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.

At Southwest Water, we don’t just treat water - we protect communities, safeguard the environment, and keep essential services running every single day.

If you’re someone who enjoys hands-on work, takes pride in high standards, and likes solving real operational problems - this could be your next move.

What you'll be doing

You’ll be at the heart of our sludge reception operations, making sure everything runs safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards.

Your day-to-day will include:

• Operating and maintaining sludge treatment processes and plant equipment, driving a tractor and trailer to transport sludge.

• Processing water treatment liquid sludge and managing waste streams safely and compliantly

• Planning and delivering site maintenance programmes (including tank cleaning)

• Fault finding, diagnosing issues, and taking ownership of fixes

• Supporting risk assessments, method statements and site documentation

• Maintaining excellent housekeeping standards

• Championing a strong health & safety culture

• Working flexibly across East and West operational areas as required

This isn’t a desk-based role. It’s practical, varied, and gives you real responsibility. What you do matters — to customers, colleagues and the environment.

What we're looking for

We’re looking for someone who’s technically capable, self-motivated and ready to take ownership.

You’ll likely have:

• Hands-on experience operating and maintaining sludge treatment or similar industrial processes

• Tractor and trailer driving experience

• Mechanical, electrical or ICA knowledge

• Strong fault-finding and troubleshooting skills

• A solid understanding of health, safety and environmental standards

• The confidence to make sound decisions in operational situations

• The ability to organise and deliver planned work programmes

• 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths and English

• A full UK driving licence

It would be great if you also have experience with process optimisation, preparing site documentation, or operating site vehicles such as forklifts or 4WDs — but mindset and practical capability are what matter most.

You’ll succeed in this role if you:

• Take pride in doing things properly

• Stay calm under pressure

• Are proactive rather than reactive

• Care about safety and quality

What’s in it for you

• 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

Closing Date: 3rd April

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.