting, which may involve providing additional documentation.