At South West Water we believe that the strongest businesses are built on solid, stable foundations - with a vision and a culture that gives them the freedom to change, improve and innovate. We’re proud to be responsible for providing reliable, efficient and high-quality drinking water and wastewater services for the beautiful South West area. And we have huge ambitions. Not only are we committed to reaching net-zero by 2030, but we’ve also partnered with Wildlife Trusts, National Parks and local partners to help ensure a better future for generations to come. So, if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed, #JustAddWater.Would you like to use your knowledge and experience to be part of a progressive company with a focus on the future? Are you an experienced Science Graduate looking for a new role within a high-performing team?We currently have a fantastic opportunity available for a Water Quality Scientist to join our team based in Plymouth. You will join us on a full-time, permanent basis, and in return, you will receive a competitive salary of £31,219 - £39,966 per annum (based on successful progression scheme completion level 1-5) plus a range of excellent company benefits + rewards.About the role:As our Water Quality Scientist, you will provide high quality technical support to Operations in all areas of drinking water supply from source to tap, ensuring that the public health of the customer base is protected, whilst ensuring that existing assets are optimised and maintained in such a way to meet current financial and drinking water quality requirements. You will identify operational and asset deficiencies to enable the promotion of appropriate solutions within Operations and Asset Owner/Manager. And oversee resolution of customer enquiries relating to drinking water quality ensuring the needs and expectations of the customer, regulator and business are met.
What you’ll be doing:
1. Assist the Principal Scientist in the preparation of an operating plan to ensure that cost, efficiency and Regulatory standards are achieved.
2. Comply with Health Safety & Security Policies
3. Ensure that all relevant UK and EC legislation is adhered to, in particular that relating to drinking water quality
4. Take action to maintain public health by identifying risks and ensuring that the appropriate remedial measures are taken including liaison with the UKHSA, EHO & other Regulators after consultation with Principal Scientist
5. Review operational practices and processes, identifying opportunities for improvements in efficiency and productivity whilst minimising the Company’s exposure to risk
6. Recommend, consider and appraise new works proposals, liaising with colleagues in other parts of the Company as appropriate, to assess if new schemes are likely to meet relevant quality standards
7. Ensure that commissioning operations for new plant allow smooth transition where changes to process are required, with no adverse effects on water quality
8. To provide support and advice during emergency incidents, including direct support to the incident management team.
9. Identify information requirements and ensure key reports are developed to enable effective management of resources
10. Review and critically assess Method Statements and Risk Assessments to ensure the Company position is protected along with its customer base
11. Implement and further improve the quality management systems, including the adoption of best working practices
12. Customer complaint handling regarding Water Quality concerns. To provide information and support to customers over the phone and home visits to investigate customer concerns and sample collection.
13. Participate in routine compliance water quality sampling, with sample collection through treatment, distribution and customers properties
What we are looking for:
14. HNC in scientific discipline, degree preferred
15. Full UK Driving license
16. Participation in standby rota to provide operational support 24 hours a day (inc. weekends)
17. Knowledge of the relevant UK water legislation
18. Water treatment process and distribution knowledge
19. Excellent customer service, customer facing and communication skills with the ability to act with tact and diplomacy
20. Ability to influence through the development of a logical argument
21. Delivers to time, cost, quality and performance targets
22. Good computing skills
23. Committed to ensuring that a positive and strengthened relationship with colleagues is developed and maintained
24. Committed to team working and self-development to optimise performance
25. Flexible approach to work and happy to work both indoors and outdoors in all weather
What's in it for you:
At South West Water, we don’t all do the same job, but we each get out of bed in the morning knowing that every day is a chance to make incredible things happen, together. In return for our people’s hard work and commitment, we offer an excellent range of benefits:
26. Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
27. Company van will be provided for work use and commuting
28. Buy or sell annual leave to offer you extra flexibility
29. Buy a bike and safety equipment tax-free, through our Cycle to Work scheme
30. We offer free car parking at the majority of our sites
31. Take up to 26 weeks’ additional maternity leave
32. Share your parental leave and split your time off to care for your child how you choose
33. Invest in Pennon Group plc through our employee share schemes
34. We support our people by offering a free, confidential Employee Assistance Programme
35. Look after your wellbeing with our Champion Health support platform
36. Enjoy free eye tests and discounts on frames and lenses at Specsavers
37. Enjoy access to thousands of deals and discounts on supermarkets, high street shops, online retailers, travel, eating out, cinemas, gyms and much more though Perkbox
38. A range of group discounts: The Dell Advantage Programme, Virgin Media Affinity Scheme, Vodaphone Advantage and more
39. A discretionary Bonus
40. Competitive Contributory Pension
41. And plenty more!
Closing Date: 1st July 2025If you are looking for a new challenge, please click apply now to be considered as our Water Quality Scientist - we look forward to receiving your application.Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.Our core values which are essential to our success are:Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.