Water Quality Officer

Dive Into a Career That Makes a Splash – Join United Utilities. Are you confident working independently? Would you enjoy solving problems in the field and responding to real-world challenges? United Utilities delivers essential water services to homes and businesses across the Northwest and are looking for a detail-oriented and adaptable person to join their team as a Water Quality Officer.

About

The Role s As a Water Quality Sampling Officer, you’ll play a vital role in protecting public health by collecting and testing water samples across the network—from source to tap and bath to bay. Your day will involve carrying out field sampling and on-site tests for compliance, environmental monitoring, and incident response. You’ll ensure accurate documentation in line with UKAS, DWI, and EA standards, supporting investigations into customer complaints and providing evidence for regulators.

What You’ll Be Doing Collect water samples from various points across the network, including sources, taps, mains repairs, and environmental locations, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Conduct on-site field tests and record accurate data in line with UKAS accreditation and DWI/EA requirements. Maintain precise documentation for all sampling activities to provide evidence for regulators and external stakeholders. Respond to reactive work, including customer complaints, incidents, and events, while prioritizing urgent sampling needs.

Collaborate with internal teams and customers, providing clear advice and handling challenging situations professionally. Ensure adherence to health, safety, and quality standards during all sampling and testing activities. What We’re Looking For Strong organisational and time-management skills to plan sampling schedules and handle reactive work efficiently. Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities for customer interactions and teamwork, including managing challenging situations professionally.

Technical and practical field skills, including accurate sampling techniques, safe equipment handling, and adherence to health and safety standards. Problem-solving and adaptability to learn new systems quickly and make sound decisions in dynamic environments. Full, valid UK driving licence to travel across regional networks as required. Candidates must also be able to provide evidence of 5 GCSEs at grade A-C (or equivalent), including Maths, English and Science, as part of the screening process.

What You Need to Know Hourly Rate : £18.08 per hour PAYE, paid weekly one week in arrears

Location:

Davy Hulme WWTW, Rivers Lane, Urmston, Manchester, M41 7JB

Start Date:

Monday 12th October 2026 Assignment Type: 6-month temporary contract through Reed Talent Solutions, United Utilities' trusted recruitment partner What Shifts Might You Have

Hours:

Monday to Friday, 8:00am - 4:00pm during the initial training period. Once training has been completed, the role moves onto a rotating shift pattern:
Week 1:
Monday to Friday, 1:00pm – 9:00pm. Week 2 :
Tuesday to Saturday, 7:00am – 3:00pm. What Are the Benefits of the Role Free on-site parking for all employees. Modern office facilities, including refreshments and working spaces. Paid mileage or travel expenses for work-related journeys. Flexible working hours to accommodate operational needs and personal commitments. Full training provided to ensure compliance with UKAS, DWI, and EA standards. Opportunity to gain hands-on experience in water quality and environmental monitoring, enhancing your CV for future roles.

What’s the next steps Apply now with your most up-to-date CV. A member of the Reed team will be in touch to guide you through the next steps, which includes a telephone interview with Reed, onsite interview with United Utilities, and pre-employment vetting via Reed ahead of your start date Save water, save money. Cut your water and energy bills — search United Utilities Save Water for tips.