Waste Water Scientist

At South West Water we believe that the strongest businesses are built on solid, stable foundations - with a vision and a culture that gives them the freedom to change, improve and innovate.

We’re proud to be responsible for providing reliable, efficient and high-quality drinking water and wastewater services for the beautiful South West area.

And we have huge ambitions.

Not only are we committed to reaching net-zero by 2030, but we’ve also partnered with Wildlife Trusts, National Parks and local partners to help ensure a better future for generations to come.

So, if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed, #JustAddWater.

We currently have a Waste Water Scientist position available for a motivated individual to join our team in Devon. Joining us on a full-time basis, you will receive a competitive salary of £27,000 - £45,000 per annum (DOE) plus excellent benefits.

About the role

The Wastewater Scientist will provide scientific operational support to the area team in order to deliver wastewater process optimisation, delivery of chemical and energy efficiencies and implementation monitoring and control of trade effluent policy. Additionally, The Scientist will provide advice and support to the area delivery team regarding appropriate response to environmental risks and liaison with the Environment Agency. 

• Providing planned and reactive scientific and technical support to the wastewater operational teams to ensure regulatory compliance at the best cost
• Delivering in-house Works Performance Optimisation projects (WPO) focused on energy and chemical efficiencies Providing timely and specific scientific advice regarding environmental risks and approaches to safeguard the environment and respond to events effectively
• Meeting or exceeding Trade Effluent income targets ensuring no compliance failures as a result of inappropriate trade effluent control
•  Implementing Trade Effluent control policy to ensure health and safety, company assets and effluent quality are not compromised
• Undertaking Trade Effluent sampling and monitoring to ensure that income is optimised and collected on time in conjunction with the Wholesale Accounts Department
• Preparing reports on wastewater asset/process efficiency and identifying cost-saving opportunities
• Supporting reviews of pollution and environmental events to aid learning and process improvements
• Assisting with investigations into Non-trade illicit discharges in conjunction with area catchment
• Inputting to the Tactical Asset Team on current or proposed engineering and development requirements
•  Providing scientific support to the wastewater treatment managers in relation to the receipt of  inter-works sludge and commercial wastes
•  Supporting the catchment teams with investigations associated with odour complaints and the optimisation of odour control systems 

• 5 GCSEs A-C grade or equivalent in Maths, English and a Science subject
• An HNC or equivalent in a scientific discipline
• Experience of working within a Scientific Environment
• Exposure to working with the Environmental Agency
• Exposure to Environmental risks
• Experience applying theory to a practical scenario
• The ability to develop and test theories with revision if necessary

• We know that the support and commitment of our staff is key to our success so you will receive the opportunity for ongoing development and training for a long-term career with us. We’re one of the largest companies in the South West and are proud to have been awarded Investors in People recognition. In return, we offer an excellent range of benefits including:
• Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
• A discretionary Bonus
• Competitive Contributory Pension
• Share-save Scheme
• Various health benefits
• Wellbeing support programmes
• A range of Group Discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Financial support services
• And plenty more!

Closing Date: 28th March 2025

If you are looking for a new challenge, please click apply now to be considered as our Waste Water Scientist- we look forward to receiving your application.

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.

Our core values which are essential to our success are:

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.

Salary : $27,000 - $45,000