Catchment Operator

Overview

South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes. We’re part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals include lowering our carbon footprint, planting 300,000 trees, restoring peatlands, and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.

Whether you’re starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career. Join our team today.

We are currently recruiting a Catchment Operator to join our Networks team in Barnstaple
. This is a full-time, permanent position with a competitive salary of £26,337 per annum
, with the opportunity to enter our company progression scheme. Levels range from 1 to 5 with a salary of up to £34,460 at Level 5. In addition, you will receive a salary uplift allowance for taking part in the standby rota. Core hours are 37 per week with a 1 in 5 week standby and call out rota after training.

• Inspecting, maintaining and improving the sewerage network. This role is customer facing.
• Rapid response to and resolution of pollution and flooding events
• Blockage clearance and investigation of underlying causes
• CCTV survey of pipework and asset investigation
• Maintenance of small sewage pumping stations and CSOs
• Ensure Risk Assessments and Task Safety Instructions for work activity are adhered to and continually improved
• Using logic and initiative to assess on-site problems and find appropriate solutions
• Ensure all work provides the highest level of service to the customer, handling sensitive issues calmly and professionally
• Provide resolution or escalate issues to management where appropriate
• Respond to site conditions and monitoring information to ensure compliance with environmental regulations
• Carry out first line maintenance on instruments and mechanical equipment
• Work independently using a single-man operated jetting vehicle, and as part of a team tackling larger issues to support decision making and performance tracking

• 5 GCSEs or equivalent in Maths, English and a Science subject
• Full UK Driving License
• Proficient in Microsoft packages
• Happy working outside in all conditions

• Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
• A discretionary Bonus
• Competitive Contributory Pension
• Share-save Scheme
• Various health benefits
• Wellbeing support programmes
• A range of Group Discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Financial support services

Closing Date: 10th June 2026. We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.

Our core values are:
Be Rock Solid – Be trusted and dependable;
Be You – Bring your best every day;
Be the Future – Embrace change, drive progress, own the challenge.

We look after the water and wastewater services for 1.8 million customers across Cornwall, Devon, the Isles of Scilly and parts of Dorset and Somerset. We are dedicated to finding and fixing leaks, unblocking sewers and pursuing environmental improvements to be a company you can be proud of.