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.

Job Role

To undertake drinking water sampling and on-site water quality analysis across operational assets and customer premises, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, company requirements, and customer service commitments. The role supports the protection of public health by providing accurate monitoring data and assisting with water quality investigations and customer enquiries.

Key Accountabilities

Sampling & Monitoring

• Carry out drinking water sampling activities from source to customer tap in accordance with regulatory and operational requirements.

• Conduct on-site testing and analysis of water quality parameters.

• Ensure all samples are collected, handled, stored and transported in accordance with approved procedures.

• Maintain accurate records of sampling activities and results.

Regulatory Compliance

• Support compliance with drinking water regulations and company quality standards.

• Follow documented procedures and quality management systems.

• Identify and escalate any breaches, anomalies or trigger points promptly.

• Assist with investigations relating to water quality incidents and regulatory exceedances.

Customer Service

• Attend customer premises to undertake water quality investigations.

• Support the resolution of customer enquiries and complaints relating to water quality.

• Maintain professional standards of customer interaction and represent the company positively.

Operational Support

• Provide field support to Water Quality Scientists and wider operational teams.

• Report defects, concerns or poor asset conditions observed during site visits.

• Support monitoring activities during operational incidents and emergency events.

• Assist in the continuous improvement of water quality processes and procedures.

Health, Safety & Environment

• Comply with all Health, Safety, Security and Environmental policies and procedures.

• Work safely in varied environments and weather conditions.

• Ensure equipment is maintained, calibrated and used correctly.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver planned sampling programmes within agreed timescales.

• Maintain high standards of data quality and record keeping.

• Use company systems and software to enter, manage and report information.

• Manage equipment and resources efficiently and cost effectively.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of quality management systems.

• Work independently across a large geographical area.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Essential

• GCSEs (or equivalent) including English, Maths and Science.

• Full UK Driving Licence.

• Strong attention to detail and accurate record keeping.

• Ability to follow documented procedures and standards.

• Good organisational and planning skills.

• Competent user of Microsoft Office applications.

• Ability to work independently and manage a field-based workload.

• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.

• Strong communication and customer service skills.

Desirable

• Experience in environmental, scientific, utility or water industry operations.

• Knowledge of Drinking Water Regulations.

• Understanding of Quality Management Systems.

• Familiarity with ISO 9001 and/or ISO 17025 standards.

• Experience of field sampling or environmental monitoring.

Competencies

Technical Competencies

• Water sampling techniques

• Data collection and reporting

• Quality assurance and compliance

• Field-based investigation skills

• Equipment handling and maintenance

Behavioural Competencies

• Attention to detail

• Accountability

• Customer focus

• Problem solving

• Teamwork and collaboration

• Initiative

• Adaptability

• Commitment to safety

Working Conditions

• Predominantly field-based role across the South West region.

• A lot of driving between SWW operational sites, customer properties and delivery of samples to laboratory

• Requirement to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

• Participation in weekend rota (typically 1 every 5 weekends). Enhanced weekend payment consolidated with base pay

• May be required to support emergency incidents and operational events.

Closing Date: 3rd Aug 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.