Process Control Technician

Position: Central Process Control Technician
Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose 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 proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we’re working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore 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. Ready to make a splash? Join our team today. About the Role Are you a technically minded problem solver who thrives in a fast-paced operational environment? As a Process Control Technician, you'll play a critical role in the remote monitoring, control, and optimisation of South West Water's drinking water treatment and distribution network.

Working within our Central Process Control Team, you'll help ensure customers receive a reliable supply of high-quality drinking water while supporting efficient operations through the use of advanced monitoring and control systems. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of our operational network, making real-time decisions, responding to alarms and incidents, and collaborating with operational teams across the business to maintain and improve service performance.

Shift Pattern This is a 24/7 operational role working the following rotating shift pattern: 2 × Morning

Shifts:

06:30 - 15:00 2 × Afternoon

Shifts:

14:30 - 23:00 2 × Night

Shifts:

22:30 - 07:00 Followed by 4 days off Flexibility is essential as additional cover may occasionally be required to support operational demands and business continuity. What You'll Be Doing Monitor and control water treatment works and strategic distribution networks to maintain customer water supplies. Proactively manage alarms and operational events using SCADA, iSCADA, MISER and other monitoring systems. Coordinate network and treatment operations to optimise water production, energy usage, chemical consumption and carbon efficiency.

Provide technical support during operational incidents and major events. Produce operational reports and handover documentation for key stakeholders. Work closely with field teams to investigate and resolve process and network alarms. Support compliance with regulatory, operational and safety requirements. Assist with network optimisation and strategic water resource management activities. Drive continuous improvement within the Process Control function and contribute to change projects across the business.

What We're Looking For Essential 5 GCSEs (or equivalent), including Maths, English and a Science subject. Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with colleagues, customers and stakeholders. Ability to analyse data and use IT systems confidently. Sound judgement and decision-making skills, particularly in high-pressure situations. Ability to prioritise workloads and manage multiple activities simultaneously. Flexible approach to working hours and shift patterns.

Calm, resilient and proactive approach to problem solving. Desirable HND or equivalent technical qualification in water treatment, network operations, engineering or a related discipline. Experience in water treatment, network operations, utility operations or another technically challenging operational environment. Understanding of water supply networks and water treatment processes. South West Water Benefits At South West Water, our people are the heart of everything we do.

We believe in creating an environment where everyone can thrive, bring their best every…