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.

We currently have an opportunity available for an Environmental Monitoring Technician covering Cornwall. Joining us on a full-time, permanent basis, you will receive a competitive annual salary of £30,321 plus excellent benefits, development and progression opportunities.

About the role

As our Environmental Monitoring Technician; following appropriate training and mentoring, you will support the business in the assessment of the potential environmental effects of its operations. This will include responding to potential water pollution events, carrying out various onsite testing, sampling and monitoring duties and reporting back to the central teams and operational managers, following company procedures. The role is geographically located to support the business and when not undertaking field work is mainly home based.

Much of the role involves being outside in all weather conditions and can be physically demanding, having to walk varying distances, carrying equipment whilst working in and around water. Therefore an enthusiasm for working outdoors is essential.

What you'll be doing:

• Attending and investigating potential water pollution events throughout the Cornwall and Devon area

• Undertaking field-based monitoring work, including taking water quality measurements and sampling using both conventional and innovative techniques

• Undertaking desk-based data entry after collecting data in the field

• Data analysis and technical reporting in response to water pollution incidents, time limited in accordance with procedural and regulatory requirements

• Undertaking a flexible planned work programme supporting the wider business environmental objectives, when not attending pollution incidents

• Maintaining all site monitoring equipment and the cleanliness of your work vehicle to a high standard, informing line manager if new equipment is needed

• Provision of accurate and timely event assessment information/data to line management

• Support the team’s performance and development by sharing knowledge, best practice and promoting new ideas at all levels

• Participating in an out of hours pollution standby response rota.

What we are looking for:

• Preferably educated to degree level or above in a Biological or Environmental Sciences discipline or equivalent experience

• Demonstrate an understanding of water chemistry and/or aquatic ecology and the indicative parameters used to assess quality

• Experience of working within a scientific environment such as ecological/water quality fieldwork, laboratory analysis and/or environmental compliance monitoring

• Be able to work both independently and as part of a team, following precise procedures and protocols

• Strong analytical and numerical skills are essential and be competent with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, MSTeams and other relevant data analysis tools

• Full UK Driving License

Ideally possess experience of:

• aquatic macro-invertebrate sampling and identification to Family level

• Fish identification and monitoring; and or identification of invasive, non-native and/or protected species

Would be beneficial:

• Demonstration of a wider understanding of water and wastewater treatment, environmental issues, sustainability and/or conservation/protected species would be beneficial.

• An understanding of the role of regulators, such as the Environment Agency and Natural England is desirable

• Motivated and competent in interacting with both internal and external parties

At South West Water, we believe in rewarding our people for their hard work and dedication. As our Environmental Monitoring Technician, you'll enjoy:

• 23 days starting 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

Closing Date: 17th April 2026

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

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.