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 goal? Net zero by 2030, supported by partnerships with Wildlife Trusts and National Parks.

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.

At South West Water, we put Quality First. The Leats Person plays a vital role in maintaining and operating the civil assets that support our drinking water services and hydro generation processes. This role ensures the highest standards of quality, safety, and environmental care for our customers, colleagues, and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

As a Leats Person, your duties will include:

• Repairing and maintaining watercourses and sluices using traditional construction methods in stone, concrete, timber, metal, and granite

• Carrying out tree felling, grass cutting, fencing, painting, and other general maintenance tasks

• Completing routine operational activities such as:

  • Reservoir safety inspections

  • Watercourse leat inspections

  • Trash clearance at reservoirs and intakes

• Operating a wide range of fixed and mobile plant and machinery, including:

  • Commercial vehicles (including dump trucks)

  • Excavators, swing shovels, pumps, and concrete mixers

  • Grass-cutting machinery and chainsaws

  • Trash rake cleaners

• Maintaining and repairing grounds, buildings, mobile plant, and machinery

• Adjusting, cleaning, and maintaining intake gates, reservoirs, and trash rake equipment

• Supporting the maintenance team as required

• Assisting with the management of spares and stores

• Undertaking general building work as needed

Knowledge & Experience

• Practical experience in civil, grounds, or watercourse maintenance is desirable

• Knowledge of Dartmoor and the surrounding area would be an advantage

• Experience operating plant and machinery is highly beneficial

• A hands-on, safety-focused approach to work

• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions

What We’re Looking For

• A reliable and practical individual with strong attention to quality and safety

• Someone who takes pride in maintaining essential infrastructure

• A team player who can also work independently when required

What We Offer

• A stable role supporting essential water and environmental services

• Opportunities to develop skills across civil works, machinery operation, and maintenance

• A role that makes a real difference to communities and the environment

Closing Date: 13th February

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.