What you’ll be doing
as a Shift Control Room Operator
As a Control Room Operator, you’ll work within the Wastewater Control team as the first line of defence in identifying and responding to operational issues across our wastewater network. This is a critical role in safeguarding our customers from flooding and protecting the environment from pollution.
As part of our System Operations team, you’ll oversee the performance of over 366 sewage treatment works and 7,000+ pumping stations across London and the Thames Valley. You’ll use cutting-edge monitoring tools and collaborate with field teams to respond to alarms, prioritise risks, and coordinate urgent responses.
Your key responsibilities will include:
1. Monitoring alarms and system data to detect issues across pumping stations, sewer networks, and treatment works.
2. Coordinating urgent field responses to prevent flooding and environmental harm.
3. Logging decisions, actions, and safety updates accurately and consistently.
4. Escalating high-risk incidents to the appropriate teams and managers.
5. Supporting colleagues during high workload periods and contributing to a smooth shift handover.
6. Using safety systems and emergency protocols to protect field staff.
7. This role is based at Reading - Kemble Court, RG2 6AD.
8. You’ll work on a 6-week rolling shift pattern with 12-hour day and night shifts, including weekends. Across the 6 weeks, you’ll have both a full week and a full two weeks off. Annual leave is built into this pattern.
9. This role is a 12-month fixed-term contract/secondment.
What you should bring to the role
We’re looking for someone calm under pressure, highly organised, and confident in making decisions based on real-time data.
The essential criteria to help you succeed in this role are:
10. A proactive, methodical approach to managing high volumes of work.
11. Strong analytical skills with a good level of numeracy.
12. Ability to work under pressure and make sound decisions quickly.
13. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
14. Competence with IT systems and Microsoft Office
15. A willingness to learn and adopt new technologies and systems.
16. Operational experience and an understanding of quality management standards (desirable).
17. A full UK driving licence to support work from disaster recovery sites (desirable).
What’s in it for you?
This is your opportunity to be part of a team that makes a real difference every day. You’ll play a key role in protecting public health and the environment, while developing your skills in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment. For the right candidate, the shift pattern offers a unique opportunity to have two weeks off every six weeks.
18. Competitive salary up to £45,000 per annum, depending on skills & experience.
19. Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets
20. Generous Pension Scheme through AON
21. Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.