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.

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.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Water Treatment Technician to join our operational team in the Tiverton region. This role plays a vital part in ensuring the delivery of safe, clean drinking water to customers by maintaining water treatment processes, monitoring water quality, and supporting the efficient operation of treatment facilities. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys practical, hands-on work, problem-solving, and working as part of a collaborative team.

The successful candidate will receive comprehensive training, development support, and industry-recognised qualifications through a structured career progression programme. The role also includes participation in an out-of-hours standby rota to support operational continuity and emergency response requirements.

• Operate and monitor water treatment processes to maintain regulatory and company standards.
• Ensure the consistent supply of safe, high-quality drinking water.
• Safely handle, store, and manage treatment chemicals in accordance with COSHH regulations.
• Carry out routine operational maintenance on treatment plant and associated equipment.
• Collect water samples and undertake on-site testing and analysis.
• Complete operational records, reports, and log sheets accurately and on time.
• Support both planned and reactive operational activities.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping, health and safety, and environmental compliance.
• Identify, report, and respond to operational issues in accordance with company procedures.
• Participate in an out-of-hours standby rota as required.

• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Ability to obtain and maintain UK Government Security Clearance (SC).
• Understanding of:
  • COSHH regulations
  • Lone working procedures
  • Basic First Aid principles
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to make informed decisions in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Basic understanding of water treatment processes.
• Commitment to health, safety, and environmental best practice.

• NVQ Level 2 in Process Plant Operations, HNC in Water Operations, or working towards a relevant qualification.
• Background in:
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Instrumentation, Control & Automation (ICA)
  • Scientific disciplines
• Experience with in water treatment, utilities, manufacturing, process industries, or similar operational environments.
• Familiarity with operational systems such as iSCADA and Paragon.

This role operates on a 5-week rolling shift pattern, including early, late, weekend and standby duties. Successful candidates will be required to work this pattern from day one.

• Early shifts: 06:00 - 14:00
• Day shifts: 08:00 - 16:00 (15:30 finish on Fridays)
• Late shifts: 14:00 - 22:00
• Standby and weekend working on a rotational basis

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

Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.

• 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.