Closing Date
27/10/2025
Job Title: Process Scientist
Location: Chatham- Site based therefore driving licence essential
Perm/FTC: Maternity cover- fixed term contract ending Jan 2027
Hours: 37
Salary: Up to £40,000 per annum
Each day, Southern Water treats and recycles 718 million litres of wastewater from almost two million homes. An opportunity has arisen for a Waste Water Process Scientist to join our dynamic team at Medway & Stour, Kent.
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.
You will 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.
You will 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.
You will 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.
Part of your role will be to carry out Critical & Risk site visit reports, passing your recommendations to the Regional Operational Managers. You will review chemical consumption and operating parameters to ensure optimisation of site performance and identifying cost savings.
This role requires an individual with experience in scientific testing and writing scientific reports, as well as an understanding of the relevant business processes and legislative and regulatory requirements involved.
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.
As part of maintaining compliance requirements, you will monitor biogas yields and efficiencies of CHP engines (combined heat exchange which is for our sludge sites to produce electricity from gas from the digesters)and ensure Operators are trained to implement the plan. You will also train plant operators on the theoretical and practical technical aspects of plant and laboratory processes, ensuring they are equipped with the correct knowledge and understanding to perform their role effectively.
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.
You will also be expected to be on a stand-by rota.