Water Quality Network Scientist

Overview

Job Advert

Job Title:

Water Quality Network Scientist.

Location:

Walsall/Cambridge. Salary: £30,000. Make a real impact on public health and water quality.

As a Water Quality Network Scientist, you’ll analyse network performance, spot emerging risks, and help keep our customers’ water safe and reliable. You’ll work across teams, support investigations, contribute to Drinking Water Safety Plans, and play a key role in maintaining regulatory compliance. If you’re looking for a meaningful scientific role with variety, responsibility, and the chance to shape real-world outcomes, this is an opportunity to grow your expertise and make a difference every day.

About Us:

South Staffs Water delivers clean and reliable water supplies to around 1.7 million customers within the South Staffs and Cambridge regions. As a water-only company, providing clean, healthy water 24 hours a day, 365 days a year is at the heart of what we do and that’s where you come in.

The Water Quality Network Scientist is responsible for ensuring that water quality risks within the distribution network are identified, assessed, and effectively managed. You will analyse performance data, carry out investigations, complete audits, and provide clear reporting to internal and external stakeholders. The role requires close working relationships with operational teams, capital delivery, asset management, and regulatory bodies to maintain compliance and drive improvements.

• Analyse distribution network and operational data to identify water quality issues and performance trends.
• Provide timely advice to operational teams and track the effectiveness of corrective actions.
• Complete regulatory investigations and produce high-quality reports for water quality standard breaches or areas of concern.
• Conduct scheduled audits of distribution networks, storage sites, and contractor activities.
• Produce monthly audit reports and ensure actions are completed by responsible teams.
• Support compliance with internal standards and regulatory expectations.
• Maintain and update risk assessments for storage and distribution assets.
• Work with the DWSP and Capital Delivery teams to ensure risks are accurately reflected in Drinking Water Safety Plans and investment planning.
• Ensure risk changes are documented and communicated effectively.
• Represent the water quality function in cross-departmental meetings and operational forums.
• Deliver targeted training and guidance to strengthen water quality awareness across teams.
• Build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders and external bodies such as DWI, NAVs, and UKHSA. Participate in the out-of-hours standby rota, providing expert advice during incidents and supporting operational response.
• Demonstrate South Staffs Water values:
  Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Excellence in Service, Responsibility, Trust, and Respect.
• Ensure adherence to compliance standards and operate with integrity at all times.

Competencies / Experience / Knowledge

• Experience with in the water industry, ideally in water quality, operations, or compliance.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and identify performance issues.
• Experience conducting risk assessments and supporting DWSP processes.
• Practical experience carrying out audits and ensuring follow-up actions are completed.
• Exposure to regulatory reporting or incident investigation.
• Comfortable working with operational field teams and cross-functional colleagues.

• Essential:
  Graduate/HND level qualification in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Strong PC literacy and ability to use data systems effectively.
• Excellent communication skills across all levels.
• Knowledge of risk assessment processes.
• Full valid driving licence.
• Desirable:
  Previous experience in the water industry.
• Ability to conduct site audits.
• Knowledge of water industry and water quality regulations.
• Understanding of water fitting regulations.

A competitive salary plus benefits. 25 days holiday bank holidays.

Company pension with employer contributions. 24-hour helpline providing free and confidential advice to you and your family on financial, legal, marital, and health matters.

• via Specsavers.

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). 24/7 remote GP access.

Jobs are provided by the Find a Job Service from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).