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.

Would you like to use your knowledge and experience to be part of a progressive company with a focus on the future? Are you a Science Graduate looking for a new role ?

We currently have a fantastic opportunity available for a Water Quality Scientist to join our team based in St Marys, in the Isles of Scilly. You will join us on a full-time, permanent basis, and in return, you will receive a competitive salary of £29,000 - £34,000 per annum (further enhancements can be obtained following successful progression scheme) plus a range of excellent company benefits + rewards.

About The Role:

As our Water Quality Scientist, you will provide high quality technical support to the Operational Team working across all five islands within the Isles of Scilly. You will be responsible for sampling and also undertaking scientific analysis of of drinking water supply from source to tap, ensuring the protection of public health.

You will also any identify operational and asset deficiencies to enable the promotion of appropriate solutions within Operations. You will also be involved with any customer enquiries relating to drinking water quality ensuring the needs and expectations of the customer, regulator and business are met.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Coordination of the sampling programme and preparation of sample bottles, and logistics to ensure weekly regulatory samples are undertaken. These will include both bacteriological and chemistry samples.

• Maintain the St Marys based laboratory to accreditation standard ISO17025:2017. This laboratory is essential to undertake the bacteriological analysis required for drinking water samples.

• Work closely with our mainland Potable Water Science Team providing advice and recommendations on appropriate courses of action for maintaining safe drinking water in accordance with the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2018.

• Take action to maintain public health by identifying risks and ensuring that the appropriate remedial measures are taken including liaison with the mainland Principal Scientist.

• Review operational practices and processes, identifying opportunities for improvements in efficiency and productivity working alongside the St Marys operational field team.

• Recommend, consider and appraise new works proposals, liaising with colleagues in other parts of the Company as required.

• Ensure that commissioning operations for new plant allow smooth transition where changes to process are required, with no adverse effects on water quality

• To provide support and advice during emergency incidents, including direct support to the incident management team.

• Document and review Service Reservoir Inspection Reports to ensure the assets are maintained without risk to water quality.

• Implement and further improve the quality management systems, including the adoption of best working practices

What We Are Looking For:

Essential

• 5 GCSEs or equivalent in Maths, English, including Science

• Organised and methodical in nature  

• Ability to follow procedures both in sampling techniques and laboratory analysis

• Proven ability to work within a team but also on your own

• Effective communicator and good team player

• Willingness to gain Royal Society of Biology membership and NVQ level 3 in a biology related subject through distance learning

• Ability to learn new skills and to obtain additional required competencies 

• Full Driving Licence

Desirable

• HNC or degree in Science (Preferably Biology) or relevant experience

• Understanding of relevant legislation and audit processes

• Previous laboratory or field work

• Knowledge and understanding of basic water testing and analysis

• Application and understanding of associated legislation and policy

What's In It For You:

At South West Water, we don’t all do the same job, but we each get out of bed in the morning knowing that every day is a chance to make incredible things happen, together. In return for our people’s hard work and commitment, we offer an excellent range of benefits:

• Competitive and progressive salary

• Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays

• Company van will be provided for work use

• Buy or sell annual leave to offer you extra flexibility

• Buy a bike and safety equipment tax-free, through our Cycle to Work scheme

• Invest in Pennon Group plc through our employee share schemes

• We support our people by offering a free, confidential Employee Assistance Programme

• Look after your wellbeing with our Champion Health support platform

• Enjoy free eye tests and discounts on frames and lenses at Specsavers

• Competitive Contributory Pension

• And plenty more!

Closing Date: 26th February 2026

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.