Alternative Water Supply Technician

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.
Do you want to work for a large, local employer offering you a stable career? Are you looking for a hands-on role where no two days are the same?
About the role:
We currently have a fantastic opportunity available for an AWS Technician/ HGV Driver to join our team based in Plymouth. You will join us on a full-time, permanent basis, and in return, you will receive a competitive salary of £28,018 per annum depending on experience/HGV qualification plus a guaranteed shift allowance of £4,427, plus standby payment incorporating overtime opportunities and an excellent range of company benefits.
This is a rare opportunity to work with a great team in a flexible role with a blend of using your HGV driving experience and maintenance of equipment at the depot. The team are scheduled to work on a shift rotation and this is something that you need to be signed on to from day 1.
What you’ll be doing:
Supplying Alternative water supplies (AWS) via pump tanker, Arlington bowser, overland hose
Carrying out routine vehicle checks
The maintenance and repair of supply interruption mitigation equipment, including Line stopping & by-passing tools, Hydrant Wizard, Ferrule replacement and Under pressure valve installation (EZValve)
Ensuring company Supply Interruption ODI is at the forefront of all operations
Providing AWS and SI mitigation packages to AWS and NT techs – for example, designing & mapping locations of overland hoses, tanker hook-ups and new valve installations
Working in accordance with all associated QMS procedures and ensuring an awareness level of them is maintained through self-learning/understanding
Being aware of and compliant with all requirements to protect the environment as a consequence of network operational duties
Supporting and undertaking any such other activities needed within the Water Distribution network to ensure its operation, including Trunk main walking, Mains flushing and Leak detection
Carrying out all requisite tasks in such a way that contamination is prevented and understanding what action to take in the event of contamination or suspected contamination.
Participating in defined standby and call out rotas as necessary
What we are looking for:
Full UK B driving license, B+E (Desired) C (Desired) C+E (Desired)
Generally experienced in mechanical duties i.e. first-line maintenance of equipment, pumps, valves, etc
Good general standard of education with a minimum of a GCSE Grade C or equivalent in English, Maths and a Science
Proven experience of working within a water supply environment
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:
Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
Buy or sell annual leave to offer you extra flexibility
Shift allowance: £4,427
Over time allowance
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
Enjoy access to thousands of deals and discounts on supermarkets, high street shops, online retailers, travel, eating out, cinemas, gyms and much more though Pennon Perks
A discretionary Bonus
Competitive Contributory Pension
And plenty more!
Closing Date: 27th May 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.

- Division
- South West Water
- Department
- Operations and Field Work
- Locations
- Plymouth
About South West Water
We look after the water and wastewater services for 1.8 million customers across Cornwall, Devon, the Isles of Scilly and parts of Dorset and Somerset.
From treatment and maintenance, to innovation and improvements, we're busy every day finding and fixing leaks, unblocking sewers and going bigger and further in our environmental work to be a company you can be proud of.