Water Treatment 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 support 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.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Water Treatment Technician to join our team in the Exeter/Tiverton region. This is a full‑time, permanent role offering excellent development opportunities, structured progression, and industry‑funded qualifications. You will receive a starting salary of £28,019.00 per annum. Following a successful competency review, your salary will rise to £31,273.00, plus a supplement making your total gross salary £38,373.04 per annum.

In this development of the role, you will be supported with a Water Treatment Technician levels 1 to 5 progression scheme where you can receive up to £36,011.00 PA (basic) and £43,111.04 PA (total gross), plus overtime opportunities, company benefits and rewards.

As a Water Treatment Technician, you’ll play a critical role in delivering safe, clean drinking water to customers. You’ll work hands‑on with plant, equipment, and processes to ensure water quality and supply consistently meet high company standards.

This is a dynamic role suited to someone who enjoys practical work, problem‑solving, and being part of a collaborative team.

You’ll also participate in an out‑of‑hours standby rota, ensuring operational continuity across the site.

• Maintain water quality and supply in line with company and regulatory standards
• Safely handle and manage treatment chemicals (in line with COSHH)
• Carry out routine operational maintenance on plant and equipment
• Conduct water sampling and on‑site analysis
• Complete operational records and log sheets accurately
• Support both routine and reactive operational tasks
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping across the site
• Respond to and report operational issues in line with procedures

• Full UK driving licence
• Ability to obtain UK Government Security Clearance (SC)
• Understanding of:
  • COSHH
  • Lone working procedures
  • Basic First Aid
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure
• Basic understanding of water treatment processes

• NVQ Level 2 in Process Plant Operations or HNC in Water Operations (or working towards)
• Background in Mechanical, Electrical, ICA, or Scientific disciplines
• Experience in water treatment or similar process environments
• Familiarity with iSCADA / Paragon systems

You’ll be enrolled in a fully funded development programme aligned to the national Competent Technician Scheme, with the company covering £7,280 in training costs. This includes completing a Level 3 Water Treatment Operations Diploma and provides a clear progression pathway from Technician Level 1 through to Level 5, enabling you to gain valuable industry‑recognised qualifications, licences, and practical experience.

• Generous annual leave and bank holidays
• Discretionary bonus
• Competitive contributory pension
• Share‑save scheme
• Health benefits and wellbeing support programmes
• Group discounts
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Financial support services
• Development and training opportunities … and much more!

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.

• 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.

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. From treatment and maintenance, to innovation and improvements, we’re busy every day finding and fixing leaks, unblocking sewers, and going bigger and further in our environmental work to be a company you can be proud of.