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.

Alternative Water Supply Technician

South West Water Field-based

Operational & standby role

Keep water flowing when it matters most.

When supply is at risk, this is the team that steps in.

As an Alternative Water Supply Technician, you’ll play a critical frontline role ensuring our emergency water supply equipment is always ready, deployable and working when our customers need it most.

This isn’t a desk job. It’s hands-on, varied, and vital to protecting service across the South West.

What you’ll be doing

• Maintaining, repairing and exercising alternative water supply (AWS) equipment to ensure 24/7 readiness

• Deploying and operating AWS kit during planned and emergency supply interruptions

• Managing assets including tankers, bowsers, pumps, hoses and support vehicles

• Supporting supply interruption mitigation through overland hose design, tanker connections and valve installations

• Carrying out operational activities such as flushing, leak detection and trunk main walking

• Ensuring all work is delivered safely and in line with health, safety, hygiene and environmental standards

• Keeping accurate records, completing audits and maintaining compliance with company procedures

• Working collaboratively with operational teams to minimise customer impact and maintain service levels

• Taking part in standby and call-out rotas, responding quickly when incidents occur

What we’re looking for

• Experience working in a water network or mechanical/operational environment

• Practical skills in maintaining equipment such as pumps, valves or tankers

• Ability to work independently, prioritise tasks and stay organised under pressure

• Strong communication skills with a customer-focused mindset

• Comfortable working outdoors, in all conditions, and responding to incidents

Essential:

• Full UK driving licence

• EUSR Water Hygiene

• Good level of education (Maths, English, Science)

Desirable:

• LGV (C+E), CPC or HIAB

• NVQ / City & Guilds in water or relevant discipline

• Experience in water distribution or supply interruption management

What’s in it for you

• A role with real purpose and visible impact - keeping communities supplied when it matters most

• Hands-on, varied work across the South West - no two days are the same

• Opportunity to build specialist expertise in network operations and emergency response

• Ongoing training and development, including technical certifications

• Standby allowance and a strong benefits package

Closing Date: 9th 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.