Closing Date
2026-04-03
Job Title: Wastewater Senior Process Scientist
Location: Falmer (Sussex)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37
Salary: Up to £43k based on skills and experience
About the role
The Ideal candidate will provide technical support sites under a geographical or specialist area of responsibility including operation of processes (sludge, wastewater, waste management), implementing operating methods, monitoring and optimisation of quality and performance.
This will include investigating faults and implementing corrective actions to ensure compliance (legal, health and safety, regulatory) and the smooth running of plants and sites.
There will be a requirement to join a standby rota.
What you will be responsible for:
Work will involve travel and responsibility for sites within a geographical or specialist area of responsibility including operation of processes (sludge, wastewater, waste management or R&D), implementing operating methods, monitoring and optimisation of quality and performance.
1. To deputise for the Area Principal Process Scientist as required
2. Responsible for making decisions affecting plant and processes to improve operations at sites for which they are responsible, or to mitigate risks and issues. These are likely to be on issues which could have significant adverse impact on costs or the environment.
3. To monitor and optimise the operation of the WTW and downstream assets to ensure that the quality of final effluent that enters the watercourse continues to meet all internal and statutory requirements where appropriate, work closely with relevant departments regarding the optimisation and improvement of the Wastewater treatment processes, including Planning and Resilience, Construction and Operations
4. To monitor and analyse available data, identify risks and report on anomalies and atypical trends affecting final effluent quality and making recommendations to address these
What you’ll bring to the role:
Essential
5. A sound understanding of wastewater chemistry/biology/engineering and principles of wastewater treatment
6. A sound understanding of regulatory requirements regarding WTW permit compliance
7. Solve operational and technical issues which are complex and not clear cut
8. Must be able to respond quickly to changing business needs and prioritise work load according to deadline.
9. ·Investigative skills including data analysis, process mapping and auditing
10. The ability to analyse large and complex data sets using a variety of techniques and systems
Desirable
11. Degree or higher in relevant scientific or engineering discipline
12. Experience: Experience in technical roles related to water quality/treatment science/engineering
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
"Our mission is to protect and enhance life through water—and we need passionate people to help us achieve it. If you’re inspired by our purpose and believe you can contribute, apply today. You don’t need to meet every criterion; what matters most is your drive to make a difference."
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.